Antique Paintings, Maps, Documents, Photos

A rare President JOHN QUINCY ADAMS signed ships passsport dated May 4, 1826

Ships passports, sometimes called Mediterranean Passports, were created after the United States concluded a treaty with Algiers in 1795. During the early years of independence, America was one of several nations paying tribute to the Barbary states in exchange for the ability to sail and conduct business in the Mediterranean area without interference. This treaty provided American-owned vessels with a "passport" that would be recognized by Algeria and later by other Barbary states through similar treaties. This document printed on vellum measures approximately 15" by 11" and has the typical scalloped line of indenture across the top which was used for authentication. After the document was printed the upper portion was sent to the U.S. Consuls along the Barbary coast. this passport was issed for the ship "Cambria" of Philadelphia, George Robinson, Master. The document was signed by both Pres. John Quincy Adams as well as his Secretary of State, Henry Clay. Now beautifull framed and matted using UV protected museum glass. Size framed: 16" by 19 1/2"