2567

Early Passport Signed By John Quincy Adams 1823 [172979]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Paper Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Early Passport Signed By John Quincy Adams  1823  [172979]
SOLD
2,000.00USD+ (500.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2023 Dec 08 @ 17:28UTC-8 : PST/AKDT

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This is an early version of a passport, signed by then Secretary of State and future President John Quincy Adams, allowing the bearers to sail his ship through particular foreign waters. In this case it will allow passage through Dutch controlled sea lanes. It is issued to John Hodges, a merchant sea captain from Massachusetts.
With many countries claiming sovereignty over certain parts of the world's oceans, merchant vessels needed "permission slips" to pass through without being accosted and since there were several countries claiming this right, these notices were written in several languages. In this case, it's written in Dutch. The headpiece announces that this was issued under the auspices of James Monroe, President of the United States. It's dated 1823. Document measures 5"x 10" and is in very readable condition with a very sharp signature.
This is a rare document and the value is almost as much as its purpose as to who signed it. Please see photos for more details. Salem Massachusetts