War-dated manuscript DS, signed “Jas. Monroe,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 13, January 5, 1813. Document reads, in part: “The Emperor being a ship alleged to belong to British subjects and which was within the limits of the United States on the 6th day of July 1812, the President of the said United States, without detriment to the Rights of Individuals, but solely in relinquishment of any supposed or real right accrued or occurring to government in virtue of her detention as prize of war, permits the said ship Emperor, to depart for the port of Liverpool…on the condition that she be navigated to that port by persons other than American seamen…not to offer to the said ship Emperor, her officers or crew, whilst in the prosecution of her passage to the said port, any hindrance or molestation, but on the contrary to afford her every proper and necessary aid and assistance. This passport not to be valid after the vessel reaches her verified port of destination.” In very good condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold, scattered toning, some primarily from red wax seal, and scattered mild soiling, dampstaining and wrinkling. The white wafer seal is soiled, but essentially intact.
By 1812, the superior British Navy was stretched across the world and heavily engaged in the Napoleonic Wars, aggressively boarding the ships of neutral nations including the United States, seizing cargo and forcing merchant sailors into service. From 1796-1802, 1,942 American seamen were pressed into the English navy. By the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1814, that number had grown to several thousand. Impressment became one of the reasons for the War of 1812, which sought to protect seamen's rights.
Issued by then-Secretary of State Monroe, this ship's pass permitted the British ship Emperor to depart, as it was "within the limits of the United States on the 6th day of July 1812”— the date the War of 1812 commenced between Britain and America. The order specifically detailed the terms of the vessel’s departure...among them that the Emperor not participate in any battle raging on the high seas, also stipulating that the vessel would be granted leave “on the condition that she be navigated to that port by persons other than American seamen” and the pledge “to afford her every proper and necessary aid and assistance.” The pass became invalid when the Emperor reached its destination. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
