April 7th Rare Autographs, Manuscripts and Sports Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/7/2022
Rare DS in French, signed boldly with large "NP" one page, 13.25 x 18.25, dated April 28, 1813. The passport is for providing safe passage for an American ship through Napoleon’s continental blockade.
The document establishes the port of entry as Bordeaux, under the auspices of Berniard et Cie, a French company, which has “at all times demonstrated their respect for the law of the State… their aversion in all practical matters and matters of intelligence toward enemies of France…; and that they profit from extended credit and a well-established reputation.” Only four cities are permitted to be ports of departure: New York, Charleston, Baltimore or Boston. The vessel is permitted to introduce into France, “cotton, fish oils, wood, salted fish; coffees and sugars from the French Colonies, or America or Asia; cocoa spices from the Netherlands….” Vessels are then permitted to export from French ports an equal value of French merchandise, 1/3 of which at least being French textiles; anything beyond could be wine, perfumes, and other goods.
Some of the stipulations were: 1 – The vessel must have a certificate of origin; 2 – The captain must have a letter from the French consul to the minister of Foreign Affairs; 3 – He must bring newspapers from the day of his departure from America; 4 – Nothing must get in the way of French military efforts at the port.
Only a handful of these documents very rarer documents have appeared in the market, they all have been left blank. This is due to the success of the English and allies cutting off the trade to France.
In fine condition. </p>
With Full JSA LOA and One Of A Kind Collectibles LOA
Rare! Napoleon Bonaparte Signs an Original Ships Passport for An American Vessel From New York During the War of 1812
Click above for larger image.