Adams, John (1735-1826) [Papers granting the ship "Hunter" voyage permission in four languages]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02517.02 Author/Creator: Adams, John (1735-1826) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Document signed Date: 6 March 1801 Pagination: 1 p. ; 41.5 x 50 cm. Order a Copy
Countersigned by Secretary of State John Marshall, New York Port Collector Joshua Sands, and Notary Public John Wilkes. Partly printed document in four languages (French, Spanish, English, and Dutch). Papers give permission to Captain William Van Duerson, the commander of the ship "Hunter," to carry non-contraband goods to Demerara in British Guiana (present day Guyana). Written before Adams left the presidency on 4 March 1801, but countersigned in New York on 6 March 1804. Sands added a note that the new president, Thomas Jefferson, had approved the papers and allowed them to continue in force. Embossed seals of the United States and the State of New York included.
JOHN ADAMS, President of the United States of America. To all who shall see these presents, GREETING:
BE IT KNOWN, That leave and permission are hereby given to William Van Duerson master and commander of the Ship called the Hunter of the burthen of 155 & 91/95 tons or thereabouts, lying at present in the port of New York bound for Demerara and laden with Horses, Beef, Pork, Soap, Candles, Flour, Bread, Butter, Wine, Potatoes, Oats, Haystores, Tobacco, Hams, Cheese, Lard, fish to depart and proceed with his said Ship, Oxen, Cowes on his said voyage, such Ship having been visited, and the said Wm Van Duerson having made oath before the proper officer, that the said Ship belongs to one or more of the citizens of the United States of America, and to him or them only.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have subscribed my name to these Presents, and affixed the Seal of the United States of America thereto, and caused the same to be countersigned by Joshua Sands Collector at New York the Sixth day of March in the Year of our Lord Christ, one thousand [struck: seven] [insert: eight] hundred and [struck: ninety] one.
John Adams
There having been Received Letter st this Office Signed by Thomas Jefferson the now President of the United States it is become necessary to continue these
Collectors Officer N. York 6 March 1801
Josh Sands Collector
[sealed] By the President.
J. Marshall Secretary of State.
Countersigned Josh Sands Collector
Most Serene, Serene, most Puissant, Puissant, High, Illustrious, Noble, Honourable, Venerable, wise and prudent, Lords, Emperors, Kings, Republics, Princes, Dukes, Earls ... and Regents of all the good cities and places, whether Ecclesiastical or Secular, who shall see these patents, or hear them read. We John Wilkes of New York Notary Public make known, that the master of the ship Hunter appearing before us, has declared upon oath, that the vessel, called the Hunter of the burthen of about one hundred fifty five 91/95 tons, which he at present navigates, is of the United States of America, and that no subjects of the present belligerent powers have any part or portion therein, directly nor indirectly, so may God Almighty help him...to all the before-mentioned, and to each of them separately, where the said master shall arrive, with his vessel and cargo, that they may please to receive him with goodness...permitting him, upon the usual tolls and expences, in passing and repassing, to pass, navigate, and frequent the ports, passes and territories, to the end to transact his business...
In Witness and for cause whereof, we affix hereto the seal of our office at the City of New York the sixth day of March 1801-
John Wilkes NotPubl.
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