Description:

James K. Polk & James Buchanan Signed Scalloped Ship's Passport

A scalloped ship's passport signed by 11th U.S. President James K. Polk (1795-1849) as "James K Polk" at lower right, and countersigned by U.S. Secretary of State James Buchanan (1791-1868) as "James Buchanan" below Polk's signature. Dated September 25, 1845, presumably in Washington, D.C. Signed by two unknown individuals, most likely customs collectors, below Buchanan's signature. The partly printed and partly manuscript document on vellum is numbered 10. Bearing an embossed wafer seal in the lower left corner. Expected wear including folds and foxing, else near fine. 15.375" x 13."

In part:

"By the President of the United States of America Suffer the Brig Ducamin of Philadelphia Amede Latour master or commander of the burthen of One hundred sixty four & 29/95th tons or thereabouts mounted with no guns navigated with Ten men To Pass with her Company Passengers Goods and Merchandize without any hinderance seizure or molestation…"

The brig "Ducamin" (also referred to as "Ducamia" in the historical records) was a two-masted brig built at Wilmington, Delaware in 1843. The vessel measuring 82.5 ft x 24 ft x 9 ft was permanently registered in the city of Philadelphia in 1849; its owners were Peter Jauretche and Charles S. Carstairs.

James K. Polk served as president between 1845-1849. James Buchanan acted as Secretary of State during the entirety of the Polk administration before serving as 15th U.S. President between 1857-1861.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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