Description:

Martin Van Buren
New Bedford, MA, December 9, 1837
Martin Van Buren Signed Whaling Vessel 4 Lang. Ship's Papers, Later Part of the 1871 Disaster!
DS

A four-language ship's papers signed by Martin Van Buren as President for supplies being sent to a whaling expedition. 1p, measuring 20.25" x 16", New Bedford, dated December 9, 1837. Signed "M Van Buren" at the middle right and countersigned by John Forsyth as Secretary of State, Samuel Williams as Collector, and T. Dawes Eliot as Notary Public. Partially printed in French, Spanish, English, and Dutch, the document grants permission to "Shubael Clark, master or commander of the Ship called Emily Morgan of the burthen of 367 79/95 tons or thereabouts, lying at present in the port of New Bedford bound for Pacific Ocean and laden with utensils for a whaling voyage…" With a large white paper seal at the center left intact. The document has flattened folds, with separations and tears that have been repaired on verso with archival material. Minor edge chipping. Light toning, soiling, and foxing throughout. Minor creasing and warping around the seal. Large, bold signature, very good overall.

Captain Shubael Clark of Nantucket was a well-respected shipmaster from New Bedford. The ship Emily Morgan was launched about 1831 or 1832 and was a successful whaling vessel until she was abandoned during the whaling disaster of 1871. In September 1871, a fleet of 33 whaleships, including 22 from the Port of New Bedford, became trapped in the Arctic ice off the northern coast of Alaska. Many were crushed and had to be abandoned, the Emily Morgan among them. On Tuesday, September 12, an entry from first mate William Earle read, "all hope of saving this ship or any of the others has entirely vanished. We can only expect to escape with our lives, if even that." Two days later he wrote, "with sad heart [I] order all the men into the boats and with a last look over the decks abandoned the ship to the mercy of the elements." By 1872, the wreck had drifted 1 mile North of Point Belcher, and in 1873 the wreck was still visible. The total loss to the whaling industry was estimated to be over $1,600,000 ($40.69 million in 2023).

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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  • Dimensions: 20.25" x 16"
  • Medium: DS

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June 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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