Adams Papers

Declaration Concerning Shipping, 1797

John Adams, President of the United States of America.

[post 1797]

To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:

Be it known, That leave and permission, are hereby given to master or commander of the called of the burthen of tons or thereabouts, lying at present in the port of bound for and laden with

to depart and proceed with his said on his said voyage, such having been visited, and the said   having made oath before the proper officer , that the said 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 at the day of in the Year of our Lord Christ, one thousand seven hundred and ninety

John Adams By the President

Most Serene, Serene, most Puissant, Puissant, High, Illustrious, Noble, Honourable, Venerable, wise and prudent, Lords, Emperors, Kings, Republics, Princes, Dukes, Earls, Barons, Lords, Burgomasters, Schepens, Counsellors, as also Judges, Officers, Justiciaries and Regents of all the good cities and places, whether Ecclesiastical or Secular, who shall see these patents, or hear them read. We make known, that the master of appearing before us, has declared upon oath, that the vessel, called the of the burthen of about 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. And, as we wish to see the said master prosper in his lawful affairs, our prayer is, 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 the said master, with goodness, and to treat him in a becoming manner, 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, where, and in what manner he shall judge proper: Whereof we shall be willingly indebted.

In Witness and for cause whereof, we affix hereto the Seal of

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