Description:

ABRAHAM LINCOLN
(1809 - 1865) Sixteenth President of the United States who led the Union through the Civil War and emancipated the slaves, assassinated. Especially rare, fine condition four-language ship's passport signed "Abraham Lincoln" as President, issued to a New Bedford whaling vessel. The 21.25 x 16.25 in. (sight) document was signed by Lincoln in Washington, ca. August 26, 1861 and is co-signed by Secretary of State WILLIAM H. SEWARD (1801-1872). The document, printed in English, French, Spanish and Dutch, is issued to the master of the whaling ship "George & Susan", ship master Nathaniel M. Jernegau[?], bound from New Bedford to the "Pacific Ocean", laden with "Provisions, Stores, and utensils for a whaling voyage". Lincoln places his bold, fill signature near the center of the document. White paper Seal of the United States is affixed at bottom. Mailing folds, one of which traverses the president's first name, else fine condition. The "George & Susan" was owned by George Howland (1837-1856) and had a successful career from 1818 to 1861. This passport appears to have been for the vessel's final voyage. Set in a cream-colored mat and gilt and burgundy wood frame which bears a small chip at top. Lincoln ship's passports are rare - those for whaling ship vessels very much more so.

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July 15, 2020 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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