1 page, 12 1/2 x 15 in. (visible area), accomplished in manuscript, paper seal, folds and partial separation, bold signatures. Professionally framed, 14 1/2 x 17 1/4 in. A three-language ship’s passport giving permission to “John Hall, master or commander of the ship called Dolphin…lying at present at the Port of Philadelphia bound for St. Bartholomus and laden with Sundries_ manifest to depart and proceed with this said Ship on his said voyage, such Ship having been visited, and the said John Hall 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 them only.” 

        

In the early days of the American republic, ships leaving US ports for foreign shores were required to have passports, and both the President and Secretary of State frequently signed these documents.