Details
MADISON, James, President. Partly printed document signed ("James Madison") as President, COUNTERSIGNED BY JAMES MONROE ("Jas. Monroe") as Secretary of State, issued at Philadelphia, 29 October 1812. . 1p., oblong folio (16½ x 21 in.), printed in four columns, boldly headed "James Madison President of the United States," accomplished in manuscript and with notarial endorsements at bottom, papered seal, very slight foxing, otherwise in fine condition.
A standard four-language ship's paper, printed in French, Spanish, English and Dutch, permitting the schooner "Pert," of Philadelphia, Nathaniel Ray, Captain, to sail from Phildelphia to Bordeaux, France, with a cargo of "sundries." The President certifies that the vessel in question is "of the United States of America, and that no subjects of the present belligerent powers, have any part or portion therein." It is unclear to what extent these imposing maritime certificates actually succeeded in discouraging interference by the navies of the warring European nations. Such interceptions remained a frequent occurrence and ultimately contributed Madison's declaration of war against Britain in June 1812, four months before this document was issued.