Essay
Andrew Jackson (1767–1845). Seventh President of the United States. Martin Van Buren (1782–1862). Eighth President of the United States, Tenth Secretary of State, and Vice President to Jackson.
Document signed (Andrew Jackson/MVanBuren), 14 3/4 x 10 inches, 1 p, printed on fine parchment with scalloped edge at top, January 4, 1831. A ship's passport for the Brig Magnolia and its crew of seven men skippered by Richard Bettis.
"By the President of the United States of America"
A ship's passport for the Brig Magnolia and its crew of seven men skippered by Richard Bettis. Signed by Jackson as President and countersigned by then Secretary of State, Martin Van Buren. The “Mediterranean” ship’s passport was created after the United States signed a treaty with Algiers in 1795, in order to insure safe passage of U.S. ships through the area of the Mediterranean. The top of the passport was cut in a distinctive scalloped pattern to provide proof of the document’s authenticity. U.S. consuls provided copies to the Barbary corsairs, who were instructed to let pass all vessels holding passports which fit the scalloped pattern.