Partly-printed DS, in French, signed “Np,” one page both sides, 13.5 x 19.25, March 25, 1813. Interesting unissued ship’s passport for an American ship, signed on the reverse by Napoleon, and countersigned by the Secretary of State, the Minister of Manufacturing, and the Minister of Marine and Colonies. In very good condition, with tape repair and partial separations along central horizontal and vertical folds, trimmed vertical edge, crease to top right corner, and scattered light toning.
This paperwork would have proved essential for the captain of the vessel to which it had been issued, as during the War of 1812, the British Royal Naval was determined to see that France and its allies were unable to receive needed supplies. This inadvertently helped Napoleon in that British forces—while boarding American vessels—could not use diverted troops, supplies, and funds in the war against France. A very unusual and uncommon format.
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