Partly-printed DS in French, signed “Np,” one page both sides, 13.5 x 19.25, April 14, 1813. A document regarding international trade. In part (translated): “Researches have confirmed that the heads of the firm of Morton & Russell in Bordeux have consistently complied with the laws of the Country and shown their attachment to our Person and have never engaged in any criminal practice or collusion with our enemies; the firm has a well established reputation for honesty.…by the present document signed by our hand we authorize…the American ship…to import into France…cotton, fish oil, and cod; coffee and sugar from the French Colonies in America and Asia, cocoa, spices of every sort from the formerly Dutch islands…the ship is required to export from a French port of its choice, goods of equal value to the supplies it will introduce into France…At least one third is to consist of silk fabrics of French manufacture; the rest will consist of French wines and brandies…We desire that the ship’s voyage and operations not be troubled or in any way impeded by our warships, or by French Corsairs…or Customs officials…Nevertheless in the case of fraudulent dealing of any kind the present Permit will be declared null and void, the ship will be confiscated…and the firm will have to pay a fine to be determined by us.” Prominently signed at the conclusion by Napoleon, and countersigned by the following officials: Foreign Minister Jean-Baptiste de Nompere, the Duc de Cador; Minister of the Navy and colonies Denis Ducres [who fought with de Grasse during the American Revolution]; Minister of Trade and Commerce Count de Sussy; and Director General of Customs Francois Ferrier. In fine condition, with central vertical and horizontal folds (one passing through Napoleon’s signature), and partial separations at one edge and the center of the horizontal fold. The ongoing War of 1812 had been spurred by British interference in trade between France and America, making this an especially interesting piece. Morton & Russell was one of the few successful American firms in Bordeaux at the time, and frequently supplied wine to Thomas Jefferson. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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