Scallop-topped vellum partly-printed DS, signed "James K. Polk" as president and "James Buchanan" as secretary of state,” one page, 12.5 x 15, March 24, 1847. Ship’s pass issued for “the Ship Jamestown, Robert Bennett Forbes, master or commander, of the burthen of Nine hundred and seventy four tons or thereabouts, mounted with two guns, navigated with fifty five men. To pass with her Company, Passengers, Goods and Merchandize, without any hindrance, seizure or molestation.” Signed at the conclusion by Polk and Buchanan, and countersigned by Boston Collector Marcus Morton. Paper seal no longer present to lower left. In very good to fine condition, with toning and small holes along one of the several intersecting folds. Forbes was a sea captain, ship owner, and merchant who earned considerable wealth from the opium and China Trade. Forbes was also known for his humanitarian efforts, most notably his commandeering of the USS Jamestown to send food to Irish famine sufferers in 1847. An exceptional and historically important dual-signed document relating to the long-standing bond between Ireland and America.
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