Partially Printed Document Signed, Registration of Schooner Robert, April 10, 1790, Baltimore, Maryland. Form printed by Francis Childs and John Swaine in New York. 1 p., 8 3/4 x 13 1/4 in. Under a law passed in September 1789, Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton signed blank certificates in New York and sent them to the collectors of the various ports of the new nation, where the local collector of the port filled them out and signed them. This registration system was part of a Congressional effort to limit the merchant marine to American-built ships owned and crewed by Americans. If a ship met the necessary requirements, it would "be deemed and taken to be, and denominated, a ship or vessel of the United States," with all the benefits of any U.S. laws. Baltimore collector O. H. Williams filled out and signed this form for the Schooner Robert, owned by Baltimore merchant William Patterson. Complete TranscriptNo. 21In pursuance of an act of the Congress of the United States of America, entitled, "An act for registering and clearing vessels, regulating the coasting trade, and for other purposes," William Patterson of Baltimore Town Merchant having taken and subscribed the oath required by the said act, and having sworn that he is sole owner of the ship or vessel, called the Robert of Baltimore, whereof John Higgins is at present master, and is a citizen of the United States, and that the said ship or vessel was built in the State of Virginia, in the year, one thousand seven hundred and eight six.And Robert Ballard Surveyor of this district having certified to us that the said ship or vessel has one deck and Two masts that her length is Fifty one feet her breadth sixteen feet six Inches her depth Five feet nine Inches and that she measures Forty one tons; that she is sharp built, square sterned has no gallery and no head:And the said subscribing owner having consented and agreed to the above description and measurement, and having caused sufficient security to be given as is required by the said act, the said Schooner Robert has been duly registered at the port of Baltimore in the State of Maryland.Given under our Hands and Seals of Office, at the Port of Baltimore this tenth day of April in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety.[Signed with seals down the left margin by:] Alex Hamilton / Secy of the TreasuryO. H. Williams / CollectorR Purviance / Nl OfficerHistorical BackgroundOn September 1, 1789, Congress passed "An Act for Registering and Clearing Vessels, Regulating the Coasting Trade, and for other purposes." Designed to protect American shipyards, domestic shipping, and American merchant sailors, the act limited American domestic maritime trade to American-owned ships sailed by an American master. The act also specified the language of this certificate and the oath that the owner(s) had to make, declaring that he or they were American citizens, and that "no foreigner, directly or indirectly, hath any part or interest in the said ship or vessel."If the ship were lost at sea, captured by an enemy, or sold to a foreigner, the owner had to return the certificate to the collector of the port, who would send it to the Secretary of Treasury to be canceled. The same procedure applied when sold to an American citizen, who could then apply for a new certificate from the relevant home port. If a registered ship had a change of master or was altered in form or capacity, the owner had to inform the collector to note the change or issue a new certificate.According to the act, the collector who first registered a ship and issued this certificate was entitled to $2 for the service and $1.50 for each subsequent registration of the same vessel, to be divided equally with the naval officer and surveyor. The act also required the naval officer, if there was one at the port, to sign the certificate. The penalty for using a fraudulent certificate of registry was forfeiture of the ship and its eq. (See website for full description). Seller Inventory # 27521

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Bibliographic Details

Title: Alexander Hamilton Signed Registration for ...

Publisher: Baltimore, Maryland

Publication Date: 1790

Binding: No binding

Condition: Very Good

Book Type: Part. Printed Document Signed

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About the Seller Since 1988, I have been the largest buyer of important content American historic documents. Thousands of documents I have handled are in museum collections, including the Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendments acquired for the Lincoln Museum of Fort Wayne, Indiana, now on display in the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. I am a member of the Board of Trustees of the Manuscript Society, and a member of the ABAA. References are available upon request. Starting Your Own Collection We have the expertise necessary to acquire individual items, or build a personalized collection for you. We can inspire you by creating a unique link to the historical figures, events or ideas that inspire you. Seth Kaller Inc. can handle or coordinate each aspect of the process such as: Pre-acquisition research, Physical inspection and purchasing, Auction representation, Authentication, Inventory and accounting reports, Conservation, Framing and display, and Collection management. Museum Quality\Private Ownership Most people know that markets exist for Impressionist paintings, fine English antiques, or rare coins. However, the field of historic documents has long been quietly dominated by a select few: J.P. Morgan, Henry Huntington, Malcolm Forbes. This is changing as more collectors discover the satisfaction of a personal, unique connection with history. Achieve Immortality! Become associated with your favorite museum, library, university or historical society. Important properties can be loaned for exhibition, placed on deposit or donated outright, to insure their survival for generations to come. We can handle all the arrangements for you, including working with tax attorneys and accountants, and coordinating insurance, transit, and proper acknowledgment.

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