Collection: Sea Letters Collection | Providence Public Library Special Collections

Dates

1811-1878

Biographical / Historical

Sea letters, also called ships’ passports were papers issued to American vessels before departure to certify the ship was of American registry and subject to the protection afforded by the government of the United States while at sea. These passports bear the signatures of the president in office at the time they were issued. This collection contains a variety of these passports, dating from 1811-1878, predominantly originating in New Bedford. They often feature the text in English as well as Spanish, French, and Dutch.