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Document 3934

MARTIN VAN BUREN and JOHN FORSYTH. Partly Printed DS: "M Van Buren" as President and "John Forsyth" as Secretary of State, 1p, 20x16. Four-language ship's papers (French, Spanish, English, Dutch) issued from Fall River, Massachusetts, 1841 May 22, signed earlier by Van Buren and Forsyth in Washington. Countersigned by P.W. Leland as Collector of the Port of Fall River. In part: "Be it known, That leave and permission are hereby given to Albert Wood master or commander of the Ship called Gold Hunter of the burden of 281 34/95 tons, or thereabouts, lying at present in the port of Fall River bound South Atlantic and laden with Provisions and utensials (sic) for a whaling voyage...." The document attests that the ship is a U.S. vessel and that Wood has sworn upon oath "that no subjects of the present belligerent Powers have any part or portion therein, directly nor indirectly, so may God Almighty help him...." The American sperm-whaling industry had its greatest prosperity from 1820-1850. Since much whaling took place in the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco became a major whaling port. The decline of American sperm-whaling began with the California gold rush in 1849, hence, the irony of the ship's name Gold Hunter. Many crew members of whaling ships deserted to seek their fortunes prospecting for gold. VAN BUREN and FORSYTH signed this document in blank towards the end of Van Buren's one term in office, which ended on March 3, 1841, and it was forwarded to Fall River for issuance, which occurred less than three months after Van Buren left the White House. During those 80 days, 9th U.S. President Harrison was inaugurated and died and Vice President John Tyler was sworn in as 10th U.S. President. Folds, vertical fold touches "B" in Van Buren. Lightly creased. Fine condition.

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