Details:

Official United States Legation passport signed by Levi P. Morton as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States to France, issued in Paris, France, on September 15, 1881, to Maurice William Baker, a citizen of the United States. An impressive large-format engraved document measuring approximately 13 x 19 inches, the passport bears the embossed green seal of the United States Legation in Paris and Morton’s bold signature at lower right.

Issued while Morton served as the chief American diplomatic representative to France during the administration of President James A. Garfield, the passport requests that foreign authorities permit the bearer to “pass safely and freely” while extending “all lawful Aid and Protection.” The document includes Baker’s signature and a handwritten physical description, noting him as 18 years old and 6 feet 1 inch tall, with additional descriptive entries completed in period ink.

The passport features an elaborate engraved allegorical vignette above the heading “Legation of the United States of America at Paris, France,” making it one of the most visually attractive forms of nineteenth-century American diplomatic documentation.

Overall good condition with expected fold lines.

Levi Parsons Morton (1824-1920) was an American banker, diplomat, and statesman who served as United States Minister to France from 1881 to 1885, where he played an important diplomatic role during the early years of the French Third Republic. He later served as the 22nd Vice President of the United States under President Benjamin Harrison from 1889 to 1893 and subsequently as the 31st Governor of New York. Morton was also instrumental in helping finance the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty after fundraising efforts had stalled, contributing to one of the nation’s most enduring landmarks.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11500 1416996-1