Passport 1756 For American Indians
Passport 1756 issued to three Delaware Indians who had assisted with treaty negotiations
“…RENDERED SUBSTANTIAL SERVICES . . . AT THE RISQUE OF THEIR LIVES” (AMERICAN INDIANS.) Morris, Robert Hunter. Passport issued to three Delaware Indians who had assisted with treaty negotiations. Manuscript draft proclamation issued as Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, apparently in the hand of Secretary Richard Peters (1704-1776). 2 pages, 12 1/2 x 8 inches; partial separations at folds. Philadelphia, 13 August 1756. Passport Native American Indians
What a fantastic document of early American (passport) history!
The Treaty of Easton was a colonial agreement in North America signed in October 1758 during the French and Indian War (Seven Years’ War) between British colonials and the chiefs of 13 Native American nations, representing tribes of the Iroquois, Lenape (Delaware), and Shawnee. More than 500 Native Americans attended the outdoor ceremony, after lengthy negotiations to bring peace to the regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the Ohio Country. Passport Native American Indians
Reference: Whereas John Pumpshire, Thomas Story, and Joseph Michtee [Michty], three Delaware Indians residing in the province of New Jersey, have been employed to accompany Newcastle, one of the chiefs of the six united nations of Indians by me in transacting business with ye Indians living on ye River Susquehannah, whereas they have acquitted themselves with care and fidelity and have thereby rendered substantial services to his Majesty & the colonies at the risque of their lives, and whereas ye sd Indians are now returning to their families at Cranberry in ye sd province of New Jersey, & have requested my passport & recommendations therein, the neighboring provinces to treat them with kindness as good friends.“These three men had all been at the signing of a treaty in Easton, PA, along with Captain Newcastle and Conrad Weiser, on 26 July 1756, just three weeks before. See “Benjamin Franklin, Pennsylvania, and the First Nations: The Treaties of 1736-62,” page 195-9. Passport Native American Indians
FAQ Passport History pasaporte passeport паспорт 护照 パスポート جواز سفر पासपोर्ट
1. What are the earliest known examples of passports, and how have they evolved?
The word "passport" came up only in the mid 15th Century. Before that, such documents were safe conducts, recommendations or protection letters. On a practical aspect, the earliest passport I have seen was from the mid 16th Century. Read more...
2. Are there any notable historical figures or personalities whose passports are highly sought after by collectors?
Every collector is doing well to define his collection focus, and yes, there are collectors looking for Celebrity passports and travel documents of historical figures like Winston Churchill, Brothers Grimm, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Read more...
3. How did passport designs and security features change throughout different periods in history, and what impact did these changes have on forgery prevention?
"Passports" before the 18th Century had a pure functional character. Security features were, in the best case, a watermark and a wax seal. Forgery, back then, was not an issue like it is nowadays. Only from the 1980s on, security features became a thing. A state-of-the-art passport nowadays has dozens of security features - visible and invisible. Some are known only by the security document printer itself. Read more...
4. What are some of the rarest and most valuable historical passports that have ever been sold or auctioned?
Lou Gehrig, Victor Tsoi, Marilyn Monroe, James Joyce, and Albert Einstein when it comes to the most expensive ones. Read more...
5. How do diplomatic passports differ from regular passports, and what makes them significant to collectors?
Such documents were often held by officials in high ranks, like ambassadors, consuls or special envoys. Furthermore, these travel documents are often frequently traveled. Hence, they hold a tapestry of stamps or visas. Partly from unusual places.
6. Can you provide insights into the stories behind specific historical passports that offer unique insights into past travel and migration trends?
A passport tells the story of its bearer and these stories can be everything - surprising, sad, vivid. Isabella Bird and her travels (1831-1904) or Mary Kingsley, a fearless Lady explorer.
7. What role did passports play during significant historical events, such as wartime travel restrictions or international treaties?
During war, a passport could have been a matter of life or death. Especially, when we are looking into WWII and the Holocaust. And yes, during that time, passports and similar documents were often forged to escape and save lives. Example...
8. How has the emergence of digital passports and biometric identification impacted the world of passport collecting?
Current modern passports having now often a sparkling, flashy design. This has mainly two reasons. 1. Improved security and 2. Displaying a countries' heritage, icons, and important figures or achievements. I can fully understand that those modern documents are wanted, especially by younger collectors.
9. Are there any specialized collections of passports, such as those from a specific country, era, or distinguished individuals?
Yes, the University of Western Sidney Library has e.g. a passport collection of the former prime minister Hon Edward Gough Whitlam and his wife Margaret. They are all diplomatic passports and I had the pleasure to apprise them. I hold e.g. a collection of almost all types of the German Empire passports (only 2 types are still missing). Also, my East German passport collection is quite extensive with pretty rare passport types.
10. Where can passport collectors find reliable resources and reputable sellers to expand their collection and learn more about passport history?
A good start is eBay, Delcampe, flea markets, garage or estate sales. The more significant travel documents you probably find at the classic auction houses. Sometimes I also offer documents from my archive/collection. See offers... As you are already here, you surely found a great source on the topic 😉
Other great sources are: Scottish Passports, The Nansen passport, The secret lives of diplomatic couriers
11. Is vintage passport collecting legal? What are the regulations and considerations collectors should know when acquiring historical passports?
First, it's important to stress that each country has its own laws when it comes to passports. Collecting old vintage passports for historical or educational reasons is safe and legal, or at least tolerated. More details on the legal aspects are here...
Does this article spark your curiosity about passport collecting and the history of passports? With this valuable information, you have a good basis to start your own passport collection.
Question? Contact me...
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