Name/Title
Seaman's Protection CertificateEntry/Object ID
2023.6.1Scope and Content
Seaman's protection certificate signed by D. Granger, Collector of Customs for the District of Saco, dated September 9, 1820. Official seal at the bottom left. The certificate certifies that Samuel Gillpatrick, born in Biddeford, was a citizen of the United States. Gillpatrick is described as being 20 years old, 5' 5 1/2" tall with a dark complexion, dark hair, and gray eyes, with a scar on his left leg.Dimensions
Height
9-1/2 inWidth
7-1/2 inInterpretative Labels
Label Type
Cultural/Historical ContextLabel
This document was used to verify the identity and nationality of American seamen traveling abroad and was intended to protect American sailors from the threat of impressment from the British Royal Navy. This certificate, signed by Saco Customs Collector Daniel Grainger on September 9, 1820, certifies that Samuel Gillpatrick of Biddeford was 20 years old, with dark hair, gray eyes, and a scar on his leg. Documents such as this were used as a means of identification until the late 19th century.