Paul Methuen, Esq; one of His Majesty's most honourable Privy Council, and Principal Secretary of State, &c. To all admirals, vice-admirals, captains, commanders, governors, mayors, sheriffs, justices of the peace, constables, customers, comptrollers, searchers, and to all others whom it may concern, greeting. : These are in His Majesty's name, to will and require you to permit and suffer the bearer [blank] hereof [blank] with [blank] goods and necessaries, freely and quietly to go from hence to [blank] there to embark, and pass over to [blank] without any lett, hindrance, or molestation whatsoever, provided the said person [blank] do embark within [blank] days after the date hereof, and sail wind and weather permitting; otherwise this passport shall remain no longer in force. Given at Whitehall, the [blank] day of [blank].
Great Britain.Sovereign (1714-1727 : George I)
Methuen, Paul,1672?-1757.
[London : s.n.,
1716]
A temporary passport (travel pass) allowing merchants to sail freely without "lett, hindrance, or molestation".
In NLS copy the blanks have been filled in to allow "Robert Ogilby of Coul Esq. & John Ogilby gentleman" to travel from the river Thames to Edinburgh, within 14 days of the date of the document (16 July 1716) "wind and weather permitting"; the passport has been signed by Paul Methuen, then Secretary of State for the Southern Department.
NLS copy consists of one sheet of paper folded and printed on one side, the folded leaves stuck together with sealing wax and the seal of the Secretary of State.
Passports