Protection Paper in 1843

These Protection Papers were essentially passports issued to American sailors to protect them from impressment into the Royal Navy of Great Britain.  This particular Protection Paper is noteworthy since it was issued and signed by Rodney French who was a prominent Quaker Abolitionist who had employed Frederick Douglass.  This Protection Paper may have some connection to the Whaling industry which was flourishing in New Bedford at the time this document was issued in 1843. This Protection Paper is original complete and fully intact.  There is some staining on the document which you can see in the photos.  French signed the document twice.  The signature at the top of the page is clear but the signature at the bottom of the page next to "Collector" is almost entirely washed out.  Only a partial trace of French's signature is visible at the bottom of the document.