sea letter

noun

1. Also called: passport. a document issued to a merchant vessel, esp in wartime, authorizing it to leave a port or proceed freely

2. (formerly) a document issued to a vessel in port, describing its cargo, crew, etc

Example Sentences

Gray was also provided with a sea letter signed by George Washington, then President, which ran as follows:

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It further speaks of Gray’s rising reputation, and expresses the belief that a regard for his own honor, and a respect for the sea letter with which the President had honored and indulged 97 him, would cause Gray to doubly exert himself for the success of the voyage.

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