Original Item: One of a Kind. This was one of those very difficult to obtain documents, which excused the named individual from being "volunteered" by the Naval Press Gangs. This original Document is Signed by no less the FOUR Lords of the Admiralty. It excuses one JOHN JEFFREY from serving in the British Armed Forces because he is already engaged in a profession serving the Crown.

In those terrible days of the Napoleonic Wars, it was common for Ship's Press Gangs to go ashore, enter Taverns and by force help patrons to sign up on British Warships because of the massive shortage of Able Bodied Sailors. There was no reprieve far out to Sea the following morning when the poor slob woke up and what followed might be YEARS of service and his family often never heard of the "Volunteer" again. The document measures 7 1/4" X 11 1/2", and is ready for framing. It does show some creases and aged related discoloration.

ABSOLUTELY ORIGINAL, "What's in your wallet?"