[DiogenesLamp]

Thankee. My wife has several similar, though less formal, instruments in her files, but I’ve no means of posting them.

Glad to help. Most people discussing this issue have knowledge of stuff like those early identification papers.

Identification as an American was a major problem in the lead up to the war of 1812.

The British impressing American citizens is the main reason we went to war. Without papers, the British would simply grab a person and claim that he was British.

[okie01]

The British impressing American citizens is the main reason we went to war. Without papers, the British would simply grab a person and claim that he was British.

Thanks again.

My wife had observed that some form of ID seemed to become more common after around 1820. I speculated that, perhaps, it had something to do with President Andrew Jackson and a lingering desire to be able to differentiate between Indians and American citizens.

Completely forgot about the impressing of Americans into the British Navy and Merchant Marine.