REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO INQUIRE INTO THE OPERATION OF THE ACT FOR THE RELIEF AND PROTECTION OF AMERICAN SEAMEN, AND REPORT WHAT AMENDMENTS ARE NECESSARY TO BE MADE THERETO. 28TH FEBRUARY 1797.
[Philadelphia: William Ross? 1797]. [3], 20-41, [1 blank] pp, with pages 33-34 consisting of two folding tables [as issued]. Stitched and untrimmed, light scattered foxing. Very Good.
This early effort to provide a system of social insurance for American seamen, who otherwise lacked any safety net, examines their characteristics with a view to deciding whether additional protections should be enacted for those who are sick or disabled.
The Committee suggests withholding a sum for that purpose from the wages of "every seaman sailing from a port of the United States". The data include seamen's place of birth, citizenship status [and whether native-born or naturalized], and information on impressment by "the belligerent powers." Dates of impressment, the relevant vessels and their masters, names of the unfortunate seamen, their places of birth, places of impressment, names of impressing vessels are included.
ESTC W21847. Not in Evans. Shipton & Mooney 48285. Bristol B10136. Item #41025
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