John Adams 4-language ship's papers signed as President, datelined Washington, 13 June 1798. Adams empowers the sloop ''Betsey'' to navigate international waters with this document, countersigned by Secretary of State Timothy Pickering. Interestingly, attached to the document by silk thread is French certification just weeks before the unofficial naval war broke out between the United States and France, deemed the ''Quasi-War''. In early 1797, Pickering told Congress that France had seized 316 U.S. merchant ships during the previous 11 months, leading up to the naval war that lasted from 1798-1800. Document measures 19'' x 15.5'' with two paper seals intact, and beautifully framed with a portrait of Adams to a size of 34.5'' x 23''. Archival repair to folds on verso, overall in very good plus condition with a prominent signature by Adams.