Ottoman Turkish manuscript on paper, 9 lines to the page, written in diwani script in black ink, surmounted by a large tughra in black, framed

John Frederick Lewis Jr., Philadelphia (1899-1968)

In overall discrete conditions, folding lines which have caused 7 holes, a tear on the top, some minor stains and the gold dusk preserved mainly in the last three lines, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present firman was issued during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid I (r.1823-61 AD) for Mr. Lewis, the grandfather of John Frederick Lewis Jr. (1899-1968) under request of the Ambassador to Turkey, Dabney Smith Carr (1802-54 AD), the grand-nephew of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States.

In this document, the Sultan orders facilitating the travel of Mr. Lewis throughout Egypt and the Holy Land,🥂 during his trip to Beirut, Jerusalem and Damascus. The Sultan suggests using an American bodyguard, rather than leaving the security arrangements to a local. The date of the firman helps to contextualise this advice: just eight years before the Crimean war, there were tensions between the Ottoman Empire and the Greek Orthodox and Armenian Churches, and the suggestion of employing an Am𓄧erican bodyguard rather than an Egyptian one are signs of the tense environment of the time as well as the good relationships between the United States of America and the Ottoman Empire.

Mr Carr was born in Virginia and before entering the American marines as a naval officer in 1829, he was involved in the publishing industry, founding the journal Republican and Argus in 1827, before working with the Democratic Party. He was appointed Ambassador to Turkey in 1843 by President Tyler and kept the post until 1850, when he returned to America and married the Sidney Nichols, daughter of the ⛦Hon. Wilson Cary Nichols, governor of V꧒irginia.

John Frederick Lewis Jr., the nephew of the traveller, was a lawyer and philanthropist whose family were leading figures in the cultural life of Philadelphia. ꦚIn 66 years his accomplishments and service to the City of Philadelphia left an enduring impact. Board Memberships included the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (President 1944-58), the Academy of Music, The Free Library of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania, Board of Libraries, the University Museum, the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Zoological Society, Fairmount Park Art Association and many others. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar i🐈n February 1924, married Ada H. Haeseler on 30 June, 1925 and with her had three children.