Passenger Contract - Interims Billet - Cunard Line - Rotterdam to New York - 1895
This is the original steamship contract for passage for a German Immigrant, Heinrich Hermes, a 21 year-old laborer who undertook the voyage in steerage.
Interims-Billet
B. Karlsberg & Co., von Maaskade 20 Rotterdam
Image of original document - indications of early attempts at repair probably circa 1930s. Document reinforced but not repaired by the Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives using Acid Free paper tape. (Reverse side is Blank)
Vor- und Familienname: Heinrich Hermes
Alter: 21
Nach New York, County __ State ___
Bedungener Ueberfahrtspreis
Oceanfahrt: 1 Erwachsene à M 100
Total M. 100
Heirauf erhalten als Handgeld: 100
Die Bestpassage M Nichts ist 2 Tage vor der Abfahrt zu zahlen.
Abfahrt von Rotterdam am 29 Mai 1895 via Liverpool pr. Post-Dampfer der Cunard Line.
Rotterdam, den 29/5 1895
B. Karlsberg & Co.
Maaskade No. 20
Rotterdam.
Reclamationen wagen Rückgabe des eingezahlten Passagegeldes finden keine Berücksichtigung.
English Translation of Dutch Contract written in German
Ticket of B. Karlsberg & Co, etc.
First and Family Name: Heinrich Hermes
Age: 21
To New York
The price for voyage across the ocean for 1 Adult at M. 100 (the standard currency for the Netherlands at this time would have been the Gilder. The Symbol "M." imprinted on the contract probably referred to German Marks)
Total M. 100
This preserved as a source of money [Literal Translation]: M. 100 (about $23 62 in 1899 US Dollars or Approximately $600 stated in 2007 US Dollar Value)
The Best Passage: M. Nothing is 2 days before departure to pay (The amount due).
Travelling from Rotterdam on the 29th of May 1895 via Liverpool on a fast steamer of the Cunard Line
Rotterdam, this 29/5 1895
B.Karlsberg & Co.
Requests for reductions of the money paid passage are not taken into consideration.
Information about Passenger Heinrich Hermes:
Heinrich Hermes, 21, of Germany arrived in New York on 8 June 1895 aboard the Cunard Steamship Lucania (for the Liverpool to New York via Queenstown portion of his journey.) He was processed as an immigrant through Ellis Island. He was a Laborer and his intended destination was New York. - From Ships Manifest Line 0149.
