Benjamin Franklin Passport Cover

The first Passports issued by the United States of America were hand written notes and letters of introduction vouching for another man's character.  The very first ones were written by Benjamin Franklin about Americans visiting Paris during the American Revolution.  

A man of good character who was true to his word was a man who should be respected and had the prestige of his peers.  A letter by a man as famous and as prestigous as Benjamin Franklin opened doors of opportunity to businessman that would have otherwise been closed. 

It was after the US created the constitution and began trading with foreign countries that the need for a standardized passport arose.  Today the State Department issues a passport to Americans as a way to gain entry into international land.  As US Citizens it is our government vouching for our character and asking another country to take it on faith and a good word that we as an individual will not cause problems and engage in criminal activity against their citizens.  

And like most things in Government that tradition began with a letter and Benjamin Franklin.