悬泉汉简所见传与传信考

The Study of the Zhuan(传)and Zhuanxin(传信)Recorded on Xuanquan Bamboo Slips of the Han Dynasty

传信与传均为汉代常见的通关凭证。传信由御史大夫所签发,通行于全国,多与西域事务相关。原件由使用者随身携带,御史大夫府存有备份,传信在全国范围内均有效力,传信丢失或被盗,御史大夫将会向全国下发文书进行追查。传为地方官府签发的通关文书,内容多与地方行政事务有关,其效力仅限于签发机构所管辖范围。传信与传在使用过程中沿途各接待机构需要对其真伪进行查验,按照原有文书格式进行抄录。

Zhuan(传)and Zhuanxin(传信)were common customs clearance documents in the Han Dynasty.Zhuanxin(传信)was issued by the Imperial Censor and was valid nationwide,primarily related to affairs concerning the western regions.The original document was carried by the user,with a backup held at the Imperial Censorate.If a Zhuanxin(传信)was lost or stolen,the Imperial Censorate would issue a nationwide notification for investigation.In contrast,Zhuan(传)was typically issued by local government authorities,dealing mostly with local administrative matters,and its validity was limited to the issuing agency’s jurisdiction.During its use,various reception agencies along the route were required to verify the authenticity of the Zhuan(传)and copy it according to the original document format.