War of 1812
Washington, D.C., June 26, 1812
Superb War of 1812 James Monroe Signed "Instructions / To The Public and Private Armed Vessels of the United States. By Command of the President"
James Monroe (1758-1831). 5th President of the United States. During the War of 1812, Monroe held the critical roles of both Secretary of State and Secretary of War under then-President James Madison. Partially Printed Document Signed, "Jas. Monroe", with ?By Command of the President of the U.S. of America? and ?Secretary of State? in another hand, possibly William Crawford's. 13.5" x 16", No. 519, 3pp bifolium. Also Signed in Printed Typeset: H. CLAY, Speaker of the House of Representatives; WM. H. CRAWFORD, President of the Senate, pro-tempore; Approved, JAMES MADISON, as President, June 26th, 1812. In fine condition. Light folds, invisible sealed tears and minor toning do not affect gorgeous appearance. Monroe?s signature is the darkest and boldest we have seen. A choice, fully-executed and signed official "Instructions" document.

June 26, 1812 - Dated War of 1812 Period, Issued Official: "INSTRUCTIONS - FOR THE PRIVATE ARMED VESSELS OF THE UNITED STATES." On June 26, 1812, during the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain, official instructions were issued for the private armed vessels of the United States. These instructions provided guidelines and regulations for private ship owners and captains who wished to equip their vessels for warfare against British ships.

Privateering during the War of 1812 was a profitable enterprise for many American ship owners and captains. However, it also had its controversies, including incidents of piracy and the capture of neutral vessels. These controversies prompted international disputes and led to changes in regulations governing privateering in subsequent years.

Overall, the instructions issued on June 26, 1812, provided a framework for private ship owners to participate in naval warfare against the British during the War of 1812. They helped mobilize private resources and contributed to the American war effort at sea.

On June 26, 1812, during the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain, official instructions were issued for the private armed vessels of the United States. These instructions provided guidelines and regulations for private ship owners and captains who wished to equip their vessels for warfare against British ships.

Background: During the War of 1812, the United States faced a significant naval disadvantage compared to the powerful British Navy. To compensate for this disparity, the U.S. government encouraged private ship owners to convert their vessels into armed warships, known as privateers. These private armed vessels were authorized to engage in warfare against enemy ships and disrupt British maritime trade.

The Instructions: The issued instructions on June 26, 1812, laid out the guidelines and regulations for private armed vessels. These instructions covered various aspects of privateering operations, including:

Commissioning: Private ship owners were required to obtain a commission or letter of marque from the U.S. government. This commission authorized the vessel to act as a privateer and outlined the rules of engagement.

Armament: The instructions specified the type and number of guns allowed on board the private armed vessels. The armament varied depending on the size and class of the ship. It was essential for privateers to be adequately armed for defense and offense.

Crew: The instructions provided guidelines on the composition of the crew, including the number of officers, sailors, and marines required for each vessel. Privateers were encouraged to recruit experienced sailors and marines capable of handling weapons and engaging in naval combat.

Conduct and Regulations: The instructions outlined rules of conduct for privateers. They emphasized the importance of respecting neutral vessels and not engaging in piracy or other unauthorized actions. Privateers were required to follow international laws and regulations concerning the treatment of prisoners and captured property.

Prize Money: Privateers were entitled to a share of the value of any enemy ships or cargo captured during their operations. The instructions detailed how the prize money would be distributed among the ship's owners, officers, and crew, providing incentives for successful captures.

Purpose and Impact: The issuance of these instructions aimed to encourage private ship owners to contribute to the war effort by disrupting British maritime trade and weakening their naval power. Private armed vessels, operating under these regulations, played a significant role in the War of 1812, harassing British merchant ships and capturing valuable prizes.

Privateering during the War of 1812 was a profitable enterprise for many American ship owners and captains. However, it also had its controversies, including incidents of piracy and the capture of neutral vessels. These controversies prompted international disputes and led to changes in regulations governing privateering in subsequent years.

Overall, the instructions issued on June 26, 1812, provided a framework for private ship owners to participate in naval warfare against the British during the War of 1812. They helped mobilize private resources and contributed to the American war effort at sea.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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13.5" x 16"