James Monroe
Washington, D.C., November 7, 1812
James Monroe DS as Sec. of State: Instructions for Public and Private Armed Vessels, 1812
DS

James Monroe signed document as Secretary of State. [Washington, D.C.], dated November 7, 1812. Signed "Jas. Monroe." A War of 1812 printed circular titled "Additional Instruction to the Public and Private Armed Vessels of the United States." Accompanied by an engraving of Monroe measuring 6.75" x 9.5", published by Martin, Johnson & Co., New York. 1p of a bifolium, measuring 7.75" x 9.75". Flattened folds and light toning throughout. Uneven along the right edge. Boldly signed with minor ink smudging near the end of Monroe's signature. Very fine.

In full:
"The public and private armed vessels of the United States are not to interrupt any British unarmed vessels bound to Sable Island, and laden with supplies for the humane establishment at that place. By Command of the President of the United States."

In 1801 Great Britain placed a rescue station on the remote Sable Island, which lies in the Atlantic far to the southeast of Nova Scotia. Hindering any shipping routes to the island would have run counter to the best interests of all mariners who sailed in the area.

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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7.75" x 9.75"