James Monroe Autograph Letter Signed. One page with integral address cover, 7.75"x 10"; Washington; November 16, 1815. A letter of introduction addressed to Thomas Jefferson: "Permit me to present to your acquaintance & to that of your family Mr. Gray & his lady of Boston. Mr. Gray is the son of the late Lt. governor of Mass: who is so well known to you for his patriotism, & attachment to the republican cause. He is on a visit to the southern states, & from motives of respect, is particularly desirous, of any mode to [be] known to you… Jas Monroe." The integral cover is addressed to "Thomas Jefferson / Monticello" in Monroe’s hand. The Grays would have hand delivered this very letter directly to Jefferson (or a member of his staff) in order to secure an introduction. Monroe would have been serving as Secretary of State when he penned this letter. Although Jefferson had retired from public life to Monticello, his days were often interrupted by uninvited visitors and tourists. A letter of introduction from Monroe would have gone a long way in making a visit with Jefferson possible. Condition: Lightly toned, a bit darker at bottom. Chips of paper loss along left margin and at top right affecting the year as well as further down the right margin but not affecting any words. A tear at top that begins at the integral fold creeps into the top of the letter not affecting any words. Slight ink stain above first line of text of the letter. The integral address cover has tearing and paper loss at top, with a tear running into the address panel but not affecting any of the writing. Previous dealer’s notations in pencil at top. "Monroe to Jefferson" is written in pencil on the interior page. HID03101242017