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Autographs/M: "Jas. Monroe" 1812 Naval Letters of Marque

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,400.00 USD
Autographs/M:  Jas. Monroe  1812 Naval Letters of Marque
JAMES MONROE. Congressional Act Signed, "Jas. Monroe" as Secretary of State, and signed in type by James Madison as President, 2-1/2 pages, June 12, 1812, 13.5" x 8.25", Fine. A proclamation entitled "AN ACT concerning Letters of Marque, Prizes and Prize Goods" issued by Congress and the President to privateers and other armed vessels at the onset of the War of 1812. An Executive directive instructing that: "...the President of the United States shall be, and he is hereby authorised and empowered to revoke and annul, at pleasure, all letters of marque and reprisal which he shall or may at any time grant pursuant to an act, entitled 'An act declaring war between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of America and their territories'..." Followed by 17 sections further restricting and defining the Act with regard to the responsibilities of captains and crews upon encountering enemy vessels. On the integral leaf, issued "to Captain Edward Hawert commander of the private armed Brig called the Argus," is another proclamation, entitled "INSTRUCTIONS / FOR THE PRIVATE ARMED VESSELS OF THE UNITED STATES." Monroe signs on the integral leaf. Light toning at folds and on some of the outer edges, minor edge fraying, and with a gouge in the blank margin at top of third page. Monroe's signature is bold and problem-free. A scarce and interesting format.