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James Madison LS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
James Madison LS
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James Madison letter signed, as Secretary of State, dated 18 July 1803 and directed to Rhode Island Senator Christopher Ellery, requesting his presence at a special session of Congress to vote on the Louisiana Purchase. Exceptional letter reads in full, ''(Circular.) Department of State, Washington, July 18, 1803. / Sir, The Proclamation by the President, of which a copy is inclosed, will inform you, that in pursuance of his authority to convene Congress on extraordinary occasions, he has appointed Monday the 17th day of October next for the meeting of the Senators and Representatives of the United States. This anticipation of the commencement of the ensuing session is rendered necessary by conventions with the French Republic, involving a cession of Louisiana to the United States; which may require the presence of both Houses, and of which conventions the ratifications are to be exchanged within six months computed from the 30th of April last. The shortness of the period therefore, to which the necessary proceedings will be limited, with the very great importance of the subject to the interest of the United States, claim from every member the most punctual attendance; and I am charged by the President to urge these considerations on your patriotism, and your sense of duty. Assurance myself that they will have all the effect which he justly expects from them. I remain, Sir, With the highest respect, Your most obedient Servant,'' signed ''James Madison''. In April 1803, James Madison received the unexpected offer from France to purchase the vast swath of territory from New Orleans to Minnesota and westward to part of present day Idaho. Working under a deadline from France of ratifying the purchase by October 30, Madison quickly agreed to purchase terms with France, forwarded the document to President Thomas Jefferson in late July, and then summoned Congress to a special session. Ellery and his fellow Senators voted on 20 October, just ten days before France's deadline, and ratified the Louisiana Purchase Treaty by a vote of 24-7 (the controversial purchase was opposed by some as unconstitutional). Upon its completion, Napoleon Bonaparte remarked, ''This accession of territory affirms forever the power of the United States, and I have given England a maritime rival who sooner or later will humble her pride.'' Letter measures approximately 9.5'' x 12''. Single page with integral address panel is additionally free-franked signed by Madison. Seal hole and small chip at center fold, else near fine. While this letter theoretically exists for the approximate 200 U.S. Senators, Representatives and Governors in 1803, this is only the third such letter or occurrence of this letter to come to auction, making it exceptionally scarce. A significant document from the largest and most important territorial acquisition of the United States in her history.