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James Monroe

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,000.00 - 2,500.00 USD
James Monroe

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Auction Date:2012 Aug 15 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
ALS signed “Jas Monroe,” one page, 7.75 x 9.5, February 1, 1816. Letter, written as secretary of state, to John Wickham. In full: “I have received your late letter respecting the sum. I am indebted on account of the stock of the late N. Martin of Albemarle county. My object in this is to acknowledge the receit [sic] of that letter & to assure you that I will answer it more fully in a few days. My pressing engagments [sic] at this time, in some interesting foreign concerns, p[ut] it out of my power to do it; either to yours or my satisfaction. I am Dear sir with great respect & esteem yr very obt servt.” Reverse of second integral page bears a hand-addressed and free franked address panel by Monroe to “John Wickham, Esq., Richmond, Virga,” and franked in the upper right, “Dept of State, Jas Monroe,” below a Free stamp. Panel also bears a February 1, Washington City postal cancellation. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, scattered toning and soiling, a couple small holes to right edge affecting a single word of text, another small hole to upper left, and a few fold separations and paper loss to second integral page. Letter is housed in a custom-made two-fold hardcover portfolio.

The recipient of this letter was attorney John Wickham, the lead defense counsel for Aaron Burr in his trial for treason in May 1807. Secretary of State Monroe’s “pressing engagements in some interesting foreign concerns” included several issues with U.S. ambassadors, including the death of the Minister to Russia, James A. Bayard, before he departed for his post. At the time Monroe was also was cajoling diplomat Albert Gallatin, who had been appointed Minister to France one year before, but refused to take the post until he was granted a higher salary, rent for accommodations, and a personal secretary.