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130

James Monroe

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
James Monroe

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Auction Date:2010 Aug 11 @ 22:00 (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 as president, one page, 7.5 x 9.5, September 1, 1823. Letter to Secretary of War John C. Calhoun regarding the claim of Massachusetts against the national government for compensation for the expenses incurred by its militia during the War of 1812. In full: “I have had communication with Col. Sullivan, and find that his views are national. He wishes an informal investigation of facts, in regards to claims of this state, on which to found his reasoning. I wish you to promote this object, in any way, that he may desire, & you approve. To this proceeding I see no objection, since the object is the ascertainment of truth, without the compromitment of either party. I have read to him the above, with which he incurs, & I hope that it will be equally satisfactory to you. We expect to set out, for Albermarle, tomorrow, the weather permitting it.” Double matted and framed with an engraved portrait of Monroe, and a small caption, to an overall size of 19.5 x 15.25. Intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and mild toning, a bit heavier to edges, and a small pencil notation to top edge, otherwise fine condition.

The colonel mentioned here is George Sullivan, a Boston attorney and long-time friend of Monroe. During the War of 1812, Massachusetts refused to allow its militia to serve under regular army officers, nor would it mobilize its militia when requested to do so. Instead, the governor called out the militia on several occasions but kept them under his command. After the war, Massachusetts officials requested Congress to reimburse the state for its expenses—which the federal government refused, citing legislation that since the men were mustered under the governor then the state had to incur the cost. Even though Monroe agreed with this claim—like those filed by many other states after the war—was not valid, particularly in light of the Massachusetts’ refusal, the president still asked his war secretary to devise a compromise to end the animosity. Ultimately, Massachusetts denounced its actions taken during war and acknowledged the right of regular army officers to call out a state militia. A year after Monroe dispatched this letter, Congressional leaders accepted the concession and paid the claim.
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