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President Madison Proposes War to Congress, 1812 Declaration of War

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:1,400.00 - 1,800.00 USD
President Madison Proposes War to Congress, 1812 Declaration of War
War of 1812
President Madison's 1812 Declaration of War
June 3, 1812, “Message from the President of the U. States, recommending an Immediate Declaration of War, against Great Britain,” Printed in Washington by Roger Weightman, Choice Extremely Fine.
Imprint, 12 pages, 5” x 8.25”, disbound. Contains the complete text of Madison's June 1, 1812 message to Congress. After reviewing the numerous belligerent acts of the Royal Navy against American citizens and cargo on "the great high way of the nations," and observing "on the side of Great Britain [the existence of] a state of war against the United States," Madison concludes, "Whether the United States shall continue passive under these progressive usurpations and accumulating wrongs; or, opposing force to force in defense of their national rights, shall commit a just cause into the hands of the Almighty Disposer of events... is a solemn question, which the Constitution wisely confides to the legislative department of the government. In recommending (a declaration of war) to their deliberations, I am happy in the assurance, that the decision will be worthy of the enlightened and patriotic councils of a virtuous, a free, and a powerful nation." War was indeed declared, June 3, 1812.