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James Madison and James Monroe Signed Privateer's Commission. ...
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Description
James Madison and James Monroe Signed Privateer's Commission. One partially printed page, 15.25" x 11.5" (sight), Washington; December 8, 1812. Privateer's commission permitting William and James Dunlap and their ship, the Lebia, to "subdue, seize and take any armed or unarmed British vessel, public or private, which shall be found within the jurisdictional limits of the United States or elsewhere on the high seas, or within the waters of the British dominions, and such captured vessel, with her apparel, guns and appurtenances, and the goods or effects which shall be found on board the same, together with all the British persons and others who shall be found acting on board, to bring within some port of the United States; and also to retake any vessel, goods and effects of the people of the United States, which may have been captured by any British armed vessel." Signed, "James Madison" and countersigned "Jas Monroe" as Secretary of State. Matted and framed to an overall size of 21" x 15.5".Though the United States won its independence from Britain in 1783, the young nation struggled to assert its autonomy from the oppressive British Navy that patrolled the Atlantic. By 1812, hundreds of American ships had been stopped and forcibly boarded by British vessels. American soldiers were then taken and impressed into the British Navy against their will. On June 18, 1812, President James Madison declared war on Britain based on their disregard for neutral maritime rights and as a means to promote national honor.
Madison faced a daunting task in picking a fight with the British on the high seas. The nascent American Navy consisted of, at most, fifteen ships, compared to over 600 vessels commanded by the Royal Navy. In response, Madison turned to legally authorized privateers. Over the course of three years, American privateers sank five times the amount of ships taken by U.S. Navy warships. As demonstrated above, these civilian ships were allowed to retrieve any and all goods present on board. The auctions that resulted from these confiscations were important sources of revenue used by the American government to keep the economy afloat amidst an intense blockade by the Royal Navy. Historians have credited the psychological and financial effects of relentless privateering attacks as one of the main reasons for declining British support for the war.
Condition: Creased along the folds. Minor toning throughout. Seal intact. Not examined outside of the frame. The frame has minor scuffs to all four corners. Tears to top left and right margins, the latter slightly affecting the text. Light foxing along margins.
Auction Info
2023 September 21 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6272 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
September, 2023
21st
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 23
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