LOT #34101 |
Sold on Oct 14, 2010 for: Not Sold
[James Madison and James Monroe] Retained Copy Of President Madison's Letter to Governor James Monroe. Two pages, penned on ...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
[James Madison and James Monroe] Retained Copy Of President Madison's Letter to Governor James Monroe. Two pages, penned on recto and verso, 8" x 10", "Washington, March 26th, 1811." Headed "Private." An administrative duplicate, this retained copy (essentially, a clean copy of the original) of President Madison's letter to James Monroe, then Governor of Virginia, reveals the President's pleasure that Monroe does not object to leaving his position as Governor of Virginia to become Madison's Secretary of State. It reads, in part: "I... learn with much pleasure that you have not disinclined to the station... In discharging the duties of this station, I am aware that the Functionary must carry into it, a just respect for his own principles, and above all for the dictates of his conscience. But with the mutual knowledge of our respective views of the foreign as well as domestic interests of our country, I see no serious obstacle on either side, to an association of our labors in promoting them." Clearly, Madison had faith that Monroe would take an even-handed approach to negotiations with foreign nations, despite Monroe's well-known connection to, and affiliation with, the French. For Monroe's part, he had an ambition to become president, and saw the sudden opportunities facing him as certain steps toward attaining that goal.Monroe would prove to be an exceptional addition to Madison's cabinet, both as Secretary of State and as Secretary of War, the latter position to which Monroe was appointed in September 1814. In an unusual twist of fate, Monroe officially left his Secretary of State position on October 1, 1814, but because no successor had yet been named, Monroe filled that post unofficially (in addition to taking on his new post as Secretary of War) from October 1, 1814 through February 28, 1815, at which time Madison's presidency ended, and Monroe's officially began.
Single separation at fold and moderate toning throughout.
Auction Info
2010 October Beverly Hills Signature Historical Manuscripts Auction #6049 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
October, 2010
14th-15th
Thursday-Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 944
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms