- More
James Madison Retained Autograph Draft of a Letter as President to William Miller, Governor of North Carolina....
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
James Madison Retained Autograph Draft of a Letter as President to William Miller, Governor of North Carolina. One page, 7.75" x 9.75"; Washington, January 4, 1816. Madison pens a response to having received a vote of thanks from the North Carolina legislature at the close of the War of 1812. In part: " I have rec'd your communication of the 28th. ult. and I can not be insensible to the approbation [expres]sed of my conduct during a momentous period by the Legislature of a state which bore with distinguished patriotism its share of the trials which were encountered. In recommending the appeal to arms, the reluctant duty was prescribed by the honor and sanctioned by the voice of the nation; and in concurring in a peace which provided for its interest and elevated its character, I consulted not less the obligations of my public trust, than the principles which I have ever cherished. The arduous contest with the augmentation of its pressures, from fortuitous events, through which our country has successfully passed, may now be reviewed with instruction as well as with congratulations, and the review will never fail to encourage a confidence in the energies of a free people, and in the blessing of Heaven on a just cause..."When Madison assumed office in 1809 he inherited critical challenges with France and Britain that had incubated during the Jefferson administration. The 1807 Embargo Act and 1809 Non-Intercourse Act were most damaging to the North, and the public support voiced by North Carolina's General Assembly at that time was especially important.
With the successful ending of the ensuing War of 1812, North Carolina again publicly voiced their support of President Madison with a legislative vote of thanks in 1815; and the letter offered here is Madison's response of gratitude. A final version of this letter was published in the Niles' Weekly Register edition of Saturday, December 16, 1816.
The letter offered here is an early draft with numerous emendations. Originally unsigned, a clipped signature, "James Madison" has been affixed at the closing. From the Estate of Malcolm S. Forbes.
Condition: The letter is very fragile, and has been affixed to a sheet of paper along the vertical edges. There is a complete jagged separation running through the center, as well as at several horizontal folds. Tape stains from earlier repairs, soiling and some dampstaining. Chips of paper loss affect a few words. This historic letter is certainly worthy of restoration.
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $200,000 (minimum $19), plus 20% of any amount between $200,000 and $2,000,000, plus 12% of any amount over $2,000,000 per lot.
Calculate Standard Domestic Shipping Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)Currency
Ends on 12/07/2019
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 12/07/2019
US Coins
Ends on 12/07/2019
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 12/07/2019
Ethnographic Art
Ends on 12/07/2019
Fine Art
Ends on 12/07/2019
Fine & Rare Wine
Ends on 12/07/2019
Entertainment
Ends on 12/07/2019
Luxury Accessories
Ends on 12/08/2019
Jewelry & Timepieces
Ends on 12/08/2019
Arms & Armor
Ends on 12/08/2019
Jewelry & Timepieces
Ends on 12/10/2019
Decorative Art
Ends on 12/12/2019
Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 12/13/2019
Arms & Armor
Ends on 12/14/2019
US Coins
Ends on 12/15/2019
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 12/29/2019
Currency
Opens about 12/20/2019
US Coins
Opens about 12/20/2019
Currency
Opens about 12/20/2019
Decorative Art
Opens about 12/19/2019
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 12/11/2019
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 12/17/2019
US Coins
Opens about 12/16/2019
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 12/23/2019
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 12/26/2019
Fine Art
Opens about 12/31/2019
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 12/26/2019
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 12/30/2019
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 01/08/2020
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 01/24/2020
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 01/05/2020
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
The department director has the heart of a true and highly knowledgeable collector with the business acumen of someone who has been not only successful but has decades of an impeccable track recordView More Testimonials
HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. (Source: Similarweb.com)
Video tutorial
Getting the most out of search
Recent auctions
