Lot 603
Madison, James and James Monroe. Document Signed ("James Madison" and "James Monroe"). Madison signs as President, Monroe as Secretary of State. Partially printed, accomplished in manuscript. In French, Spanish, English, and Dutch. One page, elephant folio, Gloucester, Massachusetts, October 19, 1811. Being an official document allowing passage for a ship bound for Havana. In black ink. With two original wafer seals affixed to lower left. Docketed by notary William Rogers. A three column religious litany, part of which has been identified from a catechism, is written on the verso of this document. With five horizontal and three vertical folds, small splits along folds, one of which slightly affects the first letter of Madison's first name, a few spots and toning. In good condition overall.
Here, Madison and Monroe sign a document, transcribed into four languages, allowing the passage of a schooner named Orlando to Havana with its cargo of "Fish, Hoops, Onions, Potatoes, Sheeting, Sail-Cloth, Shooks and Lumber." Further, the notary public adds a request to Kings, Lords, and notables of other countries, asking that they: "…receive the said master with goodness, and to treat him in a becoming manner, permitting him … to pass, navigate, and frequent the ports, passes and territories…"
An interesting addition to this document is a religious manuscript written on the entire verso of the piece. Although of an unknown author, the discourse covers a range of complex theological issues and includes a set of catechism questions completed with well composed answers.
Estimated Value $1,700 - 2,200.
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| Realized $1,610 |
