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autographs 
autographs |
Document 42429 JAMES MADISON. Free frank: "James Madison" as Jefferson's Secretary of State penned below the words "Department of State", 6½x3½. Addressed in another hand to: "James Fairlie Esqr/New York". Postmarked: "Wash. City. Jun 24". Madison served as President Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State from 1801-1809. The privilege to send mail under a "frank" (whereby a lawmaker's signature serves as postage) is one of the oldest prerogatives of office ever granted to members of a legislative body. The First Continental Congress, borrowing an idea that originated in the British House of Commons in 1660, enacted mailing privileges for its members on November 8, 1775. It was then extended to other government officials, including the Department of State. As President Jefferson's Secretary of State, Madison protested to warring France and Britain that their seizure of American ships was contrary to international law. Despite the unpopular Embargo Act of 1807, which did not make the belligerent nations change their ways but did cause a depression in the United States, Madison was elected President in 1808. The Embargo Act was repealed before he took office. Folds, vertical fold touches the "a" in Madison. Tape stain at upper right, originally used to attach a 1¼-inch separation, just touches the top of the "a" in Madison. Overall, fine condition. Framed in the Gallery of History style: 30x18. SEE IF DOCUMENT 42429 IS FOR SALE RIGHT NOW!!
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