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Document 5172 JAMES MADISON The President, who spent his personal funds to replace items lost when the British burned the White House, cashes a $50 check. Partly Printed Check filled out and signed: "James Madison" as fourth U.S. President, 1p, 6¼x2¾. Washington, 1815 January 7. This check drawn on the Bank of Columbia, is made payable by the Father of the Constitution to "A.B." for fifty dollars. Making a check payable to "A.B." was the same as making it payable to "Self" or "Cash". When President Madison made this check out to himself, he and his wife Dolley were refugees from the White House, which had been torched by the British four and a half months earlier on August 24, 1814. The Madisons moved to The Octagon, considered the most elegant house of its time in Washington, D.C., and made it their temporary home during the rebuilding of the White House. The President and First Lady lost a majority of their personal effects in the fire, and Madison personally replaced items he had lost in order to make The Octagon livable and proper presidential quarters. This check was most probably cashed by Madison to replenish his cash on hand. Six weeks after this check, on February 17, 1815, the President proclaimed the end of the War of 1812 from The Octagon. Three cancellation marks do not touch signature. Madison evidently began signing his name, then erased the first letter and wrote over it. Irregular corners. Overall, fine condition. SEE IF DOCUMENT 5172 IS FOR SALE RIGHT NOW!!
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