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Document 43042

JAMES MONROE
During tense times with England, President Madison orders U.S. citizens not to interfere with American vessels carrying British goods from England.
Printed DS: "Jas Monroe" as Madison's Secretary of State, in ink, 1p, 7¾x9¼. Washington City, 1812 August 28. Titled: "Additional Instruction to the public and private armed vessels of the United States." In full: "The public and private armed vessels of the United States are not to interrupt any vessels belonging to citizens of the United States coming from British ports to the United States laden with British merchandize, in consequence of the alledged (sic) repeal of the British Orders in Council, but are on the contrary to give aid and assistance to the same; in order that such vessels and their cargoes may be dealt with on their arrival as may be decided by the competent authorities. By command of the President of the United States of America." Trade with Great Britain was critical to the U.S. economy at this time. However, Britain's conflict with Napoleonic France caused the British to seize American ships, impress seamen from them (some of whom were U.S. citizens) and attempt to keep U.S. ships from reaching French ports. After these prolonged actions, on June 18, 1812, President Madison officially proclaimed the United States to be at war with Great Britain. Ironically, five days later on June 23, 1812, Great Britain, not yet aware of the Declaration of War, repealed the British Orders in Council that had hampered U.S. shipping. So this order was implemented during the period when Great Britain believed that it was still at peace with the U.S. JAMES MONROE served as Secretary of State under James Madison from 1811 to 1817 and concurrently served as Secretary of War from October 1814 to March 1815. Chemical reaction of the ink in his signature to the paper has resulted in a halo-like staining behind the signature. Lightly creased with light folds, 1 vertical touches the "n" in Monroe. Pinhead-size hole touches the letter of 1 printed word. Overall, fine condition.

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