[ Autograph ] James Madison 1751-1836 Fourth President of the UnitedStates considered the "Father of the Constitution", he authored the Federalist Papers and sponsored the Bill of Rights. Scarce partly- printed D.S. "James Madison' as President, lp. folio, Washington, Dec 17, 1813 At the height of hostilities in the War of 1812, Madison approves a document making a privateer of an American vessel. In part "...I have commissioned the private armed Schooner called the Fly ofthe burthen of thirty-nine & 28/95th tons mounting four swivels and one carriage gun, and navigated by twenty men [authorised to] seize and take any armed or unarmed British vessel, public or private and such captured vessel together with all British persons to bring within some port of the United States [under] the rights of the United States as a power at war..." Counter signed by future President James Monroe as Secretary of State. Pinhole at two fold junctions otherwise very good condition.