[ Autograph ] James Monroe 1758-1831 Fifth President of the United States who negotiated the Louisiana Purchase and promulgated the Monroe Doctrine. Scarce D.S. "Jas. Monroe" as Secretary of State, lp.sm. folio, [Washington], 1812, a partly-printed document headed "Instructions For The Private Armed Vessels Of The United States". The document deals with instructions given to privateers as to the manner and locations in which they may seize British prizes, and reads in part: "...You may nevertheless execute your commission within that distance of the shore of a nation at war with Great Britain, and even on the waters within the jurisdiction of such nation pay the strictest regard to the rights of neutral powers avoideven the appearance of using force or seduction [proceed] with all the justice and humanity which characterize the nation of which you are members... " This particular document was issued to Percival Grant, commander of the armed schooner "Highflier' The attached integral leaf contains two pages of detailed instructions in the formof "An Act concerning Letters of Marque, prizes and Prize Goods", signed in type at conclusion by James Madison and Henry Clay. Folds with a pinhole at fold junction, otherwise very good condition.