[ Autographs ] JAMES MONROE (1758 - 1831) Fifth President of the United States who negotiated the Louisiana Purchase and promulgated the Monroe Doctrine. Partly-printed D.S. "Jas. Monroe" as Secretary of State, 1p. oblong 8vo., [Washington, ca. 1812], forwarding instructions to privateers commissioned by the United States to seize British shipping worldwide. The document is headed: "INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PRIVATE ARMED VESSELS OF THE UNITED STATES" and reads in part: "..pay the strictest regards to the rights of neutral powers, and the usages of civilized nations...You may execute your commission... proceed with all justice and humanity which characterizes [our] nation..The master[s] ...of captured vessels, are to be sent...to the judge or judges of the proper court..." Slight edge wear, otherwise very good and bearing a bold signature.