Description:

JAMES MADISON
(1751-1836) Fourth President of the United States considered the "Father of the Constitution", he authored the Federalist papers and sponsored the Bill of Rights. Fine content partly-printed D.S. as President, 1p. oblong folio, Washington, Jan. 14, 1815, a privateer's commission issued to "...Richard Sutton of Portland in the State of Massachusetts Merchant..." for his "...private armed Schooner called the Fly of Portland of the burden of thirty nine & 28/95 tons... mounting one carriage gun, and navigated by twenty two men..." Capt. William Thomas was authorized to "...subdue, seize, and take any armed or unarmed British vessel, public or private, which shall be found within the jurisdictional limits of the United States, or elsewhere on the high seas, or within the waters of the British dominions..." Countersigned by JAMES MONROE as Secretary of State. With white paper seal of the United States. Ironically, the War of 1812 had been technically over for a month, the Treaty of Ghent being signed on December 14, 1814. However it took about six weeks for the news to reach the Americas. In the meantime, Andrew Jackson was able to make his famous stand at New Orleans (Jan. 8), sealing his place in American history. usual folds, with minor split at one intersection, lightly toned at margins, else fine condition.

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May 13, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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