MONROE JAMES Printed Document Signed Jas Monroe as Secretary

Sale 2376 - Lot 108

Price Realized: $ 1,250

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Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 1,500

DO NOT INTERFERE WITH U.S. SHIPS ARRIVING FROM ENEMY BRITAIN MONROE, JAMES. Printed Document Signed, "Jas Monroe," as Secretary of State, ordering the "public and private armed vessels of the United States" to not "interrupt any vessels belonging to citizens of the United States coming from British ports to the United States laden with British merchandize, . . . but are on the contrary to give aid . . . ." Addressed to Captain George Crowningshield, Jr., in an unknown hand. 1 page, 4to, with integral address leaf; cataloguing numbers at upper edge of first page and right edge of terminal page in red ink, tiny holes at fold intersections. (TFC) Washington, 28 August 1812

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Two months after the U.S. instigated the War of 1812, British trade policies ordering the seizure of the crew and cargo of American ships were repealed, prompting Monroe to issue the present order. These policies, the "British Orders in Council," were responsible for the practice of forcing British sailors thought to be deserters--as well as any Americans found on board--into service in Britain's war with France. Such "impressment" was an important cause of the War.