Nov 20, 2014 - Sale 2367

Sale 2367 - Lot 20

Price Realized: $ 1,375
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200
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 . . . ." 1 page, 4to, with integral blank; mounted along center vertical fold to larger sheet, minor loss to lower right corner expertly repaired with tissue, minor even toning, horizontal folds. (MRS) Washington, 28 August 1812

Additional Details

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instigated the War of 1812, British trade policies ordering the seizure of the crew and cargo of American ships were repealed, prompting Monroe to issue the present order.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.