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Founding Father and Fifth President of the United States JAMES MONROE fully handwritten autograph letter signed as incumbent Secretary of State regarding borrowing furniture for his rented house as well as requesting $500 in a note likely to General [Francis] Preston.
JAMES MONROE Autograph Letter Signed Furnishing MONROE HOUSE Handwritten * PSA
$2,500.00
Guaranteed Authentic
Fantastic James Monroe Letter Regarding Furnishing his "Temporary White House"
In 1811, Monroe was elected to his fourth terms as Governor of Virginia, but he quickly resigned after only a few months to accept an appointment by President James Madison as the U.S. Secretary of State, assuming the role in April 1811.
Monroe and his wife Elizabeth tastefully furnished their rented home in Washington with objects acquired in Paris where he served as America’s minister. Following the burning of the White House during the War of 1812, the Monroe residence became the city’s center of social activities. Dolley Madison was a frequent guest. In March 1817, it would gain greater luster when James Monroe was inaugurated as the nation’s fifth chief executive. During the first six months of the new administration, the president and his wife continued to make this their home until the White House was fully restored in September of that year. The first of Monroe’s Inaugural Balls was held in the spacious second-floor parlor.
In full, Monroe writes:
"Dear Sir,
I thank you for your kind communication, I will with pleasure avail myself of the use of your furniture, should I find in taking possession of the rented house that it will be necessary.
Be so good as to send me by the bearer, 500 dollars? And believe me, sincerely yours, JAMES MONROE
Richmond
March 16, 1811"
The Monroe handwritten autograph letter has been thoroughly reviewed and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA EXPERT EXAMINATION. GUARANTEED GENUINE. Letter is encapsulated inside PSA/DNA's proprietary sonically-sealed, tamper-evident holder.
Monroe was the last of the Founding Fathers to serve as President. His greatest achievement as a diplomat was his negotiation of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Elected President of the United States in 1816 and 1820, Monroe resolved long-standing grievances with the British, acquired Florida from Spain in 1819, and proclaimed the "Monroe Doctrine" in 1823.
Condition is as shown with toning, foxing, mailing folds consistent with age, use and handling. Letter measures appx. 4.75" x 7.75" and has been archivally mounted to a larger 7" x 10.75" sheet inside 10" x 13" encapsulate. Missing original red wax seal on verso.
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Own a remarkable, museum-quality piece of American history! The perfect acquisition for the Presidential collector, autograph enthusiast, or history buff.
Sold as is, as shown.