Partly-printed DS, signed “Jas Monroe,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 13.5, no date. “An Act concerning Letters of Marque, Prizes and Prize Goods,” issued to Captain Adoniram Allen, commander of the private armed boat called the Madison. The printed instructions on the last page read:
“1. The tenor of your commission under the act of Congress, entitled ‘An act concerning letters of marquee, prizes, and prize goods,’ a copy of which is hereto annexed, will be kept constantly in your view. The high seas, referred to in your commission, you will understand, generally, to extend to low water mark; but with the exception of the space within one league, or three miles, from the shore of countries at peace both with Great Britain and with the United States. You may nevertheless execute your commission within that distance of the shore of a nation at war with Great Britain, and even on the waters within the jurisdiction of such nation, if permitted to do so.
“2. You are to pay the strictest regard to the rights of neutral powers, and the usages of civilized nations…You are particularly to avoid even the appearance of using force or seduction, with a view to deprive such vessels of their crews, or of their passengers, other than persons in the military service of the enemy.
“3. Towards enemy vessels and their crews, you are to proceed, in exercising the rights of war, with all the justice and humanity which characterize the nation of which you are members.
“4. The master and one or more of the principal persons belonging to captured vessels, are to be sent, as soon after the capture as may be, to the judge or judges of the proper court in the United States.”
In very good condition, with intersecting folds, chipping and wear to right edge of signed page, scattered light toning and foxing, and several pencil notations.
In the War of 1812—during which this order was issued—the United States had yet to establish a standing navy, instead issuing these letters of marque, which authorized a private party to seize or destroy a designated target, such as merchant ships of an enemy nation. This document, issued to the captain of the intriguingly named “Madison” sometime between 1812 and 1815, empowered him to take such action against British vessels. Monroe obviously found himself a good ship, as in 1813, the Madison—with one gun onboard—captured a British transport ship loaded with a cannon, muskets, and valuable cargo such as clothing, camp equipment, and wine. In the process, the Madison also escaped the clutches of a well-armed, 21-gun British ship! An engaging look at 19th century warfare. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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