LS, as secretary of state, one page, 7.25 x 9, July 12, 1805. A printed “Circular to the Consuls and Commercial Agents of the United States" instructing them to cease the issuance of old certificates issued to Americans purchasing foreign vessels. In full: “The multiplied abuses of the certificates which the Consuls of the United States were, by the instructions of the 1st August, 1801, authorized to give in the case of foreign vessels, purchased by a citizen of the United States, notwithstanding the precautions taken against them, have led to the conclusion, that a discontinuance of the certificates altogether, is the only effectual remedy. You will therefore forbear to grant any certificate whatever relative to such purchases, except to those who may satisfy you that the purchase was made without knowing this alteration in your instructions. Accordingly you will publicly advertise, that you are restrained from issuing certificates in such cases, with the sole exception just mentioned; and also from allowing the exception itself, after the expiration of two months from the date of the advertisement. To the commercial Agents in France new commissions, accommodated to the existing from of government therein, are enclosed herewith.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 12.25 x 14. In very good condition, with a tear to right edge, as well as three smaller tears along right edge.
In 1805, Madison was serving as Jefferson’s secretary of state. In that role, he wrote this letter regarding the issuance of certificates to Americans purchasing foreign vessels with the purpose of distinguishing between American and foreign property. The decision to repudiate the old policy likely related to the naval crisis which erupted between the U.S. and Britain in the summer of 1805. American neutrality had been tested since the resumption of conflict between Great Britain and France in 1803, and came to a head in 1805 when Lord Nelson defeated the French fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. Great Britain thus ruled the waves, and reinterpreted its Rule of 1756, a policy to restrict trade with neutrals during wartime. A new interpretation was set forth in the Essex Decision to permit capture of neutral American vessels trading with France and her colonies. Madison wrote a 204-page tract railing against the Rule of 1756, arguing that the policy had no legal foundation, but to no avail. Britain began a blockade of French ports and seized American merchant vessels, ignoring their neutrality claims. These hostile acts would hasten the War of 1812, a conflict that would dominate Madison’s presidency. An exceptional document from Madison’s tenure as secretary of state. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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