War-dated ALS signed “Jas Monroe,” one page, 7.75 x 9.5, July 27, 1813. Letter to Charles Mercer in Alexandria, written in his capacity as secretary of state. In full: “I have seen the Sec'y of War on the subject of your letter which I have just rec'd, & been inform'd by him, that he has sent orders to Gen'l Young to disband the Loudoun militia, and that he has also made an arrangement for advancing them some money on account of their service. He intimated that his order on both points would be rec'd before this reaches you. Should there be any delay, you had better communicate with Gen'l. Young, who will I am satisfied give every facility in his power. To me it will give a sincere pleasure to render you any service in the business.” Addressed on the reverse of the second integral page in Monroe’s hand. In very good to fine condition, with light toning and a small area of seal-related paper loss to integral address leaf.
Mercer, a notable Virginia state politician and lieutenant colonel of a Virginia regiment, likely wrote to Monroe inquiring about the status of payments for soldiers’ service. Administrative inefficiencies and, later, a lack of funds, plagued the federal government during the war and soldiers often went unpaid for months at a time. Secretary of War John Armstrong, Jr., who also infamously maintained that the British would not invade Washington and therefore set up no defense, shouldered much of the blame for the military’s failures and unpreparedness. Forced to resign from James Madison’s cabinet in 1814 after only one year of service, he was replaced by Monroe, who took on the position in addition to his duties as secretary of state. With his understanding of the military and his strong organizational skills, Monroe helped reorganize the army and brought new energy to the war effort. Highly desirable military content in this lengthy handwritten letter. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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