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LS as secretary of state, signed “Jas. Monroe,” one page, 8 x 12.5, November 26, 1811. Letter to "The Governor of Massachusetts," Elbridge Gerry, in full: "I have the Honor to transmit, herewith, for the use of the Executive of the State of Massachusetts, a printed copy of the Third Census, or Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States." In fine condition, with some old paper residue along the left edge.
Elbridge Gerry had served as Governor of Massachusetts since 1810 and had been recently re-elected. On February 11, 1812, Gerry signed a bill that redrew state districts to favor his Democratic-Republican Party in the Massachusetts State Senate. These contorted districts, when colored in on a map, were said to resemble a salamander, giving birth to the 'Gerrymander'—a term that lives on today. It is quite probable that Gerry made use of the 1810 census being sent in this letter to determine just how to re-district the state. A fascinating association piece in many ways.
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