Two autograph letters - photo 1
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Two autograph letters

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$ 20 160
Auction dateClassic
02.02.2024 10:00UTC -04:00
Auctioneer
CHRISTIE'S
Event location
USA, New York
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ID 1129824
Lot 204 | Two autograph letters
MADISON, James (1751 - 1836). Letter signed twice ("James Madison" once at the conclusion, once on the address panel) as President to the chairman of the Republicans of the Town of Litchfield, Washington, 24 March 1809.

Two pages, 200 x 249mm (integral address panel present yet separated, some loss to lower corner, approx. 25mm split at lower fold).

Madison smears the conduct of "the Belligerent Powers" France and Great Britain for trampling on American neutrality. This letter is a response to a 13 March 1809 letter sent to him by a meeting of the Republicans of the Town of Litchfield, which forwards him resolutions adopted at that meeting. These resolutions notably reflect on the outrages of Great Britain and France, insist on neutrality in the conflict in Europe, and accuse any American apologist or supporter of either nations as "...a disgrace to the name & a traitor to his Country..." In his response here, Madison thanks the gathering for their note, adding: "...The conduct, as unexampled as unprovoked, by which the Belligerent Powers, have trampled on the rights of neutral nations, and in some instances added peculiar insults to the injuries done to the US. naturally excite the feelings which these resolutions manifest..." He then heaps praise on the meeting for following their civic duty, adding "...It affords pleasure therefore to observe in the proceedings of the Meeting at Litchfield, sentiments & pledges so well corresponding with this duty. In inculcating the vital importance of the Union, and a faithful maintenance of its Constitution & laws, they have evinced a knowledge, of the true sources of the public welfare, as well as a laudable zeal, in promoting it...."

[With:] MADISON, James (1751 - 1836). Autograph letter signed ("James Madison") to then-Governor of Maryland John Francis Mercer, Orange County, VA [Montpelier], 11 August 1803.

Two pages with fragments of integral leaf, 200 x 246mm (partial fold separation repaired on the verso, some central tears and loss to the edges, largely unintrusive of text, two spots of loss filled in).

Madison writes to collect a debt: "In the last interview which I had...with you in Washington on your return to Annapolis, you requested me to state the facts on which you might liquidate the balance between us. This I did not do until my return home had brought my papers under my inspection. On looking into them there I find that the original debt is evidenced by a promissory note from you for $600.00 … dated October 11, 1783 and by a bill of exchange on you... In your favor I recollect a payment in Richmond probably in the year 1784 for about £100 currency of this state; to which is to be added $350.00..." The October 11 promissory note is referenced in the Papers of James Madison. Also referenced in the Madison papers is the November 12, 1784 letter from Mercer to Madison, alluded to here, in which Mercer apologizes for his delayed repayment, remits $400, and promised to send the balance once his "Crops can be converted into cash". The integral leaf bears "Governor Mercer" and "Annapolis" in Madison's hand, and Mercer dockets there above near the seal.
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