Collection Search

to an unknown recipient re: election of Jefferson as President

Offering his congratulations "on the election of Mr. Jefferson." The correct date is February (not July).

GLC03931

to [John Jay] re: France's concern over terms of Jay's treaty

Discusses France's concern with the terms of Jay's Treaty. Recipient inferred from contents.

GLC04925

to John Jay

Writing as a member of the Continental Congress, Monroe seeks Jay's attendance at a meeting and input on the issues of governing territories and establishing an Indian Department. Indicates that the questions will pertain to whether or not the...

GLC03654

"Commencement" address to Congress

Commencement Message of President Monroe to both houses of Congress. Begins with positive assessment of America's situation and a discussion of a trade agreement with Great Britain. Then gets into relations with Spain, the real thrust of the speech...

GLC05569

[Draft introductory letter to French government]

Written by Monroe as American Minister to France, shortly after his arrival in the republic in August 1794. He replaced Gouverneur Morris. A draft of his introductory letter presenting his credentials and affirming his "profound interest which the...

GLC06326

Virginia court procedures for appointing Justices of the Peace

Printed document signed. Paper losses due to ink decay

GLC06932

to Comite des Finances [in French]

Appealing to the Committee of Finances, he asks for justice on behalf of Jacques Le Ray. He relates what Le Ray's son, James, has told him about his father. The letter praises both father and son for their staunch defense of "the cause of liberty"...

GLC06683

to Robert R. Livingston re: letter of introduction, Livingston's appointment

Expressing satisfaction in Livingston's appointment as Minister to France. With clipping adhered to document. Docketed on address leaf.

GLC02495

to William Plumer

Circular letter notifying the governor of New Hampshire of the declaration of war made against Britain, officially beginning the War of 1812. Letter sent with copies of the act declaring war and a report of the Committee of Foreign Relations (not...

GLC00639.22

[Pardon of Patrick Neady for an unspecified felony]

Countersigned by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. Neady had been convicted in Washington in December 1817. Pardoned after the jury and the judge in the case recommended mercy.

GLC00744

to Callender Irvine

The secretary of state informs the commissary general of purchases that an appropriation of $60,000 had been made to him for contingency expenses for the execution of the War of 1812.

GLC00786

to John Quincy Adams

Letter written by Monroe as President to an unnamed recipient. The recipient is likely John Quincy Adams, however; this is inferred based on the content and on information in John Quincy Adams diary, discussing his meeting with Monroe on this topic...

GLC00969

to House of Representatives

Recommends Congress grant a request by the government of Norway that the United States provide reciprocity of a policy reducing port duties and cargo unlading fees for U.S. vessels using Norwegian harbors. Letter written a year before the Monroe...

GLC01107

[Appointment of David B. Mitchell as Commissioner of the United States]

Countersigned by John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State. Appoints Mitchell a commissioner to negotiate with the Creek Nation of Indians in Georgia.

GLC01255

Additional Instruction to the public and private armed vessels of the United States.

Signed as Secretary of State. In response to the repeal of British Orders in Council, instructs naval and privateering ships to assist, rather than obstruct, any American owned ships bringing British goods to the United States. Issued shortly after...

GLC01494

Cartel for the exchange of prisoners of war, between Great Britain and the United States of America

Broadside reprinting terms of prisoner exchange agreed to by the American and British governments. Includes notations on the right and left margins of the document. Signed by Secretary of State James Monroe and Tho. Barclay.

GLC01621

Additional instruction to the public and private armed vessels of the United States.

Signed by Monroe as Secretary of State, directed to privateers. In response to the repeal of British Orders in Council, instructs naval and privateering ships to assist American-owned vessels bringing British goods to the United States. Issued...

GLC01665

to Robert Swartwout

Letter written by Monroe as President to Swartwout, the former Quartermaster-General from March 1813 to June 1816. Monroe was Secretary of War from 1814 to 1815 and Swartwout reported to him during that point in the War of 1812. Swartwout apparently...

GLC01743.01

[A general account of General Robert Swartwout's duties]

Written by Monroe as Secretary of State, recollecting the appointment and duties of Quartermaster-General Robert Swartwout, who served from March 1813 to June 1816. Monroe also served as Secretary of War in 1814-1815 and would have been his superior...

GLC01743.02

to Robert Patterson

Signed as Secretary of State to the Director of the Mint, Patterson. The Mint, in Philadelphia, was being repaired. It was unaffected by the British invasion of Washington.

GLC02002

[Promotion of Joseph R. Smith to Second Lieutenant in the Second Regiment of Infantry].

Countersigned by Secretary of War Calhoun. One bust engraving of George Clinton, first governor of New York, two bust engravings of James Monroe, and one bust engraving of John C. Calhoun included.

GLC00019

to Thomas Rutter

Secretary of State Monroe transmits to "The Marshal of the District of Maryland" a printed copy of the record of the third Congress of the United States. Monroe states that he knows Rutter will find it gratifying since Rutter "participated in the...

GLC00043.03

to Thomas Rutter

Secretary of State Monroe transmits a printed copy of a notice to foreign nationals living near coastal areas. Rutter was marshal of Maryland from 1804 to 1817.

GLC00043.04

to Thomas Rutter

Secretary of State Monroe elaborates on what course of action is to be taken involving "peculiar and extraordinary cases of hardship, and where the character and deportment of the parties entitle them to peculiar consideration..." Rutter was marshal...

GLC00043.05

to Thomas Rutter

President Monroe urges U.S. Marshal Rutter to promptly list the names of the customs officers who must appear as trial witnesses in Richmond in the case of the Brig Romp.

GLC00043.08

[Pardon of Enoch Spaulding for breach of the peace]

Countersigned by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. Pardoned from paying fine and court costs and freed from imprisonment due to his poverty and his family's dependence upon him.

GLC00045.04

[Pardon of Daniel Easterbrooks for smuggling coffee]

Countersigned by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. Easterbrooks was convicted in Bristol, Rhode Island, in 1822 and pardoned since it was his first offense, expressed regret for the crime, and was unable to pay the fine.

GLC00045.05

[Pardon of Felix McNamare for felonious act]

Signed by James Monroe. Countersigned by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. Pardoned since McNamare had served a large portion of his two-year sentence and there were circumstances tending to the mitigation of the offense. Accompanied by a paper...

GLC00068.03

to Landon Carter

Monroe, Secretary of State, replies to a letter and carriage model he recently received from Carter. Informs Carter that he delivered these items to the patent office immediately. Monroe had become Secretary of State just two months earlier.

GLC00124

Message from the President of the United States, to both houses of Congress, at the commencement of the first session of the fifteenth Congress.

Monroe reports that Amelia Island, near the Georgia boundary, had been seized and was "being made a channel for the illicit introduction of slaves from Africa into the United States, an asylum for fugitive slaves from the neighboring states, and a...

GLC00267.030

Message from the President of the United States ... relating to the occupation of Amelia Island.

Full title reads, "Message from the President of the United States, transmitting, in pursuance of a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 20th instant, information, not heretofore communicated, relating to the occupation of Amelia Island...

GLC00267.032

Message from the President of the United States, to both houses of Congress, at the Commencement of the Second Session of the Eighteenth Congress.

Describes the joint efforts of the U.S. and Britain to suppress the slave trade, which the Monroe administration proposed to define as piracy. Also discusses the rights of U.S. vessels during recent wars. Document no. 2. Printed by Gales & Seaton....

GLC00267.033

to John Steele

James Monroe advises the collector of customs in Philadelphia on the rules to follow regarding released British prisoners of war sailing home. Also requests that the secretary of state's office be informed of every cartel sailing from Steele's...

GLC00323

[Collection of 2 items concerning James Monroe as Minister to France] [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC00496.065

[Report defending actions as Minister to France]

Draft. Defense of actions taken and request for reimbursement of debts incurred while Minister to France. Monroe was Minister to France from 1794-1796. Proof of innocence regarding government-subsidized housing is found in GLC00496.065.02.

GLC00496.065.01

[Advertisement for sale of land]

Advertisement written by Monroe as Secretary of State for the sale of 2000 acres of land in Loudoun County, Virginia. He had been attempting to sell the land to liquidate his debts as early as 1814, when he placed advertisements in various newspapers...

GLC00496.067

[Appointment of Robert S. Falconer to Surgeon's Mate in the U.S. Navy]

Countersigned by Secretary of Navy Smith Thompson. Registered by John H. Sherburne. Document says President Monroe has nominated, and the Senate has consented to, the appointment of Robert S. Falconer to Surgeon's's Mate in the U.S. Navy. Includes...

GLC00496.068

to unknown

Written by Monroe as President to an unknown recipient. He is anxious about Samuel Gouverneur, his son-in-law and private secretary, and his child, perhaps because they are ill. Sent down letters with John Coburn because there was no mail going out...

GLC00496.070

Authorization for transfer of funds

Authorizes the transfer "from the Appropriation for the Pay of Subsistence of the Marine Corps to the Appropriation for Clothing the Marine Corps, The sum of Ten Thousand Dollars." Permitted by virtue of the May 1, 1820 "Act further to amend the...

GLC00496.072

[Deed from the General Land Office]

Document signed by President Monroe and countersigned by George Graham as Commissioner of the General Land Office. Proclaims the sale of U.S. land in Huntsville, Alabama, to Jesse Coe acting as assignee for John L. Doxey. Paper seal still extant.

GLC00496.073

[Appointment of Morris S. Miller to negotiate a treaty with the Seneca Indians of New York]

Countersigned by Calhoun as Secretary of War. Appointing Miller to make a treaty to obtain Seneca reservation land.

GLC02768

to Col. Samuel Lane re: a proposal to sell his own furniture to the White House

Written as President, noting "a considerable deficiency, in the sum appropriated" to furnish the White House and proposing that he leave some personal furniture "at a fair price".

GLC02793.013

to [William Benton] re: sending supplies and slaves "the business of the slaves"

Written as President. Recipient inferred from content.

GLC02793.014

to an unidentified recipient re: business affairs & profitability of his estate

Written as President

GLC02793.015

to Dr. Charles Worthington re: arranging for Mrs. Monroe to have blood drawn

Written as President. he remarks that his wife's "head and nervous system have been very much affected since the last drawing room."

GLC02793.016

to John C. Calhoun

Written by President Monroe to Calhoun as Secretary of War. Declares that the measures Calhoun have taken in regard to the Seminole Indians have been proper. Says that "Unprincipled settlers" should be driven away, and that "It was correct also to...

GLC02859

to unknown

Indicates that he is sending a favorable examination of claims due to Henry Clay for his role in negotiating a "commercial treaty with G Britain, jointly with Mr Adams & Mr Gallatin, which you will Find in his Favor". Written as President.

GLC02897

to James McCulloch

Monroe, Secretary of State, informs McCulloch, collector of customs in Baltimore, of a violation of United States laws by the Mangoree, a South American Schooner. States that the Mangoree reported herself on 28 December 1816 in the Baltimore port....

GLC03197

to unknown

Written by Monroe in retirement to an unknown recipient, but the collateral file has paperwork that says it is to Tench Ringgold. That cannot be confirmed, although it is possible. Ringgold was a well known Republican politician in Washington, D.C...

GLC03338.02

To the Inhabitants of the town of Saco

Written by Monroe as President during his tour of the country after his victory in the election of November 1816. This tour echoed the famous tours of America President George Washington made in 1789 and 1791. The tour inaugurated what is known as...

GLC03400

Message from the President of the United States transmitting copies of the instructions given to the ministers of the United States appointed to negotiate a peace with Great Britain

Printed by Roger C. Weightman. Includes letters from Secretary of State James Monroe to United States commissioners appointed to negotiate peace with Great Britain in order to end the War of 1812. Discusses reports received by Monroe from John...

GLC03436.05

[Pardon of Henry F. Doyhar for keeping a billiard table without a license].

Countersigned by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. Fined $150. Pardoned because of his misunderstanding of the licensing requirements and his indigent circumstances.

GLC03655

to George Hay

President Monroe writes to Hay, his son-in-law. Monroe discusses a recent political plan (possibly the Missouri Compromise), stating "My own opinion always has been that the union cannot be shaken, tho I greatly lament that a question like the...

GLC03656

[Draft of first inaugural address]

First draft of president-elect Monroe's inauguration address. Monroe gave the address, with substantial changes, on 4 March 1817, beginning the Era of Good Feelings. The speech was the first outdoor inauguration since Washington's in 1789. Monroe's...

GLC03880

to Moses Abbott

Written by Monroe as Secretary of State. Monroe apparently owes Abbott a substantial debt, saying he will pay to his order five hundred dollars by Mr. Dabney next week and the balance in 90 days. Says his farms in Albemarle and Loudoun Counties in...

GLC03908

to Simon Snyder

Secretary of State Monroe indicates that, in response to the British leaving Baltimore after the Battle of Baltimore, the orders for the Pennsylvania militia were being revised. They are now ordered to protect Philadelphia against a potential attack...

GLC04044

to unknown recipient

A confidential letter written as President. Explains that he is at home recovering from fatigue due to travel, but will return to the city shortly. Refers to his friendly relationship with the current President of the Bank of the United States...

GLC03371

to John Francis Mercer

Monroe, a member of the Confederation Congress, informs Mercer, member of the Virginia House of Delegates, that a secretary will soon be appointed to assist John Adams as Minister to Great Britain. States that James McHenry, also a member of the...

GLC02861

to unknown

Letter written as President. Unaddressed, but probably to Post Master General John McLean. Mentions that they will discuss modifications and improvements that can be made to the department when they meet. Requests that he prepare a statement showing...

GLC01744

Letter from the Secretary of State

One pamphlet entitled Letter from the Secretary of State Transmitting a list of the Names of Persons to Whom Patents Have Been Issued For any New or Useful Art, Machine, Manufacture, or Composition of Matter, Or any Improvement Theron from January...

GLC09991

to Congressman Poinsett

Continues long battle with Congress for reimbursement of expences incurred while Ambassador: "If there be any reason why the committee should report no opinion on my claims, I should presume, that it would not apply, to the other object, that of...

GLC08330

{Cumberland Road}

Commitment to build the infrastructure of the United States through a contract with contractor James Kinkhead: "To build and construct in a workmanlike manner, all the Bridges and Culverts which shall be necessary on that part of the United States...

GLC08346

to unknown

Monroe discusses the establishment of a standing militia. He also criticizes the Hartford Convention, arguing that it may lengthen the War of 1812. Authorizes military protection for the Springfield Arsenal, should it be necessary. A half-sheet of...

GLC05280

to: Unknown.

Discusses his ill health, Napoleon's demise and a treaty with Algiers

GLC05281

to Isaac Shelby

Secretary of State Monroe sends a circular letter to the governor of Kentucky transmitting an act (not included) authorizing the raising of troops and requesting men from Shelby's state. Written a few weeks after the Battle of New Orleans and a few...

GLC05323

State papers concerning members of Jefferson's government

Compilation of printed "State papers" concerning principal members of Thomas Jefferson's governments. re: Privateering and shipping interests

GLC05349

to Charles Everett

Announces the arrival of the Treaty of Ghent in Washington, D.C., which ended the War of 1812, and favorably assesses it as "perfectly honorable to the UStates." Also comments that the Battle of New Orleans "gives its men a splendour which will...

GLC05568

to unknown

Written by former president Monroe to an unknown recipient. Says the Secretary of the Colonization Society in Washington has informed him of the intent of the recipient of this letter to go to England to solicit funds. The Secretary asked Monroe to...

GLC05664

[Patent for John Babcock's improvement in printer's ball stocks]

Signed by Monroe as President. Countersigned by John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State and William Wirt as Attorney General. Babcock's description (page two) countersigned by R. J. Ingersoll and William Scott as witnesses. Contains a covered seal...

GLC06239

[Patent for James Morgan's improvement in warping, dressing, and weaving cotton goods by water or other power]

Signed by Monroe as President. Countersigned by John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State and William Wirt as Attorney General. Contains a seal and red ribbon.

GLC06240

[Arkansas land grant]

Signed by Monroe as President and countersigned by Josiah Meigs as Commissioner of the General Land Office. Also signed by "J. Wheaton," apparently a clerk in the land office who recorded the grant and by a "Will. Blanchard" on verso at the docket...

GLC06418.03

[Patent for George Smith's improvement in medicine, entitled anti-dyspeptic pills]

Signed by Monroe as President. Countersigned by John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State and William Wirt as Attorney General. Contains a seal and blue ribbon.

GLC06470

to Lord Holland

Introduces Mr. Lynch who can provide information on American public affairs and dispel British misconceptions about the Marquis de Lafayette's reception in America. Lafayette's triumphant tour of the United States raised concerns in England.

GLC06684

President's Message. National Intelligencer Extra

Monroe's address to the second session of the fifteenth Congress. Printed in 5 columns. Brigham 1: 103.

GLC06759

to John Francis Mercer

Written by Monroe as a major in William Alexander's (aka Lord Stirling) brigade of George Washington's army to Colonel Mercer, captain in the 3rd Virginia Regiment. Recipient is inferred from the third page of the letter where Monroe asks for...

GLC07111

to unknown

James Monroe discusses his diplomatic mission to France during the winter of 1796-1797. He requests a copy of the proceedings of the Hartford Convention, which took place during the winter of 1814-1815.

GLC00306

to unknown

Discusses a meeting with French diplomats regarding Treaty of Amity and adoption of a national free market. Reports on Mr. Paine's and Mme. Lafayette's imprisonment. Transcribed duplicate letter signed with a closing note.

GLC00496.060

to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Regarding Mr. Marbois' help in negotiating Spanish territory east of the Mississippi River. Maurice Talleyrand-Périgord was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, intermittently, from 1797-1815.

GLC00496.061

Mr. Monroe's claims

Written by Monroe in retirement after his presidency. Starting in 1825, in order to pull himself out of $75,000 of debt and save his Oak Hill estate, he requested reimbursement of back salary and expenses from his diplomatic missions and governmental...

GLC00496.062

Major Mountflorence

Note to himself about Mountflorence's information-gathering. Mountflorence was a prize agent and former secretary under Minister to France Robert Livingston.

GLC00496.063

Copy of a letter from Col. James Lewis to Col. James Monroe

Lewis, Monroe's attorney, describes the circumstances under which he sold Monroe's land above Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1806; the land on which the University of Virginia was later established. A need to settle Monroe's debts compelled the sale...

GLC00496.064

The Commissary of Foreign Affairs to the Minister Planipotentiary of the United States of America

Transcribed letter, with response, declining government-subsidized housing as it contradicts the Constitution. Philibert Buchot was Commissary of Foreign Affairs for the French Republic in 1794. Monroe was Minister to France from 1794-1796. Serves...

GLC00496.065.02

to Joseph Gales

Written by Monroe as Secretary of State. Recipient inferred from docket. "Mr. Gales" is Joseph Gales, the editor of the National Intelligencer newspaper. This is an advertisement titled "Letters miscarried," that was eventually printed in the May 21...

GLC00496.066

[Commendation for service]

Describes a soldier's courage under fire and bravery in the face of the enemy. According to the Monroe Papers, these are remarks made by Monroe during the presentation of a sword to Richard M. Johnson for service during the War of 1812.

GLC00496.069

to unknown

Possibly written to President Monroe's lawyer. Involves a financial claim Mr. Coffin held against Monroe, who disparagingly refers to Coffin as a "adventurer, without talents, & therefore an impostor." Monroe paid Coffin $35 for four busts, but...

GLC00496.071

[Land Indenture between Burr Powell, William Noland and Lewis Berkley].

William Nolan and his wife deeded a tract of land in Loudoun County Virginia on May 17, 1822 to Burr Powell and Thomas R. Mott. In order to satisfy a debt owed to Lewis Berkeley, Nolan "has resolved to release all equity of redemption in the lands"...

GLC00496.074

[Endorsement securing naval commission]

Initial letter was written by Francis Taliaferro Brooke, a judge on the Virginia Supreme Court to Monroe as Secretary of State requesting a recommendation for a naval position for Dr. Benjamin D. Russel. Brooke said Russel's health was damaged...

GLC00496.195

Regarding affidavits in Paris

Contains list of names concerning some issue in Paris, including Peyton Skipwith, Gouverneur Morris, William Lee, General William Hull, and Benjamin Hichborn. Seems to be written on the back of an old letter. Unrelated address leaf on verso. Note is...

GLC00496.266

to Elbridge Gerry

Comments on an impending lawsuit. Discusses Virginia Governor Patrick Henry's recent request to Congress for assistance against the Indians and the problems it poses for the federal government : "as the ultimate decision of Congress upon the...

GLC00529.01

to William Lee

Written to William Lee, who was serving as American consul at Bordeaux, France. Mentions that he arrived in Paris on June 20, 1805 after a 25 day trip and that he will soon proceed to London. He mentions the unsuccessful mission to Spain. In the...

GLC00655.02

to Charles F. Mercer

Letter to Mercer, a Virginia Congressman. Acknowledges Mercer's letter from May 20, 1826. Monroe was seeking a refund of his expenses in France during the Louisiana Purchase negotiations over 20 years before. States that he understands Mercer did not...

GLC01134

to unknown

Letter probably sent to John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State by President Monroe. Letter believed to be a precursor to the Monroe Doctrine. Said he had to withdraw the nomination of John B. Prevost, Aaron Burr's nephew, as Charge d'Affaires to...

GLC01137

to Charles F. Mercer

Acknowledges the letter from Mercer by Mr. Hawkins. States he is satisfied with the work of the Committee of Claims in the House of Representatives on his refund requests from his time overseas. Discusses possible publication of the documents...

GLC01192

to unknown re: attempt to mortgage Albemarle

Unknown recipient. "It is undoubtedly the best estate in that part of Virg[inia] . . . [but] I have been forced to incur some debts, by my long absence from home, often in offices, the salaries of which were incompetent to my support."

GLC07179

To: Henry Dearborn.

Concerning a proposed attack, written six days before the Treaty of Ghent.

GLC07953

[Act in addition to another act prohibiting the importation of slaves]

Passed by Congress and approved by the President. Outlines the ban on importing slaves, the forfeiture of ships built for such a purpose, and the penalties for involvement in the slave trade. The act being added to prohibited the importation of...

GLC08946

to Charles Everett

Written by Monroe at the end of his presidency to Everett, his family physician and neighbor in Virginia. References Everett's previous letter and says he remained behind an extra day in the hope of seeing him. Relates that his duties are forcing him...

GLC04374

to unknown

Written by Monroe shortly after he took office as Secretary of State to unknown recipient. Acknowledges recipient's letter of 15 April 1811. Was pleased with President Madison's offer of the job saying "it was addressed on such fair & liberal...

GLC04453

An Act concerning Letters of Marque, Prizes & Prize Goods.

Copy of the act along with "Instructions for the Private Armed Vessels of the United States," in this case, issued to privateer Captain George Taylor of the ship Amiable. Issued one week after the declaration of war in the War of 1812. Signed by...

GLC04616

Additional Instruction to the public and private armed vessels of the United States

Printed letter signed by Secretary of State James Monroe. Orders that public and private armed vessels are not to stop American merchant ships coming from British ports with British goods because of the "alledged" repeal of the British Orders in...

GLC04675.03