This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
America's first declared war would be the short lived War of 1812 between the Americans, The Indians, the Canadians and the British. One of the driving forces behind the War was the wrongful impressment of American sailors, disrupting shipping & suppressing the newly founded Free-Trade economy. For that reason President James Madison & James Monroe would sign this 16" x 10" unissued 1812 Letter of Marque for a privateer commission to seize and take any armed or unarmed British vessel, within or beyond America's borders on the high seas, with the order to return the vessel back to a U.S port so any/all items can be seized. Boldly signed by acting President James Madison & future President James Monroe as Secretary of State, it's worth noting these papers are considered extremely rare. Per our research only one other known example has been auctioned within the last six years. Overall in tremendous condition given the age with the horizontal & vertical folds, minor paper loss to the top portion & with an impressive intact seal. Authenticated by PSA/DNA with a full letter of authenticity.