PRESIDENT JAMES MONROE WRITES TO SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ~ CAESAR RODNEY

A FINE ALS, AS PRESIDENT, WITH WONDERFUL PROVENANCE AND WITH THE SCARCE PRESIDENTIAL FREE-FRANKED ADDRESS LEAF STILL ATTACHED

MONROE, JAMES.  (1758-1831).  Fifth President of the United States.  Scarce Autograph Letter Signed, “James Monroe”, as President.  One page, quarto.  Baltimore, June 2, 1817.  Very fine condition.  Addressed on integral address leaf to “Caesar Rodney, Esq., Wilmington, Delaware”, with Monroe’s uncommon Presidential free-franking signature at upper right and postal cancellations.  Monroe writes:

“My Dear Sir, I am so far on my tour to the northwest, respecting which, I should have written you much sooner, could I have said, with any certainty, the time of my departure from Washington, or arrival on the Delaware.  I proceed tomorrow, in the steamboat, for Frenchtown, and Newcastle, whence I shall descend to the pea patch, and afterwards ascend, to Mud [?] Island.  I shall endeavor to pass thro’ Wilmington, where I hope to see you.  With great respect and sincere regard I am dear sir your, James Monroe”. 

 

Caesar Rodney (1728-84)  American patriot; delegate to the First Continental Congress and a Signer of the Declaration of Independence;  remembered for his dramatic 80-mile overnight ride in July 1776 to Philadelphia, breaking a deadlock and casting Delaware’s decisive vote for Independence; During the American Revolution, Rodney commanded the Delaware militia, attaining the rank of Major General.  From 1778-81, he was President of the State of Delaware.

This fine letter is accompanied by a letter from the noted autograph dealer, Charles Hamilton, addressed to the fabled collector Morton Dean Joyce dated in January 1957 — touting the importance and scarcity of  the piece, and offering it for $155.00!  Unfortunately, we can’t honor that 1957 price, but offer this fine piece for:

 

$7000.00