Monroe, James, fifth President

Autograph letter signed ("Jas Monroe"), 3 pages (9 7/8 x 7 3/4; 250 x 198 mm), Washington, 16 December 1815, to an unnamed correspondent; masterfully silked with neat repairs to page fold and losses at margins at head and foot of both leaves.

On the likelihood of Monroe's election. In his lengthy letter to an unknown "Dear Sir," Monroe touches upon a variety of topics, most important being his own election. He explains: " . . . My public life ought to speak for itself, and for the last five or 6 years, if the war—thro which the nation has passed, and the burthens I have borne, are not sufficient proofs  . . . It is proper to state to you what has been communicated to me. Dr Bible of Georgia has assur'd me that Georgia has long since made up her mind in my favor; that Mr Crawford knows & approves it: the same is stated of Kentucky and Tenessee, in relation to persons of merit in each. I take no part, nor will I, as is well known, being resolv'd, if the nation does direct me, that the election shall be due to it, without the slightest movement of my own. Others here give you better intelligence that I can, of the general sentiment . . . . Mr Nelson inform'd me lately that some persons at Richmond thought of holding a caucus there to lead public opinion in my favor . . . . If this idea has occurr'ed, I suspect it originated with my enemies in the hope . . . of injuring me. If for example the whole assembly met, & declared in my favor, it would give offence to & alienate other States. If a small vote was given, much noise took place, & confusion, it would operate against me by showing that my support . . . was futile."