- 89
Monroe, James, fifth President
Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- paper and ink
Autograph letter signed ("Jas. Monroe"), one page (7 78/8 x 7 3/8 in.; 200 x 185 mm, sight), integral address leaf, Paris, 11 February 1797, to a M. ?Gauvain of Le Havre, seeking transport of his family's baggage and passage for himself and his family to America; a few folds strengthened. Matted together with a portrait of Monroe, double-glazed, and framed.
Condition
Autograph letter signed ("Jas. Monroe"), one page (7 78/8 x 7 3/8 in.; 200 x 185 mm, sight), integral address leaf, Paris, 11 February 1797, to a M. ?Gauvain of Le Havre, seeking transport of his family's baggage and passage for himself and his family to America; a few folds strengthened. Matted together with a portrait of Monroe, double-glazed, and framed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Appointed Minister to France in 1794, but recalled by Washington in July of 1796 because of his alleged "inefficiency, disruptive maneuvers, and failure to safeguard the interests of his country"—Washington’s advisors believed that Monroe had not tried hard enough to justify the need for Jay’s Treaty to the French. He was humiliated by Washington's criticism but served as Minister until 30 December.
In this letter, Monroe is desperate to find passage for his family home as well as transport of their baggage. "I must request you will be so kind as inform me whether any vessel will sail from Havre, abt the last of March or begining of April for N:York or any part East of it & whether & upon what terms I can procure as passage in such vessel for myself & family. We wish to be well acccommodated & likewise to take our baggage with us. I will likewise thank you for information respecting any vessel abt to sail for Norfolk or some port in that quarter, whether & upon what terms I may forward my baggage separately in it, as tis probable in that case I wod take that course." In a letter to an unknown correspondent dated 16 September 1824, he indicates that the U.S. government had made no allowance "on account of the season & difficulty in procuring a vessel, to bring my family home."
In this letter, Monroe is desperate to find passage for his family home as well as transport of their baggage. "I must request you will be so kind as inform me whether any vessel will sail from Havre, abt the last of March or begining of April for N:York or any part East of it & whether & upon what terms I can procure as passage in such vessel for myself & family. We wish to be well acccommodated & likewise to take our baggage with us. I will likewise thank you for information respecting any vessel abt to sail for Norfolk or some port in that quarter, whether & upon what terms I may forward my baggage separately in it, as tis probable in that case I wod take that course." In a letter to an unknown correspondent dated 16 September 1824, he indicates that the U.S. government had made no allowance "on account of the season & difficulty in procuring a vessel, to bring my family home."