The Rock & Roll Pop Culture Winter Auction 2023

Lot #877:

John Stanly Handwritten Signed Letter 1809 James Madison 1st Meeting With Congress

John Stanly Handwritten Signed Letter 1809 James Madison 1st Meeting With Congress

An important handwritten signed letter from Federalist U.S. Congressman from North Carolina John Stanly dated “Washington City 23rd May 1809” that conveys a firsthand account of President James Madison’s first meeting with Congress on that date during which he conveyed “…the commencement of a favorable change in our foreign relations.” Stanly opens his letter, “Dear Sir, The Presidents message to Congress was this day received. I enclose you a Copy. The Principal facts communicated are the adjustments of our differences with Great Britain; the discharge of the militia lately drafted. Of the laying up the Gun boats, except those at New Orleans. From France nothing conciliatory has been received…” Stanly signs his letter, “Your obedient Servant, John Stanly.” In summary Madison informed Congress that commercial relations were renewed with Britain and France after Britain decided to pay reparations for destroying the American ship Chesapeake. Such accommodation did not last through his Madison’s administration as Madison asked Congress for a declaration of war against Britain in 1812 after long standing differences between the US and Britain resulted in the War of 1812. As a footnote, Stanly is also known for killing Richard Dobbs Spaight, a signer of the Constitution, in a famous duel in 1802. This is an historical letter of great important first years of the Union.

Dimensions: Document measures 8 X 6, mounted on 10 X 7.5 page

Condition: Good

Authenticity: Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity