MONROE, James. Letter signed as Secretary of State ( "Jas Monroe"), to the Collector of the Customs, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Washington D. C., 26 June 1812.  

1 page, legal folio, 320 x 200 mm, with integral leaf, docketed, a few separations to folds, some with tape repairs verso, some toning to creases.  

WRITING AS SECRETARY OF STATE, JAMES MONROE EXPLAINS IN SOME DETAIL THE ISSUING OF PRIVATEER COMMISSIONS

Monroe describes the procedure for issuing Letters of Marque; "I send you herewith five blank Commissions...for such private armed Vessels as may be fitted out in your District...and copies of an act passed this day, concerning 'Letters of Marque, Prizes and Prize goods.' ...In filling up the bonds, you will particularly observe, that if the compliment of Men belonging to the Vessel is no more than one hundred and fifty, the bond is to be for five thousand dollars; if more than that number, then the bond is to be for ten thousand dollars. In either case, the bond is toe be signed by the owner or owners, the Commander, and two responsible sureties not interested in the vessel."  

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