ALS signed “Jas Monroe,” one page, 8 x 10, March 28, 1814. Monroe writes to General John Mason in Georgetown. In full: “Will you have the goodness to inform me whether the enclosed notice relates to a part of the sum which ought to have been comprized in Mr. Monroe’s note, mentioned in your last, or is a distinct claim, for which I must provide.” Under his signature and the date, Monroe adds a five-line postscript reading: “I send the stamped paper suggested in your last. On the subject of my report concerning relatiation [sic] I shall be very happy to see you as soon as convenient. It is a perplexing and troublesome business.” Second integral page bears an address panel in Monroe’s hand, as well as a red wax seal remnant and docketing. Letter is sleeved in protective Mylar. In very good condition, with several intersecting folds (one through a single letter of signature), scattered light toning and soiling, minor paper loss to each corner tip, and several areas of paper loss to integral second page.
Although the language of this page, as well as its recipient—a Washington banker and merchant recently named Commissary General of Prisoners of War—supports the contention that this letter pertained to a financial matter between the two men, it holds the distinction of having been penned during the War of 1812. The recipient, though perhaps not a household name in the annals of history, played a unique role in history—it was Mason who sent Francis Scott Key to Baltimore six months later to negotiate the release of a prisoner from the British, only to have the British detain Key. It was during the subsequent bombardment of Baltimore that Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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