War-dated DS, signed “Jas. Monroe,” one page, 7.75 x 5.25, November 7, 1812. Directives to “the public and private armed vessels of the United States.” In full: “Additional Instruction to the Public and Private Armed Vessels of the United States. The public and private armed vessels of the United States are not to interrupt any British unarmed vessels bound to Sable Island, and laden with supplies for the humane establishment at that place. By Command of the President of the United States.” Several light folds and creases, trimmed and slightly uneven bottom edge, and a pin hole to top edge, otherwise fine condition.
Even during war, civility held its place, hence this presidential order to allow safe passage of any unarmed British ship “laden with supplies for the humane establishment” of Sable Island. During the War of 1812, this island—situated a few hundred miles southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia—was known as the ‘graveyard of the Atlantic.’ The exposed part of a sand shoal that stretches for more than 100 miles was responsible for hundreds of shipwrecks. In 1801, the British built a lifesaving station on the largely uninhabitable barrier island, with a lifesaving crew the first inhabitants of the island. Via this document, Monroe guaranteed that the British station would continue to function and assist sailors in need. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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