War-dated ALS signed “Jas Monroe,” one page, 7.75 x 9.5, July 27, 1813. Letter to Charles Mercer in Alexandria. In full: “I have seen the Sec'y of War on the subject of your letter which I have just rec'd, & been inform'd by him, that he has sent orders to Gen'l Young to disband the Loudoun militia, and that he has also made an arrangement for advancing them some money on account of their service. He intimated that his order on both points would be rec'd before this reaches you. Should there be any delay, you had better communicate with Gen'l. Young, who will I am satisfied give every facility in his power. To me it will give a sincere pleasure to render you any service in the business.” Second integral page bears an address panel in Monroe’s hand. A few small partial separations along several intersecting folds, some through portions of signature, scattered toning, wrinkling, and creasing, a few edge chips, and light mirroring of text along top edge, otherwise very good condition.
The War of 1812 continued as Monroe, the nation’s secretary of state, here contacts Mercer, a Virginia militiaman who would rise through the ranks to become brigadier general in command of the Second Virginia Brigade. Any command position at this time was not an envious one, as from the beginning, the war was a disaster for the United States. The army was unequipped and unprepared, with the initial military actions ending in defeat. Throughout the war various military outfits were decommissioned, including Loudoun, once established in Virginia. Among those who shouldered the blame was Secretary of War John Armstrong, who Monroe mentions here. Accusations of Armstrong’s inability to command forced him to resign from James Madison’s cabinet in 1814 after only one year of service—to be replaced by Monroe. With his understanding of the military and his strong organizational skills, Monroe helped reorganize the army and brought new energy to the war effort. Superlative content as Secretary of State Monroe discusses the armed forces during wartime! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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