War–dated partly-printed DS, signed “James Madison” as president and “Jas. Monroe” as secretary of state, one page, 16 x 12.75, December 17, 1813. During the War of 1812, President Madison commissions “the private armed Schooner called the Fly…owned by Henry L. Dekoven and William S. Sebor of Middletown in the State of Connecticut, Mariners, mounting four swivels and one carriage guns, and navigated by twenty men, hereby authorising Henry L. Dekoven Captain, and William S. Sebor Lieutenant of the said Schooner Fly and the other officers and crew thereof to subdue, seize and take any armed or unarmed British vessel.” Crisply signed at the conclusion by Madison and Monroe. The white paper seal affixed to the left side remains intact. In fine condition, with partial edge separations repaired on the reverse; both signatures are ideal examples. On this same date, President Madison signed into law an embargo act further restricting trade with Europe. A scarce and desirable format from the great conflict on the high seas. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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