ALS signed "Jas. Monroe," one page both sides, 6.25 x 8, November 10, 1790. Letter to Mr. Browne, in full: "Will Mr. Browne be so obliging as advance me 20 or 25 guineas tonight & wait the repayment on the 15 or 20th of next month to his order in Phil'd. I take the liberty to mention the subject to him, from a belief it will be more convenient to him than any other person & from a disposition on my part to make every attention to his & Mr. Donald's command they may think proper to honor me with whilst there, that my situation & a certain respect for their wishes enable me. If Mr. Browne will be able to render me this service will it suit him to suffer some person to call him on the subject, being exceedingly ingaged in preparing to leave town in the morning." In fine condition.
Monroe's request for an advance of "20 or 25 guineas" comes a day after his election by the Virginia House of Delegates to the first United States Senate. Using the funds as a means of adjustment to his new position and placement in Philadelphia, Monroe seemingly plans to reimburse his benefactors by way of his new title, affirming "to make every attention to his & Mr. Donald's command they may think proper to honor me." The men in question are most likely John Browne, a merchant and business associate of Monroe, and Alexander Donald, a Scottish tobacco merchant and longtime correspondent with Monroe's mentor, Thomas Jefferson. Monroe's financial worries lasted the entirety of his life and beyond his presidency, as he often chose to neglect his own properties and law practice in favor of his duties as a public servant. A fascinating letter that offers insight into the pecuniary struggles of a founding father.
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