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Historic partly-printed DS, signed “James Madison" as president and "Jas. Monroe" as secretary of state, one page, 15.5 x 12.5, May 1, 1813. Letter of marque document commissioning "the private armed Brig called the Orleans…owned by Addison Plummer & Nathaniel Smith both of Gloucester, State of Massachusetts, mounting Four carriage guns, and navigated by Fifty men, hereby authorising Joseph Babson Captain…to subdue, seize and take any armed or unarmed British vessel, public or private, which shall be found within the jurisdictional limits of the United States." Neatly signed at the conclusion in ink by President James Madison and countersigned by Secretary of State James Monroe. The white paper seal affixed at the lower left remains intact. Handsomely matted and framed with engraved portraits and nameplates to an overall size of 24.5 x 33. In very good to fine condition, with archival backing and evidence of other professional repairs; both signatures are bold and unaffected. During the War of 1812, the United States relied upon privateers to bolster its fledgling Navy against the stronger British forces.
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