Superb partly-printed DS, signed "James Madison" as president and "Jas. Monroe" as secretary of state, one page, 15.75 x 12.75, July 23, 1812. Desirable privateer document issued during the early part of the War of 1812, in part: "I have commissioned, and by these presents do commission, the private armed Schooner called the Lottery, of the burthen of two hundred & six tons, or thereabouts, owned by Samuel Smith, James A. Buchanan, John Hollins, John Smith Hollins, & Michael McBlair, mounting six carriage guns, and navigated by thirty men, hereby authorising John Southcomb Captain, and Thomas Baker Lieutenant of said schooner and the other officers and crew thereof 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 or elsewhere on the high seas." Boldly signed at the conclusion by President Madison and countersigned by Secretary of State Monroe. The crisp white paper seal affixed to the lower left remains fully intact. In very good to fine condition, with a few small stains, and light toning, and a short split, along the intersecting folds.
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