Unusual third-person ANS as president, signed “J. Madison,” one page, 7.75 x 5, Wednesday, April 18 [1810]. A brief handwritten note addressed to “Mr. Rodney,” calling for an impromptu cabinet meeting for noon on that day. In full: “J. Madison requests a consultation with the Heads of Depts. today at 12. O.C.” Professionally inlaid into a slightly larger sheet and in very good to fine condition, with creases, small stains, and areas of professional restoration.
The recipient of this particular note was Caesar A. Rodney, then serving as U.S. Attorney General. We strongly believe that Madison wrote this as president given that, during his administration, 1810 was the only year when April 18th fell on a Wednesday. As such, it is likely that Madison wanted to discuss ‘Macon’s Bill No. 2,’ a bill that the House of Representatives passed the following day. This bill, which Madison signed into law on May 1, 1810, was the last effort to economically dissuade Britain and France from preying on American commercial shipping during the Napoleonic Wars. The effort, like prior efforts, failed, eventually leading to the War of 1812.
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