MONROE, James (1758-1831) Autograph letter signed (“Jas Monroe”) as Secretary of State, Washington, 12 August 1814 to David Gelston. 1 page, 4to., addressed and franked by Monroe (“Dept of State Jas Monroe”) on the integral address leaf, some toning and seal tear loss to address leaf.

MONROE, James (1758-1831) Autograph letter signed (“Jas Monroe”) as Secretary of State, Washington, 12 August 1814 to David Gelston. 1 page, 4to., addressed and franked by Monroe (“Dept of State Jas Monroe”) on the integral address leaf, some toning and seal tear loss to address leaf.

Written less than a month before the British burning of Washington, Secretary of State Monroe, anticipating the opening of peace talks in Ghent, enquires after correspondence bound “for Europe.”

A cryptic letter from Monroe directed to David Gelston, the Collector of the Port of New York: “Should you received a packet from Mr Rodney for Europe, I have to request that you will deliver it to Mr Boyd. I have apprized Mr. Rodney confidentially, that Mr Boyd will receive any packets for him to you, & give it a conveyance.”

Following the disastrous battle of Bladensburg on 24 August, a British force under the command of General Robert Ross occupied Washington D.C. setting fire to most of the public buildings, including the White House and the Capitol.

Provenance: from the estate of a descendant of William Floyd and David Gelston.