$2,200
Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
Auction: November 12, 2020 10:00:00 AM EDT
Oak Hill, (Virginia), April 8, 1830. 3 pp. (letter is written on one sheet folded in half to make four pages). 9 7/8 x 8 in. (250 x 203 mm). Autograph letter, signed by Monroe to his son-in-law Samuel L. Gouverneur. Creasing from old folds, some losses to same, one affecting last letter of Monroe's signature. Lot includes an engraved portrait of Monroe.
Written a year before the former President's death, James Monroe writes to his son-in-law Samuel L. Gouverneur, expressing consternation over the lack of adequate aid from Congress for debts incurred by Monroe while serving in office, "My wish is, that honorable ground be taken for me, as a person, who has just claims, for injuries rendered him by the govt. itself, and which I could never bring forward, till I retired from office." He goes on to announce his intention of writing two works to help alleviate his dire financial position. One work, "a biographical & historical view, of the great events, to which Mr. M. was a party, & of which he was a spectator, in the course of his public service.", and another work, "a comparison between our govt. & the antient republicks..."