Monroe, James, Fifth President, as Secretary of State

Letter signed ("Jas Monroe"), written in cipher, 7 pages (13 x 8 in.; 330 x 203 mm), Washington, D.C., to Joel Barlow; marked "Duplicate," with original yellow binding ribbons, integral blank, separation to fold of first leaf, light browning.

Elsie O. and Philip D. Sang (sale, Sotheby's New York, 26 April 1978, lot 223)

Secretary of State Monroe requests information on a trade agreement: "... I will observe generally that the project [a treaty of commerce] is thought to be liable to objection which would delay, if it did not Defeat here, a treaty corresponding with it.  A formal treaty was not contemplated by your instructions ..."

Joel Barlow, the American Minister to France, was directed to obtain a favorable trade agreement with Napoleon.