Monroe, James

2 pages (9 7/8 x 7 5/8 in.; 249 x 195 mm) on a bifolium of wove papers, Washington, 16 September 1814, to Charles Everett (identified in Comprehensive Catalogue of the Correspondence and Papers of James Monroe), docketed on verso of integral blank; tiny hole at lower margin, lightly browned. Housed in a maroon cloth portfolio.

Published in Tyler’s Quarterly Historical  and Genealogical Magazine 4 (1923) 4: 410–11

2 pages (9 7/8 x 7 5/8 in.; 249 x 195 mm) on a bifolium of wove papers, Washington, 16 September 1814, to Charles Everett, docketed on verso of integral blank; tiny hole at lower margin, lightly browned. Housed in a maroon cloth portfolio.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A significant letter about the defense of Washington during the War of 1812, in which Monroe describes his going on a scouting expedition because there was need for accurate information on the British advance on Washington. Monroe also claims that it was him, and not Secretary or War John Armstrong who made arrangements for the defense of Washington. "I received your of the 14 yesterday. It has been owing to the extent & purpose of my duties that I have not been able to answer your former sooner. 

"I will make a single remark on my conduct in the past. I advanc'd myself on the lines &c. because I not only thought I might be useful, but that there appeared to me to be a necessity for it. It was in that way that my little military experience, not simply by communicating intelligence, but by forming opinions on facts, might have some influence on our affairs in so important a crisis. For what occurr'd while Armstrong remained here, I had no responsibility. I stand responsible for my own acts only. He claims credit for the measures which had been taken for defense of this place. Those measures were not proposed by him but the President. This is communicated in confidence, solely for the purpose of putting in possession of facts." 

Monroe's next sentence indicates that he already knew he would shortly be asked to add the Department of War to his portfolio: "My future course will not be marked by any will of my own. I shall follow that of my friends in remaining where I am, or taking any other station." He replaced Secretary Armstrong on 27 September. Monroe also reports that the State Department accounts of Jonathan Jennings and Joseph Wheaton have been settled and that his brother, Joseph J. Monroe, has been visiting.