Lot 256

Charles Lee Handles a Matter of "piracy and murder on the High Sea"

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Charles Lee Handles a Matter of "piracy and murder on the High Sea"

Estimate: $800 - $1,000

Current Bid: $350

(3 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Charles Lee
Philadelphia, PA, February 3, 1797
Charles Lee Handles a Matter of "piracy and murder on the High Sea"
ALS

Charles Lee (1758-1815). Autograph letter signed, "Charles Lee," 1p, on bifold laid paper measuring 7.25" x 9", Philadelphia, February 3, 1797. Inner pages blank. Remnants of red wax seal at integral leaf with loss to upper portion. Expected transmittal folds and light creases. Minor toning and scattered foxing. In near fine condition.

To Mr. L'etombe, the French Consul General, in full:

"Your letter of the 27th of last month which you were pleased to deliver to me relative to certain persons on board the frigate Medusa at Norfolk in Virginia supposed to have committed piracy and murder on the High Sea, has been laid before the Secretary of State for the purpose of communicating it in the usual course to the President of the United States that he may direct what shall be done. With your letter I sent to the Secretary of State all the papers which were received from you concerning that subject. This is all that belongs to me in my official character to do, until I receive orders from the President."

Charles Lee was an American lawyer and politician from Virginia who served as United States Attorney General from 1795 until 1801, and as United States Secretary of State ad interim from May 13, 1800, to June 5, 1800, after serving as prosecutor for the City of Alexandria, and serving in the Virginia House of Delegates from Fairfax County.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.25" x 9"
  • Medium: ALS

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000