Description:

James Monroe
Washington, DC, March 23, 1819
James Monroe ALS as Pres. On Legal Suit Re: Oak Hill Plantation
ALS

A lengthy autograph letter signed "James Monroe" as President, in which he discusses an unpaid balance for land on Oak Hill. 2pp (front and back), measuring 8" x 9.75", Washington, D.C., March 23, 1819. Addressed to attorney Thomas Swann (1765-1840), who Monroe later appointed as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Integral address leaf on verso, hand addressed to Swann by the president. The back leaf has been professionally inlaid into a slightly larger sheet and bound within a handsome presentation album, measuring 11" x 13.25" overall. Exhibits degrees of age toning and scattered dampstaining throughout, with expected letter folds. Else, near fine. A boldly penned example boasting several significant historical connections.

Reading in full:

"I forgot to mention to you the case of Mr. Swart yesterday, who had admitted, in some degree, that he must pay the balance due for the land at the death of Judge Jones, but has never paid a cent of it. Mr. Benton will take your instructions in it. I am satisfied that the object of Swart is to evade the payments in hope of taking advantage of the act of limitation, or some other circumstance. He had no title from the old gentleman, & the young one could make none. Had he better be sued in Chancery, or by ejectment. The legal title was not in me, except by the old gentleman's will, which may have some weight in the decision. If you think proper to consider the subject, & want further information, & will be so good as to inform it to me, the delay will not be material to Mr. Benton, who will always be ready to follow your instructions.

I am aware that I am indebted to you, on acct of the estate & my own account, by your kind attention to my affrs. in Alexa. You never mentioned whether you were so fortunate as to collect some bonds given you by Col. Mercer. If you will be so kind as to send me an account I will with great pleasure make sure an arrangement as will be satisfactory to you."

Judge Joseph Jones (ca. 1727-1805) was Monroe's maternal uncle who acted as his mentor and advisor, later helping to enroll him in the College of William and Mary in 1774. In 1794, Jones and the future president jointly purchased the land called Oak Hill in Virginia, which came into Monroe's sole possession upon his uncle's passing in 1805. The man in question here, Robert Swart, was the farm manager at Oak Hill plantation and owed Monroe money for land he had purchased from the estate.

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: 8" x 9.75" (letter); 11" x 13.25" (album)
  • Medium: ALS

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