Description:

Madison, James (1751-1836) James Madison, as President and James Monroe, as Secretary of State boldly sign a rare pardon document

Manuscript document signed "James Madison," as President, 1 page 10.25" x 16", on paper, Washington, January 6, 1816, countersigned "Jas Monroe" as Secretary of State with the original embossed seal affixed along the bottom left of the page. Expected folds, minor paper loss affecting small amounts of text. Professional restoration to paper loss via placement of archival tissue, not examined outside of frame.

James Madison signs a pardon for William Fitzgerald, who had been convicted of a criminal offense and sentenced to pay a pecuniary fine to the United States, and to be imprisoned for a term of Ninety days and "to stand committed until the fine, fees, and the costs of prosecution should be aid and satisfied." As his sentence required full and proper completion of the terms of his sentence before his release, and as apparently William was unable to complete payment of his fine, he remained imprisoned until this pardon. As noted in the document "And whereas it has been represented to me that the said William Fitzgerald has suffered a long and rigorous confinement, beyond the term sentenced by the court, from his inability to pay and satisfy the said fine, fees and costs...and it has been moreover made to appear to me that there is no Reason to believe the said Fitzgerald will at any future time be able to pay and satisfy the said fine fees and costs...in consideration of the sufferings which the said Fitzgerald has undergone in this long imprisonment, of his impaired health, and other circumstances, that I pardon the offense and remit the fines and costs aforesaid..."

Rare. Auction records show only four other signed pardons by James Madison selling since 1950.

Presented in a gilt frame, matted framed center, flanked by two color portraits to a size of 37.5" x 25.5"

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