Description:

James Madison
Washington, DC, October 15, 1811
Rare Presidential Pardon Signed by James Madison & James Monroe
MDS

James Madison (1751-1836). Manuscript Document Signed, "James Madison," as 4th President of the United States, 1p, 10" x 15.5", Washington City, October 15, 1811. Countersigned, "Jas Monroe," by James Monroe (1758-1831) as Secretary of State. Large paper-covered seal at lower left. Flattened folds and creases, with separation and loss at same. Previous adhesive repair to an otherwise blank verso. Three small sections of paper tape on recto to loss at central horizontal fold. Light toning at margins consistent with prior matting. Overall, in very good condition, with bold signatures and bright, contrasting text. Accompanied by attractive presidential engravings of Madison and Monroe featuring their facsimile signatures.

The presidential pardon reads: "Whereas it has been represented to me that a certain Frederick Baskadore was at a Circuit Court of the United States lately held for the bounty of Alexandria, in the District of Columbia, duly convicted of violating a statute of the State of Virginia, in force in the said bounty, concerning gaming; and was thereupon sentenced by the said Court to be imprisoned for the space of Six months, and to forfeit and pay the sum of Thirty Seven dollars: And whereas it is also represented to me that the said Frederick Baskadore is languishing in prison under disease, and is unable to pay the said fine, or any part thereof: Now therefore be it know that I James Madison, President of the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, do by these presents pardon and remit to the said Frederick Baskadore the sentence of the Court aforesaid."

Exceedingly Rare. Records show only a handful of James Madison signed pardons selling since 1950, among these being one sold in our August 2016 auction for $2,640, inclusive of buyer's premium.

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: 10" x 15.5"
  • Medium: MDS

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November 19, 2025 10:00 AM EST
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