Monroe, James.
Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages (including integral address leaf), Small Quarto, Philadelphia, August 18, 1797. Following Monroe's duties as Minister to France, he returned to Philadelphia and published a 500-page pamphlet entitled A View of the Conduct of the Executive (1797), in which he printed his instructions, correspondence with the French and United States governments, speeches and letters received from American residents in Paris. This publication caused quite a stir and Monroe became the hero of the Anti- Federalists (soon afterward he became Governor of Virginia). It was during this time that Monroe wrote this cordial letter to Mr. Biddle, to apologize for having been unable to visit with him.
In part: "Mrs. Monroe & myself intended to calling on you before we left Phil.a, but my ill health prevented it. I am upon the point of sitting out & drop you a line to apologize for this omission." Monroe continues, asking Biddle to also offer his apologies to "... the lady of my friend Genl. Wilkinson... " and to "remember me afftcy. to Dr. Edwards...".
Fine. Letter has been cleanly cut in half across the center and inexpertly taped together. Seal tear on address leaf, remnants of red wax seal, mounting traces. Boldy penned and signed.
Estimated Value $800-1,200.
