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DO NOT INTERFEREWITH U.S. SHIPS ARRIVING FROM ENEMY BRITAIN
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MONROE, JAMES. Printed Document Signed,“Jas Monroe,” as Secretary of State,
ordering the “public and private armed vessels of the United States” to not “interrupt any
vessels belonging to citizens of the United States coming from British ports to the United
States laden with British merchandize, . . . but are on the contrary to give aid . . . .” 1 page,
4to, with integral blank; mounted along center vertical fold to larger sheet, minor loss to
lower right corner expertly repaired with tissue, minor even toning, horizontal folds.
(MRS)
Washington, 28 August 1812
[800/1,200]
Two months after the U.S. instigated the War of 1812, British trade policies ordering the
seizure of the crew and cargo of American ships were repealed, prompting Monroe to issue the
present order.These policies, the “British Orders in Council,” were responsible for the practice of
forcing British sailors thought to be deserters—as well as any Americans found on board—into
service in Britain’s war with France. Such “impressment” was an important cause of theWar.
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PIKE, ZEBULON MONTGOMERY. Autograph Endorsement Signed, “ZMPike
/ Col[onel] / Com[mandin]g,” written vertically on the verso of an account of expenses,
“The Ass[istan]t D[eputy] Q[quarter] M[aste]r / Will Discharge the / Within A/C—
excepting / Rations which they / must Draw of / Contractors Agent.” The expenses:
“Nursing, Watching, Washing, and Bedding together with Sundry Necessaries for James
Massacre a private in Capt’n Vandolson’s Comp’y, 15th Reg’t, U.S. Infantry under the
Command of Col Pike Commencing Nov’r 28th 1812 and ending January 12th 1813 . . . .”
Additionally endorsed recto at bottom of page by Captain Henry Van Dalsen. 1 page, 4to;
complete separation at middle horizontal fold, minor scattered staining and smudges to
text; matted with a portrait and framed. [Plattsburgh, circa 14 January 1813]
[300/400]
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