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Property of the Brooklyn Historical Society, sold to benefit the collections fund
MADISON, James (1751-1836), President. Circular letter signed ("James Madison"), as Secretary of State, Department of State, to Christopher Ellery (1768-1840), Washington, 18 July 1803. 1 page, 4to, integral address panel WITH AUTOGRAPH FREE FRANK SIGNED ("James Madison"). Seal hole, small chip at center fold.
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MADISON, James (1751-1836), President. Circular letter signed ("James Madison"), as Secretary of State, Department of State, to Christopher Ellery (1768-1840), Washington, 18 July 1803. 1 page, 4to, integral address panel WITH AUTOGRAPH FREE FRANK SIGNED ("James Madison"). Seal hole, small chip at center fold.
MADISON SUMMONS MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO VOTE ON THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE
AN EXTRAORDINARY SESSION TO VOTE ON "CONVENTIONS WITH THE FRENCH REPUBLIC INVOLVING A CESSION OF LOUISIANA TO THE UNITED STATES. Madison tells Rhode Island Senator Ellery that the special session will convene on 17 October. "This anticipation of the commencement of the ensuing session is rendered necessary by conventions with the French Republic, involving a cession of Louisiana to the United States; which may require the presence of both Houses, and of which conventions the ratifications are to be exchanged within six months computed from the 30th April last. The shortness of the period therefore, to which the necessary proceedings will be limited, with the very great importance of the subject to the interests of the United States, claim from every member the most punctual attendance, and I am charged by the President to urge these considerations on your patriotism, and your sense of duty..." Ellery and his fellow Senators voted expeditiously. On 20 October, just three days into the session, they ratified the Treaty by a vote of 24-7. Then both houses debated separate bills for funding the purchase which were ready for Jefferson's signature on 10 November. But the acquisition presented a host of issues that kept the lawmakers busy until March--such as the organization of territorial government, whether to permit slavery, and provisions for exploration, mapping and a census of this new American land. A significant document from this crucial episode in American history.
MADISON SUMMONS MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO VOTE ON THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE
AN EXTRAORDINARY SESSION TO VOTE ON "CONVENTIONS WITH THE FRENCH REPUBLIC INVOLVING A CESSION OF LOUISIANA TO THE UNITED STATES. Madison tells Rhode Island Senator Ellery that the special session will convene on 17 October. "This anticipation of the commencement of the ensuing session is rendered necessary by conventions with the French Republic, involving a cession of Louisiana to the United States; which may require the presence of both Houses, and of which conventions the ratifications are to be exchanged within six months computed from the 30th April last. The shortness of the period therefore, to which the necessary proceedings will be limited, with the very great importance of the subject to the interests of the United States, claim from every member the most punctual attendance, and I am charged by the President to urge these considerations on your patriotism, and your sense of duty..." Ellery and his fellow Senators voted expeditiously. On 20 October, just three days into the session, they ratified the Treaty by a vote of 24-7. Then both houses debated separate bills for funding the purchase which were ready for Jefferson's signature on 10 November. But the acquisition presented a host of issues that kept the lawmakers busy until March--such as the organization of territorial government, whether to permit slavery, and provisions for exploration, mapping and a census of this new American land. A significant document from this crucial episode in American history.