James Monroe was the fifth President of America, the final Founding Father to ascend to the presidency. Monroe, a member of the Democratic-Republican Party, eased to victory in the election of 1816, earning nearly 70% of the vote in a landslide victory over Rufus King of the disparate Federalist Party. During Monroe’s presidency the United States added five states: Mississippi, Illinois, Alabama, Maine, and Missouri. The United States also expanded westward, gaining territory in the Pacific Northwest and the American Southwest.

     Monroe’s presidency is most commonly remembered by the Monroe Doctrine, a foreign policy ideology that stressed opposition to European intervention in the affairs of Western Hemisphere countries, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean. It also guaranteed that the United States would not meddle in continental Europe, creating a United States policy of non-intervention.

     This item guaranteed the ship Warren, a brig out of New Orleans, safe passage in American waters. The Warren was captained by a man named William Few, a member of the Continental Congress and a signer of the United States Constitution. President Monroe signed this document on September 1st, 1817, several months after he assumed office, in black pen. Additionally, Richard Rush, the acting Secretary of State, signed this document. The passport measures approximately 12 x 15 inches. It has been matted in a 30 ½ x 28 ½ inch frame alongside a portrait of Monroe. Additionally, a gold plaque that reads “James Monroe / 1758-1831 / Fifth President of / The United States / 1817-1825” is included in the frame. This item comes with a full LOA from JSA.

Auction Notepad