MONROE, JAMES. 1758-1831.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Jas. Monroe"), as Secretary of State, to Abraham Bishop, the Collector of the Customs in New Haven, being a transmittal letter for a passport for Thomas Haley, 1 p, 4to (250 x 192 mm), Department of State [Washington, DC], February 16, 1814, with annotations in Bishop's hand forwarding the letter to the Collector of the Customs in New London, CT, fold creases, browning.
Monroe was a capable diplomat and public servant, having served as Ambassador to France under Washington, then Governor of Virginia before being appointed by Jefferson as a special envoy in negotiating the Louisiana Purchase. Although he ran against fellow Virginian James Madison for the presidency in 1808, he accepted the post of Secretary of State under Madison. Three years after this letter, Monroe himself would become the fifth President of the United States.