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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Monroe, James (1758-1831) to Captain Partridge

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07672 Author/Creator: Monroe, James (1758-1831) Place Written: New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 June 1828 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 24.8 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Monroe in retirement to a Captain Partrdige. Says he has the pleasure of sending a copy of his memoir (not included here) on the subject of his claims for backpay as a diplomat. Claims he is asking for the money now because "There was no period, at which the subject, could be brought forward, with propriety, prior to my retirement from office, when I could have no influence, on the decision." Says that despite the injury it caused him, he postponed it to avoid talk of impropriety. Claims he has never asked for any favors, but that the documents support his claims. When Monroe left office he was saddled with $75,000 in debt. To alleviate his situation he asked the government for backpay plus interest for his stints as a diplomat. He eventually received over $29,000 at the end of the Congressional term in 1826. Slight mat burn on recto.

Monroe, James, 1758-1831

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