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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 Thomas Rutter

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00043.04 Author/Creator: Monroe, James (1758-1831) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 23 February 1813 Pagination: 2 p. 34 x 20 cm Order a Copy

Secretary of State Monroe transmits a printed copy of a notice to foreign nationals living near coastal areas. Rutter was marshal of Maryland from 1804 to 1817.

You will herewith receive a copy of a printed notice to alien enemies, issued from the Department of State this day. As it sufficiently explains its object, it is only necessary to remark, that all those to whom it has reference, engaged in commerce, who do not immediately conform to the requisition, are to be taken into custody, and conveyed to the places assigned to them unless special circumstances require indulgence. In such cases reports are to be made to this Department: And that all those of other occupations, whom it may not be deemed proper to suffer t remain within the prescribed distance of tide-water, be immediately notified to repair to the interior of the country, to be which they are to be enjoined to confine themselves.
This letter is accompanied by two kinds of blank passports, corresponding with the provisions of the notice, which you will fill up and sign, agreeably to the tenor of each.
I have the Honor to be,
Sir,
Your mo. ob. ser.
Jas. Monroe

Monroe, James, 1758-1831

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