Our Collection

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.

Madison, James (1751-1836) to Consuls and Commercial Agents of the United States

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01470 Author/Creator: Madison, James (1751-1836) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Printed letter signed Date: 1 August 1801 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 33 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Circular letter instructing the recipients to issue only the enclosed sample Sea-letter (not included) to vessels so that ships owned by American citizens could be identified (and property protected) and fraud from forged seals and sea-letters could be prevented. Also discusses issuing certificates of health to avoid unnecessary quarantines and the consuls' duties relating to the relief of seamen. Signed as Secretary of State.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Madison, James, 1751-1836

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