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Monroe, James (1758-1831) to John C. Calhoun

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02859 Author/Creator: Monroe, James (1758-1831) Place Written: Oak Hill, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 October 1821 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 24.9 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy

Written by President Monroe to Calhoun as Secretary of War. Declares that the measures Calhoun have taken in regard to the Seminole Indians have been proper. Says that "Unprincipled settlers" should be driven away, and that "It was correct also to prohibit the sale of run away slaves, since it might and probably would, as you justly observe, have opened the door to fraud. Returns the papers relating to the demands of Governor John Clark of Georgia. Mentions that he is sending the proceedings of the court of inquiry and the court martial to him by mail. Hears with regret that many are still indisposed in "the city," possibly meaning Washington, D.C.

Oak Hill October 10.th 1821

Dear Sir -
The measures which you have taken in regard to the Seminoles appear to be very proper. Unprincipled Settlers should be driven from among them, & every protection afforded them, which the law will justify & the present state of affairs will permit. The report of the Sub agent Peniere, does credit equally to his head & his heart. It was correct also to prohibit the sale of run away slaves, since it might and probably would, as you justly observe, have opened the door to fraud. I return you these papers relating to the demand of Gov.r Clark, respecting which [illegible] my opinion some days since, which was in accord with your own. This proceedings of the two courts, one of inquiry, the other [struck: of] martial, will be sent by the next mail.
I hear with deep regret that many are still indisposed in the city, & among them Mr Crawford & com: Rodgers [a] Transition from the mountains to the city before [2] a severe [black] frost is dangerous, which I mention that you may bear it in mind in regard to your own health & that of your family.
very sincerely dear sir yours
James Monroe

[docket]
President U.S.
Oak Hill, 10 Oct.r 21.
relative to measures
adopted with respect
to Seminoles; to removal
of intruders; to report of
Sub Agent Péniéres; to runaway
slaves: to demand
of Govr Clark: to
proceedings of Court
of enquiry & court
martial -

Monroe, James, 1758-1831
Calhoun, John Caldwell, 1782-1850
Clark, John, 1766-1832

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