Monroe, James (1758-1831) to unknown
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05664 Author/Creator: Monroe, James (1758-1831) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 December 1806 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Written by former president Monroe to an unknown recipient. Says the Secretary of the Colonization Society in Washington has informed him of the intent of the recipient of this letter to go to England to solicit funds. The Secretary asked Monroe to write letters of introduction for the recipient, and Monroe says he has enclosed a letter for that purpose (not included here). Wishes him success because "you know the interest I take, in the extirpation of slavery throughout the UStates." Hopes they will give aid "to extricate us, from any internal and domestick evil, with which we may be burden'd." Date is partially illegible but looks to be 1830.
Based on content, recipient may have been Quaker abolitionist Elliott Cresson, who went on a two-year fundraising trip for the American Colonization Society in 1831-32.
[draft]
New York Decr 13th 1830
Dear Sir
The Secretary of the Colonization society, in Washington, has informed me of your intention to visit England, to solicit aid, from the Philanthropic and benevolent part of that community, in favor of the objects of the institution, and has requested me to give you letters of introduction, to promote the success of your mission. To you I will write withoureserve, because you know the interest I take, in the extirpation of slavery throughout the Ustates. Regarding the offices I have held, I feel a delicacy, in appealing to the benevolence & generosity of the people of another country, to give us aid, to extricate us, from any internal & domestick evil, with which we may be burden'd. I enclose you however a letter, which you are at liberty to show, to the characters mention'd in it, and which may render you all the service, which the introduction desired, might obtain. My long absence from that country, is an additional motive with me, not to [illegible], on any material effect, which letters from me might produce. I wish you to inform the Secretary, that I have endeavord to promote your object, in the only way that I could. With the best wishes for your health & welfare, & success of your mission, I am, dear Sir sincerely yours,
James Monroe
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