James Monroe letter of marque, ca. 1812

James Monroe (1758-1831) was appointed Secretary of State by President James Madison in 1811. He remained in this position until March, 1817, with the exception of the period from October 1, 1814, to February 28, 1815, when he was ad interim Secretary of State. Monroe encouraged President James Madison and Congress to declare war on Great Britain, feeling it would be the most effective way to change offensive British policies. The United States declared war on June 17, 1812, after which he served as Secretary of War. Monroe later became President of the United States from 1817 until 1824.

James Corbin Letter - October 2, 1813

Letter transcription: Dear Sir, The reason I did not come to tend your mill last spring was because the letter you wrote me dated 1 of March I didn’t receive it until the 12 of April and inform me that if I could be there in 2 or 3 weeks you would employ me as we agreed and therefore I concluded it would not do any good for me to come. It was a great disappointment to me because I was all ready to come whenever I got word. It is impossible for me to come now for I am in partnership with my brother in the farm and Mills and must take care our crops and settle our [bushels] this winter. I know nothing to the contrary but what I can come next spring I will let you know by uncle Corbin this winter. James Corbin

James Monroe letter of marque, ca. 1812

A letter of marque addressed to Captain James Rogers, commander of the boat Retaliation, and signed by James Monroe, secretary of state. Letters of marquee provided legal authority for an armed vessel to capture enemy ships and commit acts which would otherwise constitute piracy. The letter has no date, but was likely created during the War of 1812, and authorizes the Captain to attack and capture enemy vessels.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 11 April 1916

A letter from Eleanore Celeste Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon in the year 1916. She discusses her letter writing, a luncheon at the McCrackens and her work with the Red Cross. It is labelled the 84th letter.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 12 June 1916

A brief note to Arthur Schmon that reads: "Monday 10 P.M. My dear Artie, Gladys is out of town, and does not expect to return for a couple of weeks. Sorry. Anything else I can do? In haste, Lessie"

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 21 July 1916

The letter describes Eleanore Celeste's time away with her brother. She has spent her time canoeing, playing golf, dancing and plans to attend the movies. The next day is a sailing trip to see Plymouth Rock. The next week she will be in Connecticut and then home.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 6 April 1916

The letter mentions a trip to Princeton that is postponed.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 25 March 1916

This letter discusses how Arthur is now responsible for "directing and supervising the work of ninety men". This letter is labelled number 75.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 23 January 1916

The letter includes a poem entitled "Courage". It is labelled number 46.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 24 November 1916

The letter mentions a debate that Arthur will be involved in and Eleanor Celeste jokes about which side she will favour.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 15 May 1916

The letter mentions a train from Newark to Princeton. She writes "Shall keep all news until I see you". The second part of the letter is written another day and describes the time she spent with Arthur.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 12 December 1916

Eleanore Celeste mentions that her mother will have to have another eye surgery. There is a membrane over the eye impairing her vision.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 13 April 1916

The letter states that they will see one another on the nineteenth and Eleanore Celeste is excited for the date to arrive. She also mentions some volunteer work "tagging" for donations for the "benefit of war sufferers". She also attends a concert of Columbia University given at Carnegie Hall.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 25 October 1916

Eleanore Celeste mentions her mother's eye surgery is complete and she is now recuperating. She also mentions that Arthur plans to come for a short visit soon.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 1 April 1916

She discusses her evening of cards and dancing. She states that Arthur will be home in two and a half weeks.