MONROE, James (1758-1831), President. Autograph letter signed ("James Monroe") to Captain Partridge, New York, 16 June 1828. 1 page, 4to, addresed on verso "Capn. Partridge," very slight mat-burn at extreme edges, otherwise in excellent condition.

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MONROE, James (1758-1831), President. Autograph letter signed ("James Monroe") to Captain Partridge, New York, 16 June 1828. 1 page, 4to, addresed on verso "Capn. Partridge," very slight mat-burn at extreme edges, otherwise in excellent condition.

MAINTAINING THE IRREPROACHABLE INTEGRITY OF THE PRESIDENCY

The former President transmits a copy of the committee report regarding his long-standing claims for unpaid salary and expenses from his service as Minister to France (1794-96), and reveals that he had purposely deferred any efforts to press his claims while President in order to avoid even the appearance or suspicion of impropriety: "I have the pleasure to inclose to you, & request your acceptance, of a copy of my memoir, on the subject of my claims, which treats incidentally, on the service on which they were founded. There was no period, at which the subject could be brought forward, with propriety, prior to my retirement from office [Monroe stepped down as President on 4 March 1825], when I could have no influence on the decision; nor be suspected of any, however injuriously the delay operated to my prejudice, & for that reason, it was postponed. I have asked no favor; nor any thing, to which I was not entitled, at the remote periods stated; & to which on a full view of all circumstances, as supported by unquestionable documents, my country may not think itself bound, in strict justice, to render me."

When Monroe left office, he was some $75,000 in debt and his finances were in desperate condition. His claims against the government, which totaled some $53,000, were carefully investigated by a Congressional Committee which recommended no interest be paid. Finally, in the last session of 1826, Congress voted to repay the aging President about $29,513 in settlement.

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