An Exceptional Survival of the Broadside and Letter Together Summoning Congress to Vote on the Louisiana Purchase

"... rendered necessary by conventions with the French Republic, involving a cession of Louisiana to the United States; which may require the presence of both Houses, [the shortness of the time] with the very great importance of the subject to the interest of the United States, claim from every member the most punctual attendance; and I am charged by the President to urge these considerations on your patriotism, and your sense of duty...."

A special session of Congress called to ratify the Louisiana Purchase convened on October 17, 1803. The Louisiana Purchase more than doubled the size of the United States, set our collective eyes forever westward, and was undoubtedly Jefferson's most significant achievement as President. The session duly convened and just three days later on October 20, 1803 the Senate ratified the Treaty by a vote of 24-to-7. On October 25 the House approved the payment of $11 million with a 90-to-25 vote and within a week of that was the first triumphant public announcement in the National Intelligencer.

In the last 50 years (according to Rare Book Hub), two other copies of James Madison's circular letter have appeared in the trade, but neither of these had the original enclosure of Jefferson's handsome and important broadside. Jefferson, although personally convinced of the constitutionality of a President negotiating this acquisition, was fully aware that it would be questioned in Congress. In part, "Whereas great and weighty matters, claiming the consideration of the Congress of the United States, form an extraordinary occasion for convening them; I do by these presents appoint Monday the 17th day of October next for their meeting at the City of Washington, hereby requiring the respective Senators and Representatives, then and there to assemble...."

★ MADISON, JAMES, Printed Letter Signed "James Madison" as Secretary of State, 1 p, 4to (conjoined address leaf), with additional franking Signature of Madison, Washington, July 18, 1803, to Benjamin [George] Tibbits, on Amies wove paper with dove of peace watermark, some brown spots, small holes along a horizontal fold with a little loss to address, short repair, docketed on verso: "Madison enclosing P. proclamation." #24160.01

WITH: JEFFERSON, THOMAS, Printed Broadside, By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation.... July 16, 1803, Washington. Signed in type by Jefferson and Madison. Original folds, very fine condition. 7.8 X 9.6 in. #24160.02