Sold – President James Monroe Issues Important Diplomatic Instructions to the U.S. Ambassador to Swe

Jonathan Russell served as U.S. Ambassador to Sweden. His primary instruction was to secure a treaty of amity and commerce between the two nations. This was done and a treaty was signed in 1816. However, in February 1817, the United States Senate refused to ratify the treaty in toto because it objected to tariffs on goods brought by America ships from the West Indies to Sweden, and to the definition of goods produced in the two signatory countries. Instead, it agreed subject to deletion of the offending clauses. When this occurred, Russell was on leave and in the United States, and he was somewhat reluctant to return to Sweden. President Monroe still wanted a treaty, though in the form the Senate approved. He understood that the situation was delicate, and saw the need, now more than ever, for someone experienced in U.S.-Swedish affairs to explain the issue to the Swedes and still secure their agreement to the treaty. He insisted that Russell return to his post, in this very letter.

To build national trust and spirit after the divisive War of 1812, President Monroe made two extensive national tours in 1817, one throughout the north and one to what was then the west but is now the midwest (Ohio). Frequent stops allowed innumerable ceremonies of welcome and good will. The Federalist Party was diminishing and partisan activity was at a low ebb. The people of the U.S. revelled in this moment, and it came to be called the “Era of Good Feelings.” In this letter, Monroe both refers to his epochal, upcoming tour, and provides Russell with instructions.

Autograph Letter Signed as President, Washington, May 17, 1817, to Russell. “My late visit to Virginia preparatory to the tour I propose making soon to the northward and westward prevented an earlier answer to your last letter. The views respecting the mission to Sweden communicated to you when here have undergone no change. It is still intended that you should return and remain there a certain time, leaving Mr. Hughes charge d’affairs when you take leave of that government. The new modification of the convention made necessary by the vote of the Senate gives additional force to the reasons in favor of your return to Stockholm. Mr. Rush will forward to you in due time the necessary instructions to enable you to fulfill the objects of the government. You will be so good as to inform him when it is probable you will be ready to sail. Accept my congratulations on the late important change in your situation, and my best wishes for your own happiness and that of your lady.” With Russell’s docket on the verso. Rush was Attorney General Richard Rush, who was working with the President on this situation. The change Monroe refers to in the last sentence was Russell’s recent marriage. This letter was obtained by us direct from the Russell descendants and has never before been offered for sale.

On May 31, 1817, just two weeks after this letter, Monroe left Washington on his tour; the Era of Good Feeling was in full swing. As for the treaty, the Swedes accepted the Senate’s modifications and it was ratified in 1818.