James Madison signed Military Commission - June 1, 1810 dated Presidential Autograph

The dimensions of the document are 15 3/4” x 18 1/2”.

James Madison, Jr. (March 16, 1751 – June 28, 1836) is widely regarded as the “Father of the Constitution” and the author of the Bill of Rights. He is often hailed as the principal architect of the most significant political experiment in human history. George F. Will once remarked that if we genuinely believed that the pen is mightier than the sword, our nation’s capital would have been named “Madison, D.C.” instead of Washington, D.C. Madison also contributed significantly to the “Federalist Papers,” a series of 85 newspaper articles published throughout the thirteen states. These articles provided the public with an explanation of how the proposed Constitution would function. Thomas Jefferson highly regarded the “Federalist Papers” as “the best commentary on the principles of government, which ever was written.” They continue to serve as the primary source for jurists and legal scholars seeking the original understanding of the Constitution. James Madison also served as the fourth president of the United States. Like Thomas Jefferson, his most substantial contributions to American history predated his presidency. The Constitution stands as the world’s oldest written constitution and is considered the most significant document in the history of freedom. Since its inception, it has served as a model for other constitutions globally, with many of them exhibiting remarkable similarities to the American Constitution. Madison participated in the first Congress under the new Constitution and was widely regarded as an expert on the Constitution. George Washington frequently sought counsel from Madison on constitutional matters and precedents. As Jefferson’s Secretary of State (1801-1809), Madison oversaw the Louisiana Purchase, effectively doubling the nation’s size. As president, following the unsuccessful diplomatic protests and embargo, he led the nation into the War of 1812 in response to England’s impressment of American seamen. Despite facing a superpower of the time (England) and being a young nation with limited military capabilities, America achieved a better-than-expected outcome in this war. Despite the American Revolution, England had been treating America as if it were still a colony. After successfully resisting England in this war, which has been referred to as a second war for independence, celebrations erupted throughout America. Americans felt that their nationhood and honor had been vindicated, and a new era of growth, trade, and prosperity commenced. Madison’s most distinctive political theory was the principle of divided power. He believed that “parchment barriers” were insufficient to safeguard the rights of citizens. Power must be divided, both between federal and state governments (federalism) and within the federal government (checks and balances) to protect individual rights from the tyranny of the majority. Although his opponents blocked his efforts in the Senate, he emerged as a leader in the newly established House of Representatives, drafting numerous fundamental laws. In one of his most renowned roles, Madison drafted the first ten amendments to the Constitution, earning him the title of the “Father of the Bill of Rights.” He collaborated closely with President George Washington to establish the new federal government. In 1791, Madison and Thomas Jefferson, in opposition to key policies of the Federalists, including the national bank and the Jay Treaty, organized the Republican Party (later known as the Democratic-Republican Party). Co-authoring the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions in 1798, Madison and Jefferson protested the Alien and Sedition Acts. James Madison signed this Military Commission appointing Edward Webber as a Second Lieutenant in the 6th Regiment of the Infantry. 

Read More

Read Less