Cause of the War of 1812: "All Impressments Unlawful and Inadmissible"

[Americana], Chesapeake-Leopard Affair

Pamphlet

[Americana]. All Impressments Unlawful and Inadmissible. Boston: Published and Sold by William Pelham, [c. 1808]. A Contemporary Response to the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair. 12 pp. Octavo, 9-1/4" x 5-3/4" inches. Stab-stitched pamphlet in self wrappers, untrimmed edges. One of two issues, both printed c. 1808. This pamphlet addresses the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair, a naval engagement off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia between the HMS Leopard and USS Chesapeake. The Leopard pursued, attacked and boarded the Chesapeake to capture four deserters from the Royal Navy. This incident created an uproar among Americans and was one of the incidents that led to the War of 1812. The main part of this pamphlet is a letter from extracted from then Secretary of State James Madison to James Monroe, minister to Great Britain. The creation of this pamphlet is attributed in some sources to Tench Coxe. Light browning, light soiling to exterior, a few minor stains, upper corner lacking from margin of final leaf, two small holes to final leaf with negligible loss to text, no loss to legibility.

Item #16405

Price: $800.00