The Case:
A Florida woman recently inherited a family mystery. In her late mother's belongings, she stumbled on a framed letter allegedly penned by future President James Monroe in 1807.
Our contributor has recognized a family name “Manwaring” scrawled near the date, and believes the letter references a monetary debt the financially unstable U.S. Government owed the Manwaring family.
The document leads to a tale of terror on the high seas, when American merchant ships were stalked by Britain, their cargo pillaged and their crews forced into the British Navy to fight against France.
Young America was desperate to avoid war, and James Monroe, then Minister to Britain, attempted to mediate with his pen.
History Detectives tracks a conflict that nearly bankrupted America.
Season 6, Episode 10
Detective:
Gwen Wright
Location:Newport, Rhode Island and Charlottesville and Fredricksburg, Virginia
Related Content
Feature:
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Coney Island Lions
Could this be an artifact from the bygone days of early amusement parks?
-
Related Investigation
Muhlenberg Robe
Was this robe torn off during a fiery sermon to rally congregants to the cause of the Revolutionary War?
-
Related Investigation
John Adams Book
Was this book a gift from John Adams to his son?
-
Also in Revolution: 1754-1820
Flint Lock Rifle
Was this the gun of one of the most infamous bandits operating to undermine the birth of our nation?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Lou Gehrig Autograph
Did Lou Gehrig autograph this ticket on the day he announced his retirement?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Thomas Edison's House
Was this New Jersey home built by inventor Thomas Edison?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.