Lot
1568 
James Madison, 1751-1836, 4th President of the United States 1809-17. Bold free frank "Free James Madison" signature as ex-President on folded cover addressed fully in his hand to "The Revd. W.B. Sprague, West Springfield, Massachusetts", manuscript "Orange C.H., Decr 1" postmark; exceptionally fresh and Extremely Fine. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
A CHOICE JAMES MADISON FREE FRANK AS EX-PRESIDENT.
When Madison left office in 1817, he retired to Montpelier, his tobacco plantation in Orange County, Virginia, which was not far from Jefferson's Monticello. He was 65 years old and Dolley, 49, thought they would finally have a chance to travel to Paris. As with both Washington and Jefferson, Madison left the presidency a poorer man than when he entered, due to the steady financial collapse of his plantation, which was aided by the continued low price of tobacco and his stepson's mismanagement.
Realized: $1,200