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MADISON, James. Autograph letter signed ("James Madison") as President, TO SECRETARY OF STATE JAMES MONROE, with Monroe's docket, Washington, D.C., 29 June 1816. 4 full pages, 4to (9¾ x 7 15/16 in.), some browning , otherwise fine. "THE CRITICAL STATE OF OUR AFFAIRS WITH SPAIN": ADDRESSING DIPLOMATIC ISSUES SURROUNDING THE DECLINE OF THE SPANISH EMPIRE A detailed, thoughtful letter regarding diplomatic issues with Spain in both Europe and the Americas. In the early 19th century the Spanish Empire in the Americas began to crumble as Spain's power waned. Many Spanish colonies in Latin America established autonomous regimes and the United States indirectly encouraged these movements. Madison believed that such efforts were consistent with the revolutionary principles of the founding fathers, as he wrote in a letter to Thomas Jefferson "In the great struggle of the Epoch between liberty and despotism...we owe it to ourselves to sustain the former in this hemisphere at least" (Ketcham, James Madison , p. 631). Here, Madison discusses specific actions that should be taken regarding an American ship that was in the possession of the Dey of Algiers. The United States terminated the Algierian practice of seizing merchant ships for ransom by paying an annual tribute during the administration of George Washington. Although seizures had resumed during the War of 1812, Madison notes that the circumstances in this case seemed to indicate a Spanish connection: "as the vessel has actually been seized by the Dey no further demand can be made by him that is not forwarded in arrogance and cupidity, or in a collusion with Spain...If there was a quid pro quo in the case, Spain will doubtless not be very ready to disclose or confess it. Algiers on the other hand will find her policy in bringing it into view." Suspecting Spanish intrigue in the sale of the American ship, Madison explains how the issue should be approached with their foreign minister: "The ground you propose to take with [Luis de] Onis is a very proper one. If he says the Brig was given up for value recd. he is pressed with the infirmes above noted, as well as with the breach of promise to promote our accomodation with Algiers. If he says the surrender was gratis Spain is bound in justice & in fulfilment [ sic ] of that promise to take sides with us in quashing the pretensions of Algiers...He will probably avail himself of the diplomatic resort that he is uninformed of what has passed between his Gov t & the Dey." Madison also discusses the seizure of vessels which failed to carry a ship's passport within Spanish America: "The case of the whaling vessel seized at Valparaiso & sent to Lima with the danger threatened by the pretext for it to so many others has a just claim on our attention. If the want of a sea letter be the sole pretext it may be hoped that the gov t . of Peru will not proceed to condemnation. The sea letter is meant as a simple document to prove the ownership of the vessel, and to prevent her interception on the high seas...Not having the Spanish Treaty with me I cannot say what its precise tenor may be, on the subject of sea letters; but it is not presumable that it can be fairly applied to any other than the ordinary cases of war between powers enjoying undisputed Sovereignty: Nor could Spain, in any view, appeal to the Treaty without admitting what she will not admit that her colonies are de facto Independent Nations." To further influence matters, the President suggests a show of force: "Will it not be proper, if a Frigate be sent to that Quarter...but with instructions to avoid using force in any way unless in that of defence?" He concludes: "I wish...that the critical state of our affairs with Spain may undergo a liberal consultation." Spain eventually relinquished many of its Latin American possessions as a result of rebellions and ceded Florida to the U.S. in 1819.