James Monroe (1799-1870) was a U. S. Army officer, U. S. Representative from New York and nephew of President James Monroe. Further information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki:
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James Monroe (1799-1870) Family Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Willliam & Mary Libraries
Related collections are; the James Monroe Papers (Mss. 39.1 M75), Monroe Papers, Ashlawn (Mss. Acc. 2003.09), Jay Johns Collection of James Monroe Papers (Mss. 68 M75), and the Monroe Family Papers (Mss. 82 M75), all at Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Papers, 1806-1860, primarily 1823-1845, of James Monroe (1799- 1870). Letters relate to his military career, family life, and politics. Included is correspondence to his uncle, President James Monroe.
News of his children - George, who is preparing for the seminary; William, who is improving at school; and his daughters, who are "old enough to show their friends what they have to expect from them;" detailed discussion concerning the administration of their brother's vast estate, involving Mr. Troup, his attorney, and a Dr. Tillary and a Mr. Scott.
His uncle James Monroe thinks he should come for the week-end to visit with them, as well as Fanny [sister?]; mentions "the last number published by Lockharts Sir Walter" and refers him to that for advice; hopes he has enough respect for her to follow her advice and uphold the name of "James Monroe," listing the following concerns: continuing to refrain from consuming liquor; always paying in full so as to not go into debt; refraining from gambling; avoiding attachments with women; not spreading rumors; attending church, reading the Bible and praying; trusting no one until he knows they can be trusted; and keeping family affairs private. This letter was previously incorrectly attributed to Elizabeth Kortright Monroe.
Has aide-de-camp and the acting Adj[utant General; hopes that his move to the arsenal will prove agreeable to both him and Mrs. Monroe; inquires about an order for transportation to New York.
Discusses his "investigation of the general titles to land estates in the great state of New York;" makes reference to a Mr. Abel and Mr. Otis.
Has been told by Mr. Gate, the aide-de-camp of Gen. Scott, that correspondence between Monroe and the recipient concerning Dr. Dayton and payment had been forwarded to Gen. Scott by the Secretary of War; also understands that further correspondence between Dr. Dayton and the recipient were also forwarded, in which the Mr. Dayton referred to him [JM] in not very "delicate... language;" inquires if his office normally retains and/or forwards correspondence to outsiders without sending copies to those directly affected.
Had an enjoyable time staying at Monroe's quarters; discusses his journey home from N.Y. through Trenton, Baltimore, and ending in Virginia; announces shipment of half dozen Virginia hams and sweet potatoes on the schooner Fly which sets sail September 2; will announce shipment of dogs after checking on his kennels.
Apologizes for not writing; describes travels from N.Y., through Philadelphia, Washington, Norfolk, and Petersburg to Raleigh; discusses his opinion of a sculpture of George Washington.
Mentions the voyages of several ships including the Florida, John Jay, Caledonia, Canada, and Manchester; mentions the passage of Mrs. Douglas and Miss Margaret and includes rumors that she is marrying; states Mrs. Douglas' condition of health is low but everything possible is being done to make her comfortable.
Tells of the arrival of the Florida; will feel relief to see his name gazetted; mentions the nomination and approbation by the Senate of Commodore David Porter as U.S. Consul Gen. to Algiers; mentions the shipment of Stilton cheese being sent to him on the Canada. Includes 1830 April 15 letter from Francis Barber Ogden to Monroe's wife, Eliza, telling much family news.
Describes outing with his friends, including a description of the English countryside; relates the life story of Miss Sarah Ponsonby and Lady Eleanor Butler.
Mentions Schephin [?] entering political life and his meeting with Col. Worth; mentions daughter Julia; expresses wishes concerning "the enemy" and "the sultan," describes weather conditions; mentions Jimbo, his political career, and the state of the country. 3 pp. ALS.
Discusses studies at school.
Discusses his studies and work he would have to make up to come home for the 4th of July; also mentions a Mr. Luck; would like another basket of cherries.
Discusses a previous situation, and their feelings about it, and their actions toward it.
Forbids him to use the Monroe name in any connection with the previous incident concerning his daughter; warns him to be careful of judgements because his past misunderstandings have led him into error before.
His Regiment will leave Florida soon, and be stationed in Trenton, New Jersey; information concerning killings, despite the treaty; mentions the Seminoles, Miccosukee, and Hostile Creeks; other information concerning the war, such as withdrawal of troops and the capture of tribes.
Concerns a business adventure dealing with mortgages and deeds; mentions a Mr. Deveureux
Encloses a copy of correspondence; discusses his theory about his father's errors concerning attacks against him; mentions Aunt L. Monroe and Fanny. Includes letter, 1843 February 7 from J. Monroe, Fort Wachita, to Col. G. Loomis, requesting him to withdraw the accusation he made against him earlier. Also includes letter, 1843 March 4 from Col. G. Loomis, Fort Towson, to James Monroe, Fort Wachita, responding to the previous letter, asking for forgiveness, and apologizing for any harm he caused. Also includes letter, 1843 March 9 from James Monroe, Fort Wachita, to Col. G. Loomis, responding to his letter accusing him of treating the apology like a "favor."
States she wouldn't have had to send him the previous letter if he had ceased pursuing their daughter Fanny as they requested; expresses belief that eventually it will be like the situation never occured and he will be welcome at Farmwood again.
She can no longer receive his visits except as a friend after reaching an understanding with her parents.
Brief letter concerning her daughter's and his relationship, stating that it "should never have been turned from friendship into romance."
Explains his affection for her daughter and expresses his grief at their opinion of him; states he will obey their wishes, but hopes they will do him justice and reevaluate their opinion of his motives.
States that Mr. Monroe doesn't approve of Mr. Van Zandt visiting his daughter, but if visits must occur, they may only take place at Farmwood; he also feels he is in no position "to ask any lady to take his name."
Concerns her meeting with him; has decided to let him see her daugher as "any other gentleman," but states all understanding will be lost if his intentions appear to be those of an "intended lover."
Assumed an understanding concerning their daughter could be reached after speaking with Dr. Mutter; now that he realizes they will oppose every effort of reconciliation, he intends to ask their daughter to marry, with or without their consent, as soon as he is in a position to do so.
Received her letter of the eleventh; has had no communication with Dr. Mutter since their last interview.
Has heard that their daughter, Fanny, was in town, and she may have met with Mr. Van Zandt; suggests they send Fanny to stay with him to prevent further meetings.
Writes as a constituent, expressing his opposition at prohibiting slavery and his feelings towards those who wish to prohibit it.
Concerns a projected visit to Monroe, Balston Spa, N.Y.; lists complaints about the living conditions from people who have just returned from there; states Miss Wilson's brother isn't there; more about travels.
Concerns the issue of slavery; refers to Lincoln as "a low, ignorant, and obscure man, known only as a "Rail Splitter," Charles Sumner as a "coward," and William Henry Steward as an "arch-traitor"; believes a civil war is inevitable and refers to the pending difficulties between the North and the South; family news and information about previous travels; mentions that if Mr. John C. Breckinridge had won, Edward would have had a promotion, but the diplomatic career of Edward, the Sec. of Legation at Berlin, will end with James Buchanan's presidency.