]> monroe_j James Monroe Correspondence An inventory of his correspondence at Syracuse University LMD &su_name; &su_address; 29 October 2009 Laura Deal 29 October 2009 English Overview of the Collection &su_name; &su_address; Monroe, James, 1758-1831. James Monroe Correspondence 1814-1820 1 folder (SC) Two letters written by President James Monroe. 2718821 English Biographical History

James Monroe (1758-1831) was the fifth President of the United States, from 1817-1825. Prior to his election, he served in the Madison administration as Secretary of State (1811-1817) and Secretary of War (1814-1815). Important events during his presidency included the Missouri Compromise and the acquisition of Florida. He was also known for developing the Monroe Doctrine, which opposed further European intervention in the Americas.

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The James Monroe Correspondence consists of two letters written by Monroe. The first letter was sent by Monroe on 14 February 1814 while he was Secretary of State. It is addressed to the Governor of the Mississippi Territory (David Holmes) and warns him about the activities of Dr. John Hamilton Robinson. A few years earlier, Robinson had been an official American envoy in Mexico, and he had developed sympathies for the revolutionaries fighting the Spanish colonial government there. Monroe's letter alludes to Robinson's illegal attempts to recruit American volunteers for the Mexican War of Independence, and he asks the governor to take the "necessary and proper steps" to stop him.

The second letter was written by Monroe on 1 July 1820 to William Wilkins, possibly the Pennsylvania politician who was then a member of the state house of representatives. In this letter of recommendation, Monroe asks Wilkins to give his nephew Charles W. Ernest a commission of second lieutenant in the army.

Arrangement of the Collection

The letters are in chronological order.

 Subject and Genre Headings Politics, government and public administrationMonroe, James, 1758-1831. Robinson, John Hamilton, 1782-1819. Holmes, David, 1770-1832. Wilkins, William, 1779-1865.United States -- Foreign relations -- Spain.Mexico -- History -- Wars of Independence, 1810-1821. Filibusters. Correspondence. Presidents. Politicians. Access Restrictions

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 Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

James Monroe Correspondence, &su_name;

Acquisition Information

Purchased, 1966.

 Inventory Correspondence 14 Feb 1814, 1 Jul 1820345