who was james monroe's attorney general

by Mr. Arjun Breitenberg 10 min read

James Monroe - Administration
First LadyElizabeth Monroe
Vice PresidentDaniel D. Tompkins (1817-1825)
Secretary of StateRichard Rush (1817)
Secretary of StateJohn Quincy Adams (1817–1825)
Attorney GeneralRichard Rush (1817)
9 more rows

Who is James Monroe?

Dec 16, 2016 · Attorney General. Richard Rush (1817) Attorney General. William Wirt (1817–1825) Postmaster General. Return J. Meigs, Jr. (1817–1823) Postmaster General. John McLean (1823–1825) Secretary of the Treasury.

What did James Monroe do as Secretary of State?

Oct 04, 2016 · Wirt would serve as U.S. attorney general in the cabinets of Presidents James Monroe and John Quincy Adams (1817-1829). He wrote extensive legal opinions and authored Letters of a British Spy (1803), The Rainbow (1808) and The Old Bachelor (1812), and ran unsuccessfully as the anti-Masonic presidential candidate in the election of 1832.

What political party did James Monroe belong to?

Oct 04, 2016 · Richard Rush (1817) Richard Rush (1817) Breadcrumb. U.S. Presidents. James Monroe. Richard Rush (1817) Richard Rush was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 29, 1780, and graduated from Princeton University. Rush began his political career as attorney general for the state of Pennsylvania in 1811, a post earned largely through public recognition …

What did James Monroe do in the Revolutionary War?

James Monroe The 5th president of the U.S. Cabinet Members President James Monroe Vice President Daniel D. Tompkins (1817-1825) Secretary of State John Quincy Adams (1817-25) Secretary of the Treasury William H. Crawford (1817-25) Secretary of War John C. Calhoun (1817-25) Attorney General Richard Rush (1817) William Wirt (1817-25)

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Who were James Monroe's cabinet members?

Cabinet Members Under MonroeSecretary of StateJohn Quincy Adams, 1817Secretary of the TreasuryWilliam H. Crawford (Cont.)Secretary of WarJohn C. Calhoun, 1817Attorney GeneralRichard Rush (Cont.) William Wirt, 1817Secretary of the NavyB. W. Crowninshield (Cont.) Smith Thompson, 1818 Samuel L. Southard, 1823

What did William Wirt do?

William Wirt (November 8, 1772 – February 18, 1834) was an American author and statesman who is credited with turning the position of United States Attorney General into one of influence. He was the longest serving Attorney General in U.S. history.

What is James Monroe best known for?

Monroe's greatest achievement as a diplomat was his negotiation of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Elected President of the United States in 1816 and in 1820, James Monroe resolved long-standing grievances with the British, acquired Florida from Spain in 1819, and proclaimed the “Monroe Doctrine” in 1823.

Who is James Monroe and what did he do?

James Monroe was the fifth President of the United States (1817–1825) and the last President from the Founding Fathers. On New Year's Day, 1825, at the last of his annual White House receptions, President James Monroe made a pleasing impression upon a Virginia lady who shook his hand: “He is tall and well formed.

What political party was William Wirt?

Anti-Masonic PartyWilliam Wirt / PartyThe Anti-Masonic Party, also known as the Anti-Masonic Movement, was the earliest third party in the United States. Formally a single-issue party, it strongly opposed Freemasonry, but it later aspired to become a major party by expanding its platform to take positions on other issues. Wikipedia

What did James Monroe do as a child?

He was home-schooled at first but enrolled in Campbelltown Academy in 1769. He was an excellent student. He enrolled in William and Mary College in 1774. He dropped out to join the Third Virginia Regiment in 1775, to fight against the British in the American Revolutionary War.

What was James Monroe famous quote?

“I regret that I should leave this world without again beholding him.” “A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue.” “The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.”

What political party did James Monroe belong to?

Democratic-Republican PartyJames Monroe / PartyIn 1816 Monroe was elected president of the United States as the Republican candidate, defeating Rufus King, the Federalist candidate; Monroe received 183 electoral votes and King 34. By 1820, when he was reelected, receiving all the electoral votes but one, the Federalists had ceased to function as a party.

What was Monroe criticized for?

Some critics derided Monroe for not responding more forcefully to the depression. Although he believed that such troubles were natural for a maturing economy and that the situation would soon turn around, he could do little to alleviate their short-term effects.

What did James Monroe believe in?

President Monroe was a great advocate of nationalism and reached out to all the regions of the country. In foreign policy, he put the nation on an independent course, no longer tied to the mast of European policy.

What did the Monroe Doctrine do?

The Monroe Doctrine is the best known U.S. policy toward the Western Hemisphere. Buried in a routine annual message delivered to Congress by President James Monroe in December 1823, the doctrine warns European nations that the United States would not tolerate further colonization or puppet monarchs.Jan 28, 2022

Who was James Monroe?

For other uses, see Senator Monroe (disambiguation). James Monroe ( / mənˈroʊ /; April 28, 1758 – July 4, 1831) was an American statesman, lawyer, diplomat and Founding Father who served as the fifth president of the United States ...

How many children did James Monroe have?

His mother Elizabeth Jones (1730–1772) married Spence Monroe in 1752 and they had five children: Elizabeth, James, Spence, Andrew, and Joseph Jones. Marker designating the site of James Monroe's birthplace in Monroe Hall, Virginia.

Why did James Monroe sell his plantation?

Monroe sold his small Virginia plantation in 1783 to enter law and politics. He later fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming the owner of a large plantation and wielding great political power, but his plantation was never profitable. Although he owned much more land and many more slaves, and speculated in property, he was rarely on site to oversee the operations. Overseers treated the slaves harshly to force production, but the plantations barely broke even. Monroe incurred debts by his lavish and expensive lifestyle and often sold property (including slaves) to pay them off. The labor of Monroe's many slaves were also used to support his daughter and son-in-law, along with a ne'er-do-well brother and his son.

What was Monroe's role in the Northwest?

He had served a total of three years when he finally retired from that office by the rule of rotation. By that time, the government was meeting in the temporary capital of New York City. In 1784, Monroe undertook an extensive trip through Western New York and Pennsylvania to inspect the conditions in the Northwest. The tour convinced him that the United States had to pressure Britain to abandon its posts in the region and assert control of the Northwest. While serving in Congress, Monroe became an advocate for western expansion, and played a key role in the writing and passage of the Northwest Ordinance. The ordinance created the Northwest Territory, providing for federal administration of the territories West of Pennsylvania and North of the Ohio River. During this period, Jefferson continued to serve as a mentor to Monroe, and, at Jefferson's prompting, he befriended another prominent Virginian, James Madison.

Where is James Monroe's home?

James Monroe was born April 28, 1758, in his parents' house in a wooded area of Westmoreland County, Virginia. The marked site is one mile from the unincorporated community known today as Monroe Hall, Virginia. The James Monroe Family Home Site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Why did Monroe go to France?

Shortly after the end of Monroe's gubernatorial tenure, President Jefferson sent Monroe back to France to assist Ambassador Robert R. Livingston in negotiating the Louisiana Purchase. In the 1800 Treaty of San Ildefonso, France had acquired the territory of Louisiana from Spain; at the time, many in the U.S. believed that France had also acquired West Florida in the same treaty. The American delegation originally sought to acquire West Florida and the city of New Orleans, which controlled the trade of the Mississippi River. Determined to acquire New Orleans even if it meant war with France, Jefferson also authorized Monroe to form an alliance with the British if the French refused to sell the city.

What was Monroe's greatest achievement?

He experienced several early diplomatic successes, including the protection of U.S. trade from French attacks. He also used his influence to win the release of Thomas Paine and Adrienne de La Fayette, the wife of the Marquis de Lafayette. Months after Monroe arrived in France, the U.S. and Great Britain concluded the Jay Treaty, outraging both the French and Monroe—not fully informed about the treaty prior to its publication. Despite the undesirable effects of the Jay Treaty on Franco-American relations, Monroe won French support for U.S. navigational rights on the Mississippi River —the mouth of which was controlled by Spain —and in 1795 the U.S. and Spain signed Pinckney's Treaty. The treaty granted the U.S. limited rights to use the port of New Orleans.

Who was the longest serving attorney general in the United States?

Mildred Gilmer (Deceased 1799) Elizabeth Washington Gamble. Signature. William Wirt (November 8, 1772 – February 18, 1834) was an American author and statesman who is credited with turning the position of United States Attorney General into one of influence. He was the longest serving Attorney General in U.S. history.

Who was the only person from Maryland to ever become a presidential candidate who won any electoral votes?

On September 28, 1831, Wirt became a presidential candidate after the fifth ballot. Amos Ellmaker became his running mate. Wirt is the only person from Maryland to ever become a presidential candidate who won any electoral votes. Wirt was, in fact, a former Freemason.

Who was the first person to run for president in 1832?

After leaving his position as attorney general, Wirt settled in Baltimore, Maryland. He became a candidate for President in 1832, nominated by the Anti-Masonic Party. This party held the first ever national nominating convention in the U.S history on September 11, 1830 in Philadelphia establishing the tradition. The date was chosen to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Morgan Affair. However, no candidate was agreed upon. The actual nomination occurred a year later during the second convention in Baltimore. On September 28, 1831, Wirt became a presidential candidate after the fifth ballot. Amos Ellmaker became his running mate. Wirt is the only person from Maryland to ever become a presidential candidate who won any electoral votes.

Who has the longest tenure?

William Wirt has the record for the longest tenure in history of any U.S. attorney general. In 1824, Attorney General Wirt argued for the United States against Daniel Webster in Gibbons v. Ogden that the federal patent laws preempted New York State's patent grant to steamboat inventor Robert Fulton 's successor, Aaron Ogden, ...

Who was the Attorney General of the United States during the War of 1812?

From the position as Comptroller of the treasury, albeit a subordinate position, Rush functioned as one of President Madison's closest friends and confidential advisors throughout the War of 1812. He was one of the War Hawks who advocated war with Britain. In 1814 Madison offered Rush the choice of Secretary of the Treasury or Attorney General of the United States, of which positions Rush chose the latter. With his appointment as Attorney General, Rush became the youngest person to serve in that office. Rush served as United States Attorney General from 1814 to 1817. At this time the attorney generalship was a part-time position, and so Rush also maintained his private law practice while in this office. On top of this he edited a codification of United States laws during this time.

Who was the Attorney General of Pennsylvania in 1811?

Shortly before this he had declined an offer to run for Congress. In November 1811, President James Madison appointed Rush Comptroller of the Treasury .

Who was Richard Rush?

Richard Rush (August 29, 1780 – July 30, 1859) was the 8th United States Attorney General and the 8th United States Secretary of the Treasury. He also served as John Quincy Adams 's running mate on the National Republican ticket in 1828 . Born in Philadelphia to Benjamin Rush, ...

Where was Benjamin Rush born?

Rush was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the second son (and third child) of Benjamin Rush (one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and a prominent physician) and Julia (Stockton) Rush, daughter of Richard Stockton (another signer of the Declaration of Independence) and Annis Boudinot Stockton. He entered the College of New Jersey (now known as Princeton University) at the age of 14, and graduated in 1797 as the youngest member of his class. He was admitted to the bar in 1800, when he was barely 20 years old.

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Overview

Presidency (1817–1825)

Monroe largely ignored old party lines in making federal appointments, which reduced political tensions and augmented the sense of "oneness" that pervaded the United States. He made two long national tours to build national trust. At Boston, a newspaper hailed his 1817 visit as the beginning of an "Era of Good Feelings". Frequent stops on his tours included ceremonies of welcome and e…

Early life

James Monroe was born April 28, 1758, in his parents' house in a wooded area of Westmoreland County, Virginia. The marked site is one mile from the unincorporated community known today as Monroe Hall, Virginia. The James Monroe Family Home Site was listed on the National Register of Historic Placesin 1979. His father Spence Monroe (1727–1774) was a moderately prosperou…

Marriage and family

On February 16, 1786, Monroe married Elizabeth Kortright (1768–1830) in New York City. She was the daughter of Hannah Aspinwall Kortright and Laurence Kortright, a wealthy trader and former British officer. Monroe met her while serving in the Continental Congress.
After a brief honeymoon on Long Island, New York, the Monroes returned to Ne…

Plantations and slavery

Monroe sold his small Virginia plantation in 1783 to enter law and politics. Although he owned multiple properties over the course of his lifetime, his plantations were never profitable. Although he owned much more land and many more slaves, and speculated in property, he was rarely on site to oversee the operations. Overseers treated the slaves harshly to force production, but th…

Early political career

Monroe was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1782. After serving on Virginia's Executive Council, he was elected to the Congress of the Confederationin November 1783 and served in Annapolis until Congress convened in Trenton, New Jersey in June 1784. He had served a total of three years when he finally retired from that office by the rule of rotation. By that tim…

Governor of Virginia and diplomat (1799–1802, 1811)

On a party-line vote, the Virginia legislature elected Monroe as Governor of Virginia in 1799. He would serve as governor until 1802. The constitution of Virginia endowed the governor with very few powers aside from commanding the militia when the Assembly called it into action. But Monroe used his stature to convince legislators to enhance state involvement in transportation and education and to increase training for the militia. Monroe also began to give State of the Co…

Secretary of State and Secretary of War (1811–1817)

Monroe returned to the Virginia House of Burgesses and was elected to another term as governor in 1811, but served only four months. In April 1811, Madison appointed Monroe as Secretary of State in hopes of shoring up the support of the more radical factions of the Democratic-Republicans. Madison also hoped that Monroe, an experienced diplomat with whom he had once been close frie…

Overview

William Wirt (November 8, 1772 – February 18, 1834) was an American author and statesman who is credited with turning the position of United States Attorney General into one of influence. He was the longest serving Attorney General in U.S. history. He was also the Anti-Masonic nominee for president in the 1832 election.

Biography

William Wirt was born in Bladensburg, Maryland to a German mother, Henrietta, and a Swiss German father, Jacob Wirt. Both of his parents died before he was eight years old and Jasper Wirt, his uncle, became his guardian. Between his seventh and his eleventh year Wirt was sent to several classical schools and finally to one kept by the Reverend James Hunt in Montgomery County, where he received over the course of four years the chief part of his education. For two years he …

Published works

Wirt's earliest work was Letters of the British Spy, which he first contributed to the Richmond Argus in 1803, and which won immediate popularity. The letters are chiefly studies of eloquence and eloquent men, are written in a vivid and luxuriant style, and may be regarded, in spite of the exceptional excellence of "The Blind Preacher", as rather a prophecy of literary skill than its fulfilment. Th…

Grave robbery

In the early 2000s, after a series of mysterious phone calls to the cemetery, it was discovered that in the 1970s someone had broken into the Wirt Tomb at Washington, D.C.'s Congressional Cemetery and had stolen Wirt's skull. After the skull was recovered from the house of a historical memorabilia collector, it spent time in D.C. Council member Jim Graham's office while he tried to get it returned to its rightful crypt. Finally in 2005 investigators from the Smithsonian Institutionw…

Major cases argued

• Gibbons v. Ogden
• McCulloch v. Maryland
• Cherokee Nation v. Georgia
• Worcester v. Georgia

Further reading

• Jabour, Anya. Marriage in the Early Republic: Elizabeth and William Wirt and the Companionate Ideal. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1998.
• Raphael, Ray. Founding Myths: Stories that Hide our Patriotic Past. New Press, 2004.