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Special Collections Research Center
William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterKaren King, William & Mary Special Collections Research Center staff
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.
Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
James Monroe Papers, Special Collections Research Center, William & Mary Libraries.
The majority of the materials in this collection were purchased by Swem Library. Material was also donated by the APVA Headquarters (1969) and Mrs. and Mrs. Joseph Rubine (1978). Acc. 2007.102 gift of Maestro Russell Stanger on 11/15/2007. Acquisition information for material received after 7/13/2009 is available by consulting a Special Collections Research Center staff member. Acc. 2013.218 purchased for Swem Library with support from the Johns (Pollard) fund.
Processed by Cynthia B. Brown in 1983. Box and folder list compiled by Amanda Hayek, SCRC staff, in November 2011. Acc. 2013.006 and 2013.007 accessioned by Ute Schechter, Warren E. Burger Archivist, in February 2013. Acc. 2013.218 accessioned and minimally processed by Steven Bookman, University Archives Specialist, in September 2013. Rehoused, guide updated, and digitized in 2018-2019, Karen King.
Additional accruals are expected as items are donated or purchased.
James Monroe (April 28, 1758- July 4, 1831) was the fifth President of the United States (1817-1825). He played a leading role in the War of 1812 as secretary of war and secretary of state under James Madison. Monroe attended the College of William and Mary from 1774 through 1776.
Collection contains correspondence from 1783-1831, of James Monroe written from Richmond, Virginia while serving time as governor, Paris while minister to France, London while minister to Great Britain, from Washington, D. C. while Secretary of State, Secretary of War, and from Loudoun County, Virginia after serving as President. Also included is a penciled sketch of Monroe by John Vanderlyn. Subjects covered in the collection include diplomatic service, education (advice to his nephew), United States foreign relations with France and Great Britain; the Missouri Compromise; and slavery. Among the correspondents are John Quincy Adams, John C. Calhoun, Henry Lee, John Marshall, Timothy Pickering, St. George Tucker and Monroe's uncle, Joseph Jones and his nephew James Monroe.
Samuel L. Gouverneur correspondence remains in xerox copy form. The papers in the collection starred with an asterisk (*) are included in the microfilm edition James Monroe Papers in Virginia Repositories .
Related collections are; the Monroe Papers, Ashlawn (Mss. Acc. 2003.09), Jay Johns Collection of James Monroe Papers (Mss. 68 M75), the Monroe Family Papers (Mss. 82 M75), and the James Monroe (1799-1870) Family Papers (Mss. 83 M75), all at Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Committee of which he is a member is studying an amendment to the 9th article of the confederation which would strengthen the powers of Congress in commerce with foreign countries and with the states; expects Robert R. Livingston will be chosen minister to Great Britain; is happy that a lady friend in Annapolis is to be married. Oversize item.
Jay Winston Johns Fund, In Memory of John Garland Pollard, Governor of Virginia, 1930-1934. Acc. no. 85-55. Purchased at Sotheby Parke Bernet Auction 1985-10-31.
Written in French. Including a key for deciphering code messages. In English.
Note: In microfilm under Minister of Exterior Relations
Re: Mr. Hopkin's plan for burning and destroying British vessels, 1788. Including from Samuel Bayard, London, England, to F. Skipwith October 20, 1797. Clerk's copy.
Purchased from Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, NY, 1980-11-24.
Conserved by Joseph K. Alexander, Class of 1960.
Encloses a copy of his communication relativeto the Gabriel slave conspiracy of 1800; tells of measures adopted by the legislature as a result of it; assures him that he will command his unreserved confidence in the future on this topic or any other; mentions the case of the Norfolk alderman and the British consul in sending a man charged with mutiny on the Hermione to the West Indies; hopes to meet him this winter; plans to resume practise of law when his term as governor expires; says he owes money but it takes courage to engage in the business having been away from it so long; adds "You know I have industry and perserverance"; sends regards to "Mrs. Mercer & your family"; assures him of his friendship; adds postscript that he rejoices at the success of republicanism in "your state."
Purchased by John M. Presson Fund, Class of 1916. Acc. No. 84-45.
Council consisting of John Guerrant, Jr., Al McRae, W. Roushee, Alexander Stuart, and S. Tyler, Richmond, Virginia to James Monroe, Richmond, Virginia.
Signed by Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, and James Madison, Secretary of State. Oversize file.
Including clerk's copy of L from James Monroe, Portland Place, London, England, to Lord Howick July 21, 1806.
Refers to a letter which will be sent to him by Alexander McRae, President of the Council of State, covering an address welcoming Monroe back from England on behalf of that body; expects he will be surprised at the division of the two branches of the executive department; encloses copy of the reasons he did not concur with the Council refusing to sign the Council's address; assures him of his friendship.
Resolution signed by Robert Taylor.
Oversize item.
John Aspinwall writes to Secretary of State James Monroe regarding immigration information for British merchant David Hadden. Includes a notation by Monroe. Oversize item.
Glad to hear of his safe arrival at West Point; family news; gives opinion, which was requested, that he should remain at school, even if not feeling well, since to make the journey home would make him even more ill, as well as the expense involved; proceeds to relate similar experiences he had at "the philosophical school" College of William and Mary when he was 16, stating that he was "altogether unqualified" and made a "very ridiculous figure," but used his vacation time to study and "obtained the approbation and praise of the professor"; encourages him to do the same; advises him to use plenty of blankets at night, and get a flannel jacket; expresses warm sentiments about his situation.
H. Lester Hooker Fund, Acc. No. 83-3.
Conserved by Joseph K. Alexander, Class of 1960.
Letter, February 4, 1814, Secretary of State, James Monroe, to unknown, announcing the recipient's appointment as Secretary of the Legation to the Swedish Court. The transcription provided by the seller: "Department of State Feby 4 - 1814 Sir, The President of the United States having by and with the advice and consent of the Senate appointed you Secretary of the Legation to the Swedish court. I have the pleasure to unclose your Commission for that office. I have the honor to be Very Respectfully, Sir, your Ob. Ser. Jas Monroe."
Saw his parents in Loudoun County, Virginia; mother not well; will send $20.00 if he can obtain "bills of New York," and advises prudence and economy concerning his monetary situation, as "your father will never be able to give you any aid"; advises to study science first, then mathematics and the history of the world in order to succeed; recommends reading Herodotus, Polybus, Xenophon and others, as well as Robertson's history of Charles the 5th, Hume's history of England, and Voltaire's General History; also be aware of "Chronology... that is, the account of time"; details his father's plight concerning money and health; tells of how much he has already helped his father, once by purchasing all of his slaves, and then leaving them in his possesion, as well as what he expects to do for him in the future, mostly by selling his plantation in Loudoun County, Virginia
Purchased by John M. Presson Fund, Class of 1916. Acc. no. 83-18
Conserved by the Clan Munro Association.
Re: the sale of his property in Albemarle and Loudoun counties, Virginia to pay off his debts. See Preston's Monroe Calendar, I:407
Conserved by Joseph K. Alexander, Class of 1960.
Purchased by the John M. Presson Fund, Class of 1916. Acc. no. 76-11.
This letter is an effort from James Monroe to secure his financial solvency in order to have it available on behalf of the war effort.
Concerns sale of land, moving of Ralph and wife, and the death of ? McCoy of whom Monroe thought highly.
Details the advantages of furthering his education, especially if he is to make the military a career; explains the new purchase of a small farm, 325 acres in Albemarle County, Virginia about 7 miles from him, for his parents; has already stocked it, as well as providing furniture and slaves; the farm will go to his children upon the death of the President's brother but now, is costing him a great deal of money; explains why he has felt compelled to continue advising him, and chastises him for not "keeping company" with "high" people to whom he had introduced him, as opposed to "worthless women," living expensively, and drinking wine.
Purchased by the John M. Presson Fund, Class of 1916. Acc. No. 83-18.
Land Grant, dated March 12, 1818, to Ellery Manchester for 160 acres in Illinois Territory for military service, signed by James Monroe. Land is granted for service in the U.S. Army, probably in the War of 1812. Numbered "237." Gift of Maestro Russell Stanger. Oversize item.
Asking Mme. Jumel if she will permit an architect to see the interior of her house as "she has never seen a house she admires so much and wishes when Mr. Monroe builds a house to have it copied." Originally thought by Swem staff to have been a letter by Elizabeth (Kortright) Monroe, it is now believed to be from Elizabeth Douglas Monroe.
Purchased by the John M. Presson Fund, Class of 1916, . Acc. no. 1987-45, from Kane Antiquarian Auction, 1987-10-11.
Conserved by Joseph K. Alexander, Class of 1960.
*Photocopy has been removed. Refer to A Comprehensive Catalogue of the Correspondence and Papers of James Monroe for the location of original letter.
Discussion of the "Missouri question" and its postponement until January, his opposition to it, as well as member from Connecticut; also gives brief background on it, commenting that it is a "remnant of the policy, which sought in 1786, to shut up the mouth of the Mississippi River"; also comments on policies concerning the admission of new states, citing clauses in the Constitution, and alluding to the difficulties of equality concerning slavery; the committee studying the Spanish Treaty has not reported yet; Mrs. Monroe and Eliza are ill.
Signed by James Monroe, President of the United States, and J.C. Calhoun, Secretary of War. Oversize item.
Purchased by John M. Presson Fund, Class of 1916, Acc. no. 83-18.
Oversize item.
Glad he is feeling better; gives his opinions concerning settling in Virginia or New York after his marriage; Mrs. Monroe is ill.
Conserved by the Clan Munro Association.
Purchased by John M. Presson Fund, Class of 1916, Acc. no. 83-.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 68
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 69
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 70
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 71
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 72
Has just returned from Loudoun County, Virginia; reports that his wife is very ill; has not sold his land in Albemarle, but has replaced Mr. Barton a renter? with someone from Caroline County, Virginia on the recommendations of Col. Tayloe and Wilson Allen; will forward his letters to the Ministers of England and France by way of his brother-in-law; best wishes for his wife and child, expressing interest in Maria (Monroe) Gouverneur's housekeeping abilities. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 73.
Aunt is still having attacks involving her nervous system, giving details of her doctor's diagnosis and treatment; relates letters forwarded to General La Fayette, Richard Rush, and Lord Erskine discussing their views concerning Scotland; also mentions Dugall sic Dugald? Stewart. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 74.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 75.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 76.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 77.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 78.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 79.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 80.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 81.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 82.
Encloses a letter to his wife, Maria (Monroe) Gouverneur, from her mother, who is quite ill; was to leave for Loudoun County, Virginia but postponed the trip until the final report from the committee studying the question between Governor Ninian Edwards and Mr. William H. Crawford comes forth; will be moving up there, where Samuel's aunt, Eliza (Kortright) Monroe will remain; hopes that he, Maria, and the two children will visit this summer; granted a pardon to Perry concerning a piracy charge, with no interference being made by the court's decision; asks him to explain his decision to Mr. Tillotson, and Judge Van Ness. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 83.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 84.
Signed Thomas Sim, Attending Physician and Nathaniel Potters, William Jones, and ? Bokner?, Consulting Physicians. Including certification that the letter is a true copy of the original letter. Signed by Joseph Anderson?. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 85.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 86.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 87.
Letter of introduction for Mrs. Douglas and two of her daughters, all of whom will be visiting Virginia including the Orange Co. area; mentions that Monroe's nephew, Lt. James Monroe, married another one of Mrs. Douglas' daughters; regards to Mrs. Madison. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 88.
Including the toast to be given in honor of James Monroe at the dinner. Also including Df of AL from James Monroe to "Committee of arrangement for the dinner of Gen. Lafayette," Washington, D.C., January 1, 1825. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 89.
Scope and Contents Resolutions commending the administration of James Monroe as President of the United States. DS. Signed by Nathaniel Sibsbee, President of the Senate. Passed by the House of Representatives, January 15, 1825, and by Edward D. Bangs, Secretary. 2pp. * Including LS from William Eustis, Executive Department, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston, Mass., to James Monroe January 18, 1825, transmitting the resolution. 1p. In microfilm un Eustis, William. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 90.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 91.
Remarks made in presenting a resolution of the Alabama Legislature commending Monroe's public services. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 92.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 93.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 94.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 95.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 96.
Just arrived with General Lafayette and his family, Chief Justice John Marshall, and Judge? Dade for an overnight visit; will return to Albemarle tomorrow to meet Mr. Goodwyn, who is purchasing 908 acres, including the buildings; tells of a building prepared for his the nephew's parents. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 97.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 98.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 99.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 100.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 101.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 102.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 103.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 104.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 105.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 106.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 107.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 108.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 109.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 110.
Oversize item.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 112.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 113.
James Monroe writes to his friend John Watson about his visit to his daughter in New York and the reception he received there from his fellow citizens. The letter mostly deals with Monroe's financial situation, having to sell off some of his Virginia property in order to pay the bank. "Dear Sir, Mrs. Monroe was indisposed? by fatigue the last day of our journey here, but is now recovering and I think the prospect good, of her deriving all the advantage from the visit to see Gouverneur, and our daughter and her other connections that we expected. My fellow citizens here have been very kind and attentive, and in a manner which I did not expect, but could not avoid without wounding their feelings. In this, I will, if I have time, write you again, as I intend to set out, in a few days, and passing by Oak Hill, to be at the University on the 10th of next month, where I hope to see you in good health. I may defer further explanations till then. My land in Monmouth will soon be sold, and the coast? below Milton before my arrival there. I wish my friends not to interfere, in any manner whatever, best to let the bank takes its own course. We have done all that we could to prevent a sacrifice, consistent with character, and if the banks are so disposed, let them do it. Sincerely good friend - James Monroe" This letter is cuurrently restricted due to its fragility. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 114.
Oversize item.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 116.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 117.
Sends pamphlet containing James Madison's letters affirming the constitutionality of the power of Congress to impose duties and restrictions on imports for the encouragement of domestic manufacturing with an appendix by himself containing extracts from speeches and reports of Madison, Jefferson, Washington, Hamilton, and Monroe; deplores the "mischievous use" which Gov. William Brach Giles was making of Jefferson's name. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 118.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 119.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 120.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 121.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 122.
Tribute of respect to James Monroe upon receipt of the news of his death. Including a letter from H. Deal?, Charleston, South Carolina, to Mrs. George Hay and Mrs. S.L. Gouverneur, New York, New York, daughters of James Monroe, July 13, 1831, transmitting the tribute. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 123.
America for Americans: Side Lights of the Monroe Doctrine, Ladies Home Journal, by Rose Gouverneur Hoes, great-granddaughter of James Monroe. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 124.
Of visitors who attended the ceremony at the presentation of the portrait of James Monroe to the library at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 125.
Showing the ancestry of James Monroe. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 126.
Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 127.
Oversize items.
By John Vanderlyn. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 129.
Purchased by the John M. Presson Fund, Class of 1916. Conserved by Joseph K. Alexander, Class of 1960. Acc. no. 83-18.
From Ash Lawn. Miniature is dated 1794. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 130.
One page letter from James Monroe to St. George Tucker dated July 12, 1800. It is a response to Tucker's request that Monroe help him to get a recently written essay published. The essay compared English Common Law and its applicable statutes to those of United States laws under the Constitution. Monroe's letter includes his overall satisfaction with the essay, gives some ideas for improvement, and offers to help Tucker in his request. Ultimately, the essay discussed was published. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 131.