.-. i'« \„./ /JM^*-, *^..^* .'I«^^". Vc/ '**^sie^'. ^. o > .'^ii'. Vc.** /^I^\ v.^^ IN MEMORY OP COL. JAMES MONROE. Died September 7, 1870: AGED 71. Blessed are the Pure in Heart : For they shall see God." Matthew V. 8. ^^A G , V4 - C v-v\ \ <> >A V / CHOUGH the coinmeiidations of a good man who has finished his course — like floivers planted by a ffectio7t on his grave — are of notJiing zvorth to the dead, yet, to the living and the loving, they breathe a perpetual fragrance : therefore it is that many of the zvarni friends of the late COL. JAMES MOJ^(kOE, and those zvho clasp his memory still closer to their hearts, have desired to see, in a more enduring form, some of the fugitive tributes to his icorth, zvhich appeared as Obituaries zvhen he had descended to the tomb, embalmed zvith the tears of all zjho had shared his intiinacy in life. " Only the actions of the just Smell sweet, and blossom in the dust." DEATH OF COL. JAS. MONROE- CONTRIBUTED TO THE y^I\M.Y AND f^AYY JoURNAL BY GEN. GEORGE W. CULLUM, U. S. A. Colonel James Monroe, who was born September lo, 1799, in Albemarle county, Virginia, died September 7, 1870, at the residence, on Orange Moun- tain, N. J., of his only surviving child, Mrs. Douglas Robinson, having nearly completed seventy - one years of an eventful life. He was the nephew of President Monroe, who was a younger brother of his father, Andrew Monroe. ' They were descended from Captain Monroe, an officer in the army of Charles the First, who emigrated with the Cavaliers to Virginia in 1652. Colonel Monroe, after receiving a lO good preliminary education, entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, N. Y., when scarce fourteen years old, and was graduated at that institution, March 2, 1815. Of his classmates of 181 5, but six survive him — Henry Middleton, of South Caro- lina ; Simon Willard, a retired mer- chant of Boston ; Generals Thomas J. Leslie and Benjamin L. E. Bonneville, of the U. S. Army ; General Samuel Cooper ; and Professor Charles Davies. Upon his graduation, he became third lieutenant in the Corps of Artillery ; was promoted second lieutenant, May 2, 1 81 7, and first lieutenant, December 31, 18 18, retaining the same rank in the 1 1 Fourth Artillery in the re-organiza- tion of the Army, June i, 1821 ; was breveted a captain, December 31, 1828, ** for faithful service ten years in one grade ; " and resigned his commission in the Army, September 30, 1832. On the very day, March 2, 181 5, of Colonel Monroe's graduation, our war Avith Great Britain having just termi- nated. Congress passed an act author- izing hostilities against Algiers, that piratical power having for some time before been engaged in depredations upon the little American commerce that remained in or near the Mediter- ranean. On May 20, a squadron, con- sisting of three frigates, one sloop of 12 war, and six brigs and schooners, sailed from New York for the Mediterranean, under Commodore Decatur's command, the Guerriere, 44, being his flag-ship. On board of this latter vessel was em- barked Brevet Major S. B. Archer's company of U. S. Artillery, Lieutenant Monroe being one of its subaltern of- ficers. On June 17, 181 5, when off Cape de Gata, on the southern coast of Spain, Decatur's squadron fell in with and captured the Algerine frigate Mashouda, 46, after a short running fight, in which the Algerine admiral and nearly one hundred of his officers and men were killed and wounded, and four hundred and six made prisoners. 13 In this spirited engagement Lieutenant Monroe directed a part of the quarter- deck 2:uns of the Gtierriere, and was wounded in the right hand while him- self firing one of the pieces, which dis- abled several of his fingers for life. His physical bravery, here tested, was no less a marked characteristic of his after career than his ever conspicuous moral courage first exhibited on this cruise. Having challenged a young naval officer, the meeting took place the next morning on the coast of Spain ; but, instead of proceeding to blow out each other's brains, an apol- ogy was made to Monroe, who in- stantly, with the true chivalry of his 14 nature, said to his antagonist that he had but anticipated his own intention in making the amende Jwnorable. Quick to resent an affront, and ever ready to meet the responsibiHty of his own words and acts, this was the only oc- casion on which he appeared as a prin- cipal on the field, though, as second or friend, he settled no less than eighteen contemplated duels, some quite noted in our annals. After his return to the United States, he served as battalion adjutant of ar- tillery at New Orleans, December 28, 1816, to December 18, 1817; as aide- de-camp to Brevet Major- General Winfield Scott, December 18, 18 17, to I r April 4, 1822 ; on ordnance, garrison and commissary duty at various posts for the next ten years ; and again be- came aide-de-camp to General Scott, June 22 to July 13, 1832, on the Black Hawk expedition, but did not reach the seat of war, he being taken sick at Chicago, where a large proportion of the troops were prostrated with Asi- atic cholera. After leaving the Army he entered political life at the soKcitation of nu- merous friends who appreciated his clear intellect and high character. His first service was as assistant alderman in 1832-33, and alderman in 1833-35, of the Third Ward of i6 New York city, being elected in 1834 to be President of the Board, when it was a distinction and proof of integrity to be in the City Council. In 1836, William L. Marcy, then Gov- ernor of the State, tendered to him the position of his aide-de-camp, with the rank of colonel, but it was not accept- ed. From 1839 to 1841 he was an able and useful member of the U. S. House of Representatives, his colleagues from New York being such men as Ogden Hoffman, Moses H. Grinnell and Ed- ward Curtis. He was again elected to Congress, November 3, 1846; but his election being contested by his oppo- nent, David S. Jackson, the case was 17 sent back, March 25, 1848, to the people, neither contestant being ad- mitted. Colonel Monroe was re-nom- inated for the remainder of the term, but declined to run. Subsequently, in 1850 and 1852, he became a distin- guished and leading member of the Legislature of New York, his adopted state. In 1852 he was a very active and influential partizan of General Scott, who was the Whig nominee for President of the United States. On this, as on all other occasions, he proved the sincere and ardent friend of his old chief, whom he had faithfully served during his military career, his devotion never ceasing during the de- i8 dining years of that venerated hero and patriot. His exemplary wife, to whom, as Miss Elizabeth Mary Douglas, he was mar- ried in 1 82 1, having died in 1852, Col- onel Monroe abandoned political life, and never after took an active part in city, state or national affairs, except dur- ing part of the session of the Virginia Convention which met February 13, 1 86 1, and after a fierce struggle of months, finally, April 17, 1861, resolved to throw off her allegiance to the United States. On this momentous occasion Colonel Monroe, true to the memory of a great name so intimately connected with our existence as a na- 19 tion, and to himself, educated under the flag of that nation, promptly proceed- ed to Richmond, where his bold heart and eloquent tongue, both in public and private, denounced the treasonable and suicidal act which was about to drench his beloved Virginia in blood. But though his native state took the fatal leap, he, during the long and de- solating years of the terrible contest which ensued, never for a moment, in thought or deed, faltered in true loyalty to the Union. Though remaining in civil life, he never after ceased to feel a deep interest in all that affected the welfare of his country and the progress of civil liberty throughout the world. 20 After losing his wife, much of his time was spent at the Union Club in New York, of which he was one of the earhest members. In the success of the club he took the deepest interest, and ever tried to maintain for it a high social position. It is unnecessary to say how universal was the attachment of all the members, who looked up to the Colonel as the father of the club. His presence ever shed a genial warmth amid the groups of fond friends which clustered around him to listen to his exhaustless store of anecdotes and in- cidents of the times in which he had lived. In his retentive memory were garnered many of the most precious 21 scraps of the history of the events of our country and countrymen, particu- larly of the " Monroe family," General Scott, and, in fact, of all the public men — Webster, Clay, Calhoun, Marcy, Crittenden, Hoffman, etc. — with whom he had been intimate in and out of Congress. For hours he would dwell upon the services of his disting-uished uncle, detailing the part taken by him in our Revolutionary struggle at White Plains, crossing the Delaware, storm- ing the battery at Trenton, fighting at Brandywine by the side of Lafa3^ette when wounded, as aide-de-camp to Lord Stirling at the battles of Ger- mantown and Monmouth, and his pres- 22 ence at Annapolis when Washington surrendered his commission as com- mander-in-chief; of his services in the Virginia Legislature and Conven- tion, and halls of Congress, with such men as Patrick Henry, George Mason, Madison, Pendleton, Marshall, Grayson and others ; of his enthusiastic recep- tion as iSIinister to France, when pub- Hcly embraced by the President of the National Convention, the stars and stripes being intertwined with the tri- color of the new republic, and his later important agency in the acquisition of Louisiana ; of his varied services as Governor of Virginia, Minister to Eng- land and Spain, and Secretary of State 23 and temporarily of War during Madi- son's administration ; and as President of the United States, making his north- ern tour with his Revolutionary blue coat, buff breeches and cocked hat ; or enthusiastically receiving, in 1824, Lafayette, who, from his youthful Re- volutionary companion, had grown old with the cares of state and the suffer- ings of a dungeon, shared by his de- voted wife, whose life, perhaps, had been rescued from the tigers of the Reign of Terror by the womanly cour- age of Mrs. Monroe while residing in Paris during her husband's embassy to France. AVith pride the Colonel would recount the memorable events of his 24 uncle's administration ; the admission into the Union of the States of Mis- sissippi, Illinois and Maine ; the ac- quisition of Florida from Spain ; the Missouri compromise ; the recognition of the independence of Mexico and the South American republics ; the decla- ration of the " Monroe doctrine ;" the judicious re-organization of the Army ; the increase of the Navy ; the strength- ening of the national defenses ; the protection of commerce ; the aid to internal improvements ; and the vigor and efficiency infused into every de- partment of the public service. It would require a volume to record Colonel Monroe's numerous anecdotes 25 of General Scott and other distinguish- ed soldiers and statesmen. Suffice it to say in this connection, it was due to Colonel Monroe's energy and devotion that the nation was saved from the dis- grace of seeing the conqueror of Mex- ico superseded by the appointment of Thomas H. Benton as Heutenant- gen- eral, and consequently to command the army, then triumphantly marching to the halls of the Montezumas. Colonel Monroe, in general appear- ance and character, much resembled his distinguished namesake. Although not a man of brilliant endowments, he possessed a robust intellect, sharpened more by contact with men than the 26 study of books ; clear perceptions which penetrated through the outer husk of pretension direct to the inner mo- tives of action ; a sagacious judgment, quickly discriminating between true and counterfeit character ; and a ten- acious memory that profited by every- thing coming within his keen observa- tion. His manly courage, scrupulous integrity and earnestness of purpose gave him great strength with his asso- ciates ; while his genuine truthfulness, scorn of all hypocrisy and sincere ap- preciation of real worth secured their universal confidence. He never became a petrified humanity wrapt in self, but was a living soul, genially and loving- 27 ingly in sympathy with his fellows. In the social circle, which was his fav- orite arena, his courteous manner, mod- est simplicity, sportive smile and per- sonal magnetism won all hearts. With his intimate friends he had no reserve, but would tell his stories with the mirthful humor of a boy. This sun- shine of temperament, springing from warmth of feeling, never deserted him, even in his declining years or hours of pain. His pleasantry, however, which was the jubilee of a joyous heart, never wounded even the most sensitive by ridicule, satire, or a sneer. He never forgot a kindness or a friend ; his be- nevolence and generosity were only 28 surpassed by his chivalric honor and keen sense of justice ; and it might truly be said of him, as was remarked by Jefferson of his uncle, that '' if his soul was turned inside out, not a spot would be found upon it." The writer knew him most intimately during his ebbing years, when life's last sands were low ; but " Though old, he still retain'd His manly sense and energy of mind. Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remember'd that he once was young: His easy presence check'd no decent joy. Him even the dissolute admired ; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, • And, laughing, could instruct." COL. JAMES MONROE. CONTRIBUTED TO THE New York Evening Post BT JOHN H. GOURLIE Of Colonel James Monroe, whose death was announced in the Evening Post a few days since, I would ask the privilege of offering a few additional remarks, and of relating an incident in his life which may be not only of in- terest to his many friends, but to those who had not the pleasure of his ac- quaintance. Colonel Monroe was a remarkable man. He commenced life with the usual education of a youth born and reared on a Southern farm, or planta- tion, as it is termed in the South, and, at a very early age, was appointed a 32 cadet at the West Point Academy. The obituary notices that have been published of him in the papers give the record of his promotion and ad- vancement in the Army of the United States, and of his services as a gallant and accomplished soldier. I became acquainted with Colonel Monroe in 1832, when he was about thirty- three years of age. He was a man of pre- possessing appearance, frank and manly in his demeanor, and with a generosity of temperament that inspired me with great admiration for his character. These qualities he retained throughout his whole life, as every friend he had in early or in later life will acknowledge. 33 One event connected with his life and public services I think is worthy of permanent record. The "great fire" of 1835, which desolated a very large portion of the lower part of the city, is connected Avith the incident to which I allude. I was present in the private office of the New York Post-office, of which his friend Samuel L. Gouver- neur was the head. The fire was rag- ing fearfully, and almost immediately threatened the building with destruc- tion, as also the entire row of build- ings in Garden Street (now Exchange Place). The Mayor, Cornelius W. Lawrence, was in consultation with several prominent citizens, among 34 whom were General Joseph G. Swift, formerly Chief Engineer of the Unit- ed States Army, Colonel Monroe, John C. Hamilton and other equally distin- guished men, as to what was to be done under the appalling circumstances. I listened with great interest to the va- rious propositions made to save the city. Mr. Lawrence seemed undeter- mined and irresolute. General Swift, Colonel Monroe and others advised the blowing up of the buildings in Garden Street. Colonel Monroe, con- curring with the General, insisted that it was the only means by which the further destruction of the lower part 35 of the city could be prevented. I re- member the earnest, emphatic manner in which this plan was urged, and the hesitancy of the Mayor to adopt it, on account of the fearful responsibility that might fall upon him. It was final- ly determined to adopt the course ad- vised by the gentlemen present, and General Swift undertook the hazard- ous duty of carrying it out, which he did most successfully. I admired the vehement resolution of Colonel Monroe in this matter, and the recollection of that determined trait of his character remains upon my memory to this hour. * General Swift's priv^ate journal, in 36 the possession of his family, presents a faithful record of this event. Colonel Monroe had, both in public and private life, mingled much with men, and he had an instinctive and un- erring judgment of character. His memory was very remarkable, not only of the names of men, but of the various incidents connected with his Hfe. He was a frank, whole-souled, truth-spoken man ; a true republican in his nature, who met every man, high or low, of decent behavior, as his equal. His genial humor, kindness of nature and shrewd observations of men seemed to increase as he grew older— resisting the usual tendencies which accompany age. n No word ever escaped his lips which would wound the heart — even of one he despised ; and if ever a man illus- trated the true character of a Chris- tian gentleman — in all charity and kindness, in the thoughtful appreciation of all that is good in human nature — it was the noble friend of whom I write. The memory of his kind words and deeds is all that remains to us who loved him. To me, a youth, they were substantial and real, when kindness and generosity Avere needed. The wide circle of his friends (and no man living had more than he) will testify to the uprightness and noble- 38 ness of his nature and of this iincal- culating generosity and manliness of character. He had the pecuUar power of attracting the affectionate regard of every one who knew him. His gen- uine love of truth, his detestation of hypocrisy and false pretences, come from what quarter they may, were strong points in his character ; while his keen observation and ready wit and graphic power of delineation, ren- dered him a most delightful and agree- able companion, as all w^ill confess who knew him. After the death of Colonel Monroe, at Orange Mountain, N. J., his remains were removed to the '' Douglas Man- sion," No. 128 West 14th Street, New York city, now occupied by his sister- in-law, Mrs. Douglas Cruger. On the seventy -first anniversary of Colonel Monroe's birth (Sept. 10, 1870), in presence of his shrouded corpse, many bereaved relations, and an im- mense concourse of sorrowing friends, male and female, including numerous distinguished citizens, and nearly all of the resident members of the Union Club, the solemn funeral services of I 42 the Episcopal Church were performed by the Rev. Henry M. Beare, the pas- tor of Little Neck Church, Long Is- land, assisted by the Rev. D. F. War- ren, of the Church of the Hol}^ Com- munion, New York city. After the long file of intimates had taken their farewell look and the coffin- lid had closed upon that benignant face, still smiling in death, the mortal relics of Colonel Monroe were placed in the hearse by the attending pall- bearers — General Thomas J. Leslie, General Richard Delaiield, General Harvey Brown, General Henr}^ Brew- erton, General Richard S. Satterlee, Judge James J. Rosevelt, Mr. James 43 W. Gei*ard,and Hon. Moses H. Grinnell — all of whom had been his life -long friends, and the four, first named, had been fellow cadets with him at the Military Academy. Accompanied by a large cortege, his remains were con- ve3xd to Trinity Church Cemetery, at the northern extremity of Manhattan Island, and deposited there in his family vault — his last resting-place being in sight of his former residence, " Fanwood," (now the Deaf and Dumb Asylum,) where, for years, he had so oft dispensed his most generous hospi- talities. "AW, that live, must die, Passing through Nature to Eternity." 3 W 73 • » tvV* A 0'' o<»_l.'». 'O • 4 O ^^i:^^^ \fiS^^*. "-^-^^n^ ' «(?^i&'- ^v^ ' ' o. •O** AP :. *_ e w .*=)0 o f < V **•<»- ► o. . ♦•««"