Date of Award

Spring 5-13-1946

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

Pritchard, Walter

Abstract

James Brown was born in Virginia in 1766, son of the reverend John Brown, a Presbyterian minister. He was educated in his father’s schools and at William and Mary College. Trained for the law, he mowed to Kentucky to be with his brother John. The latter, also a lawyer, was prominent, serving in the U. S. Senate, 1792-1806.

President Washington appointed James Brown attorney for Kentucky in 1790. CM admission of Kentucky to statehood, the Governor named Brown secretary of state for a four year term. Brown moved to New Orleans in 1804. Jefferson appointed him successively secretary of the district, Judge of the superior court, and district attorney. With Moreau Lislot, he was delegated by the Legislature to prepare a civil code which ms published in 1808. Elected to the Constitutional Convention of 1811-1812, Brown was active in drafting the constitution. In December, 1812, he was elected to the U. S. Senate, the third man to serve therein from Louisiana. Defeated for re-election by W. C. C. Claiborne, he retired in 1817. Two years later he returned to the Senate and served until he accepted President Monroe’s appointment as Minister to Trance in 1823. He was the first Minister to that country after enunciation of the Monroe Doctrine. Brown tried to settle the spoliation claims but failed. He retained the office under Presidents Adams and Jackson, resigning In June, 1829. On his return, ho lived in Philadelphia, where he died In April, 1836. James Brown’s career was without climax. He worked hard but was unable to do anything to catch Berne' s nod. It was his lot to be overshadowed by his brother-in-law, Henry Clay.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_disstheses.8258

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