James Monroe: Consul to Rio, 1863-1869

Abstract

James Monroe, who had been both an Oberlin College professor and President pro tempore of the Ohio Senate, joined the United States diplomatic corps at one of the most turbulent times in his country's history. As a representative of the Union government during the Civil War, he performed duties which far exceeded in scope and complexity those tasks required of a peacetime diplomat. From his post in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monroe helped to delay Confederate privateers until Union vessels could intercept them. He cooperated closely with naval officers of the South Atlantic Squadron to monitor and interfere with Confederate commercial shipping activity. In the war's aftermath, he arranged for the repatriation of several hundred Confederates who had emigrated in hopes of re-creating their slaveholding culture in Brazil.

Monroe's service in Brazil was exemplary. He performed his duties with discretion and distinction, doing much to lessen the tension and suspiciousness which had marred diplomatic relations between the countries. Unlike his superior, Minister James Watson Webb, Monroe genuinely like and respected his hosts; he struggled to control the damage done by Webb's insensitive behavior. His policy of supporting Webb's intentions, if not their results, satisfied both Brazilians and Americans.

In an era when consular appointments were used as rewards for one's political supporters with little regard as to the fitness of the appointee, Monroe was an uncommonly skilled diplomat. His honesty, dedication to duty, and understanding the intricacies of diplomacy placed him among the most highly respected United States consular officials of his time.