John Munroe

John Munroe (1796 – 26 April 1861) was a United States soldier who was military governor of New Mexico between 1849 and 1851.

For the Ontario real estate agent and political figure, see John H. Munroe.
John Munroe
Governor of New Mexico
In office
October 1849 – March 1851
Preceded byJohn M. Washington
Succeeded byJames S. Calhoun
Personal details
Bornc. 1796
Scotland
Died26 April 1861
New Brunswick, New Jersey
NationalityAmerican
OccupationSoldier
Known forGovernor of New Mexico
Military service
Branch/serviceUS Army
Years of service1814 – 1861
RankLieutenant Colonel
Brevet Colonel

Early career

John Munroe was born in Scotland about 1796. He graduated from West Point in 1814, and was assigned to the artillery. He served in the War of 1812 and Seminole Wars.[1] Munroe was chief of artillery under General Zachary Taylor in the Mexican–American War of 1846–1847.[2] During the occupation of Mexico City he became an original member of the Aztec Club of 1847.

By order of 26 May 1849, Brevet Colonel John Munroe was ordered to Santa Fe to relieve Brevet Lieutenant Colonel John M. Washington.[3] Munroe became military governor of New Mexico in October 1849.[4]

Governor of New Mexico

Munroe was out of his depth as governor of New Mexico, and ran into severe administrative problems.[1] New Mexico had been under military rule since it was occupied by the United States in 1846. By 1850, although there were strongly opposed political factions in New Mexico, most were united in opposing the continued military government. Munroe convened a constitutional assembly in May, which ratified a constitution by 6,771 votes to 39.[5] The constitution envisaged New Mexico as being a State. On 18 July 1850 the U.S. Senate received a copy of Munroe's report dated 13 May 1850 telling them that the elections had been held and he was optimistic about the outcome of the convention.[6]

On 7 June 1850 Henry Clay (who had not yet heard of these events) spoke in the Senate on the subject of the Texas territorial claims in New Mexico. Towards the end of his speech he said of Munroe, "... who now holds in his hands perhaps the destinies of Santa Fe and New Mexico. He looks on wholly indifferent, and is neutral in the struggle about to arise of the people of Santa Fe, composed, I understand, of American citizens, Mexicans and Spaniards, this side of the Rio del Norte, and the authorities of Texas. And this neutrality is to be kept by ... the lieutenant colonel, who has the dealing out of civil commissions, acting ... as if he were the Autocrat of the Russias."[7]

The constitution, modelled on other recently formed states, included a clause that prohibited slavery.[8] It was adopted on 20 June 1850, and state officers were elected.[9] Henry Connelly was elected Governor and Manuel Alvarez Lieutenant-governor. Since Connelley was absent in the States, Alvarez assumed the position of Acting Governor. However, Colonel Munroe forbade the assumption of civil power by the elected officials.[10] The result was a deadlock that lasted for several months.[11] On 9 September 1850 the U.S. Senate passed a compromise bill that included an act to organize a government for New Mexico as a territory, and this overrode the state legislature. James S. Calhoun was appointed governor with effect as of 3 March 1851, succeeding John Munroe.[12]

Later years

John Munroe continued serving in the Army until his death on 26 April 1861 in New Brunswick, New Jersey.[1]

References
Citations
  1. Keleher 1951, p. 129.
  2. Holmes 1996, p. 41.
  3. Freeman 1849.
  4. Clay & Hay 1991, p. 730.
  5. Tate 2002, p. 74.
  6. Filmore 1850.
  7. Clay & Hay 1991, p. 741.
  8. Twitchell 2007, p. 273.
  9. Twitchell 2007, p. 274.
  10. Twitchell 2007, p. 275.
  11. Twitchell 2007, p. 276.
  12. Twitchell 2007, p. 277.
Sources
  • Clay, Henry; Hay, Melba Porter (1991-03-14). The Papers of Henry Clay. Volume 10: Candidate, Compromiser, Elder Statesman, January 1, 1844-June 29, 1852. University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 978-0-8131-0060-9. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
  • Freeman, W. G. (May 26, 1849). "GENERAL ORDERS, No. 3". WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
  • Filmore, Millard (July 17, 1850). "MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, IN ANSWER TO A resolution of the Senate calling for information respecting the organization of a State government in the Territory of New Mexico". Retrieved 2012-07-11.
  • Holmes, Kenneth L. (1996-04-01). Covered Wagon Women: Diaries & Letters from the Western Trails. U of Nebraska Press. p. 41. ISBN 978-0-8032-7274-3. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
  • Keleher, William Aloysius (1951). Turmoil in New Mexico. William Keleher. pp. 129–. ISBN 978-0-8263-0632-6. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
  • Tate, James P. (2002-06-01). The American Military on the Frontier. The Minerva Group, Inc. ISBN 978-0-89875-997-6. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
  • Twitchell, Ralph Emerson (2007-04-01). The Leading Facts of New Mexican History, Vol II (Softcover). Sunstone Press. ISBN 978-0-86534-566-9. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
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