James Monroe (1758-1831) was a soldier, statesman and the fifth President of the United States. Collection consists of correspondence and Monroe's writings. Correspondence, 1772-1836, is largely political, focusing on constitutional issues, Monroe's diplomatic assignment in France, Virginia politics, treaty negotiations with Great Britain, France and Spain, the slave trade, and Bank of the United States. Also discussed are foreign policy and war issues. Writings, 1785-1831, include manuscripts of Monroe's autobiography, notes, drafts of speeches and articles on foreign and domestic policy, drafts of treaties with Great Britain and Spain, draft of proposed Bill of Rights, and copies of Monroe's cipher and Jefferson/Monroe cipher.
