Allan Magruder

Allan Magruder was an American politician, lawyer, poet, and historian who served as a United States Senator from Louisiana during a brief term in the early 19th century. A member of the Republican Party, Magruder's political career was marked by his involvement in the early governance of Louisiana following its admission to the Union. His contributions extended beyond politics, as he was also recognized for his literary work and historical writings, particularly concerning the state of Louisiana and its development.

Early life and career

Allan Bowie Magruder was born around 1775, with some historical accounts suggesting either Virginia or Kentucky as his birthplace. He was the son of George Frazer Magruder and Eleanor Bowie. His paternal lineage traces back to Alexander Magruder, a Scotsman who immigrated to Maryland after being captured in the Battle of Worcester. This family background provided Magruder with a rich heritage that influenced his later pursuits in law and politics.

Magruder's education began in the common schools of Kentucky, where he developed a foundation in academics before shifting his focus to the study of law. By 1796 or 1797, he was admitted to the bar in Lexington, Kentucky, where he began practicing law. His early career was characterized by a notable interest in literature, particularly poetry. He became one of Kentucky's first poets, with his works published in the Kentucky Gazette between 1802 and 1803. Although only a few of his poems have survived, they garnered attention in the Western United States.

In addition to poetry, Magruder was also a historian. He authored an essay titled "The Character of Thomas Jefferson," which was published in the Kentucky Gazette and later reprinted in other periodicals. His literary contributions included a 150-page volume titled "Reflections on the Late Cessions of Louisiana to the United States," dedicated to President Jefferson. In this work, he discussed the political, agricultural, and commercial advantages of Louisiana, as well as his views on Native American relocation and the potential for Cuba to come under U.S. control.

Magruder's literary ambitions were somewhat curtailed when he was appointed Commissioner of Lands in the Orleans Territory in July 1805, a position that led him to relocate to Opelousas, Louisiana. This appointment was likely influenced by his earlier writings about Jefferson. However, his tenure in this role was short-lived, as he was dismissed in 1806, possibly due to issues related to intemperance. Following his dismissal, he returned to practicing law and continued to engage in political activities.

In 1811, Magruder was elected as a delegate to the Louisiana Constitutional Convention, where he played a significant role in drafting the state's constitution. The constitution, which was modeled after that of Kentucky, established a legal framework based on civil law and divided the state into parishes instead of counties. Following the completion of the constitution, Louisiana was admitted to the Union on April 30, 1812, and Magruder was selected as one of two agents to present the constitution to President James Madison.

Senate tenure

Magruder's political career reached a new height when he was elected as one of Louisiana's first two United States Senators in September 1812. The Louisiana State Legislature elected him to the Senate, where he served alongside Jean Noel Destrehan. Both senators took office on September 3, 1812, during the 12th United States Congress. Magruder's term in the Senate was relatively brief, lasting only until March 3, 1813. His class assignment was determined by a drawing of lots, which initially designated him as a Class 1 Senator, although he would later be classified as a Class 3 Senator.

During his short tenure, Magruder participated in various legislative activities. He voted in favor of measures to increase the navy and to investigate the feasibility of taking control of East Florida. In 1813, he supported efforts to better organize the army and confirmed appointments for key military positions, including that of John Armstrong as Secretary of War and William Henry Harrison as Major General. However, Magruder's attendance record in the Senate was notably poor, as he missed 25 out of 89 roll call votes, translating to an absence rate of approximately 28.1%. This rate was significantly higher than the average lifetime percentage of missed votes for senators serving during that period.

Magruder's time in the Senate concluded on March 3, 1813, after which he was succeeded by Eligius Fromentin. His brief service in the Senate was a reflection of the early political landscape of Louisiana as it transitioned into statehood and began to establish its presence in the federal government.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in the Senate, Magruder's legislative focus appeared to align with the interests of a growing and developing Louisiana. His votes indicated a commitment to strengthening military capabilities, particularly in the context of the War of 1812, which was ongoing during his term. The measures he supported, such as increasing the navy and organizing the army, were critical to the national defense strategy at the time.

Despite his limited time in office, Magruder's contributions to the Senate included participation in discussions about military organization and the strategic direction of the United States during a period of conflict. His involvement in these matters reflected the concerns of a newly admitted state and its representatives as they navigated the complexities of national governance.

Magruder's absence from many roll call votes has been noted in historical records, highlighting a potential challenge in his engagement with the legislative process. This aspect of his tenure may have limited his influence and effectiveness as a senator, particularly in a time when active participation was crucial for shaping policy and responding to the needs of constituents.

After leaving the Senate, Magruder returned to practicing law in Louisiana, where he continued to engage in his professional career until his death in 1822. His legacy includes his contributions to both the literary and political landscapes of early Louisiana, as well as his role in shaping the state's governance during its formative years.