Description
The bulk of this collection is letters
authored by the colleagues of Portuguese-American politician and cosmographer Francisco Xavier Monteiro de Barros (1778-1855),
documenting
changes in the Portuguese politics and government and United States-Portuguese
foreign relations, chiefly in the 1810s-1820s There are also some scientific and mathematical works by Monteiro de Barros.
Background
Born in Carnide, Portugal in 1778, Francisco Xavier Monteiro de Barros (1778-1855)
initially pursued the study of mathematics and science at the University of Coimbra.
After serving as cosmographer of Santarem between 1802 and 1808, he worked for the
Lisbon Commissariat. He entered Portuguese politics in 1820, advocating liberal
reforms. In opposition to a growing contingent of absolutist supporters, Monteiro de
Barros and his family moved to England, where they were settled by August 1823. On
October 19, 1824, they embarked for New York and later established themselves in
Goochland County, Virginia. There he pursued a career as a banker while remaining
versed in Portuguese affairs through his communication with the Consul-General to
Washington, Joaquim Figanière e Mourão. Francisco Xavier Monteiro de Barros died in
Virginia in 1855.
Extent
103 items in 2 boxes
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to
quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such
activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is
one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services
Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.