Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

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Quitman, John Anthony 1799-1858

Military officer; born in Rhinebeck, N. Y., Sept. 1, 1799; became a lawyer, and settled in Natchez in 1823, where he engaged in cotton-planting and the practice of law, in which profession he soon became distinguished. From 1826 to 1831 he was chancellor of the Supreme Court of Mississippi, and again from 1832 to 1834. Quitman served in both branches of the State legislature, and was governor pro tem. in [364] 1835. In the struggle of Texas for independence he was distinguished. In 1839 he became judge of the State high court of errors and appeals, and in 1846 the President of the United States appointed him brigadier-general of volunteers. He served with distinction through the war against Mexico, and was appointed by General Scott military governor of the city of Mexico. In 1850 he was elected governor of Mississippi, and was in Congress from 1856 to 1858, at the head of the military committee. General Quitman was a devoted disciple of Calhoun in his political creed. He favored the annexation of Cuba to the United States, and was accused of complicity in the Lopez filibustering expedition. He was held for trial, but the jury disagreeing he was released. He died in Natchez, Miss., July 17, 1858.