Webb, James Watson
soldier, journalist, author, was born Feb. 8, 1802, in Claverack, N. Y. He entered the army as second lieutenant in 1819; was made first lieutenant in 1823, and resigned in 1827 and took charge of the New York Courier, which was united to the Enquirer, under the name of Morning Courier and New York Enquirer. He became sole editor, and in 1830 sole proprietor. In 1861 he was minister to Brazil; while in this position secured the settlement of long-standing claims against Brazil, and was instrumental, through his intimacy with Napoleon III., in procuring the withdrawal of the French from Mexico. He was the author of Altowan, or Life in the Rocky Mountains; and Slavery and its Tendencies. He died June 7, 1884, in Claverack, N. Y.