Charles Gayarré: Historian, Politician, and Chronicler of Louisiana
Charles-Étienne Arthur Gayarré was a multifaceted figure in 19th-century American life. Born into a prominent Spanish and French Creole planter family in New Orleans, he navigated the complex social and political landscapes of Louisiana as an attorney, a high-ranking government official, and a prolific historian. His life spanned nearly a century, mirroring the dramatic transformations of the region he so meticulously documented.
Beyond his political career, Gayarré is remembered as a literary talent who composed plays, essays, and novels. He is perhaps most famous for his exhaustive historical works on Louisiana and his daring exposure of a high-level military betrayal involving the U.S. Army.
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Key Facts
- Roles: Served as Secretary of State of Louisiana (1845–1853) and member of the Louisiana House of Representatives.
- Historical Contribution: Authored a comprehensive multi-volume history of Louisiana covering European discovery through 1861.
- Major Discovery: Exposed U.S. Army General James Wilkinson as a Spanish spy ("Agent 13") in 1854.
- Education: Studied at the College d'Orléans and later pursued legal studies in Philadelphia.
- Civic Leadership: Served as the unpaid President of the Louisiana Historical Society from 1860 to 1888.
Early Life and Family Heritage
Born on January 9, 1805, Gayarré was the grandson of Étienne de Boré, the first mayor of New Orleans and the man credited with introducing sugarcane and indigo cultivation to the area. He was born on the Boré plantation, a site that is now part of New Orleans' Audubon Park.
His lineage was deeply tied to the colonial administration of the region. His paternal grandfather, Don Esteban de Gayarré, served as the comptroller of the province of Louisiana under Spanish Governor Antonio de Ulloa. His maternal grandfather was a former French colonial treasurer and master of the Destrehan Plantation. This rich heritage provided Gayarré with early access to historical documents and a deep connection to the French and Spanish influences in Louisiana.
Legal and Political Career
Gayarré's professional journey began with a focus on law and public policy. In 1825, he published a pamphlet criticizing proposed changes to the Louisiana Criminal Code, specifically regarding capital punishment. After studying in Philadelphia and being admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1829, he returned to New Orleans to enter public service.
His political ascent was rapid. He was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1830 and served as the state's Deputy Attorney General in 1831. By 1833, he was the presiding judge of the New Orleans city court. Although elected to the U.S. Senate as a Jackson Democrat in 1834, he resigned before taking office due to health concerns.
Following a period of travel and research in Europe, Gayarré returned to state politics. He served as the Secretary of State of Louisiana from 1845 to 1853 and held multiple terms in the state House of Representatives. His political affiliations shifted over time; he was a member of the Democratic Party and briefly joined the Know Nothing Party between 1853 and 1855, though he eventually left due to the party's anti-Catholic stance.
The Exposure of Agent 13
One of Gayarré's most significant contributions to American history was not political, but archival. Through extensive research in the Spanish government archives in Madrid, Gayarré uncovered evidence that U.S. Army General James Wilkinson had been a paid spy for the Spanish Empire. Known as "Agent 13," Wilkinson had served Spanish interests from 1787 until his death in 1825. Gayarré's 1854 exposé brought this long-hidden betrayal to light.
Civil War and Later Years
The American Civil War brought significant financial hardship to Gayarré. He supported the Confederacy, a decision that resulted in the loss of his $400,000 fortune. In 1863, he proposed a strategic plan to emancipate and arm slaves in exchange for diplomatic recognition of the Confederacy by France and England, though this proposal was never realized.
In his post-war years, Gayarré dedicated himself to scholarship. He served as a reporter of decisions for the Louisiana Supreme Court and spent nearly three decades as the President of the Louisiana Historical Society. During this time, he collaborated with former Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
Summary of Career and Life
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | January 9, 1805 – February 11, 1895 |
| Key Offices | Secretary of State of Louisiana, Louisiana House of Representatives, City Court Judge |
| Political Parties | Jacksonian, Democratic, Know Nothing (briefly) |
| Major Works | History of Louisiana (multi-volume), Philip II of Spain |
| Education | College d'Orléans, Legal studies in Philadelphia |
Literary and Historical Works
Gayarré was a prolific writer who blended historical fact with romantic narrative. His most comprehensive work, A History of Louisiana (1866), compiled his earlier research into a four-volume set covering the region from its European discovery to 1861. He also wrote a biography of Philip II of Spain and several works of fiction and drama, including Fernando de Lemos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Charles Gayarré?
Charles Gayarré was a New Orleans-born historian, attorney, and politician who served as the Secretary of State of Louisiana and wrote extensively on the colonial history of the region.
What was Gayarré's most famous historical discovery?
He discovered and exposed that U.S. Army General James Wilkinson had been a spy for the Spanish Empire, operating under the codename "Agent 13" from 1787 to 1825.
How did the Civil War affect him?
Gayarré supported the Confederacy, which led to the loss of his fortune, estimated at $400,000.
What was his role in the Louisiana Historical Society?
He served as the President of the Louisiana Historical Society from 1860 to 1888, a position he held without pay.
What were some of his major publications?
His major works include the multi-volume A History of Louisiana, Philip II of Spain, and the novel Fernando de Lemos.