WLLIAM HUNTER: statesman, b. in Newport, R.I., 26 November 1774, d. there 3 December 1849. His father, Dr. William Hunter, a physician of Scottish parents, gave in Newport in 1754 the first lectures on Anatomy that were delivered in New England, and probably in the United States. The son studied medicine with his kinsman John Hunter in England but abandoning it for law, read in the Temple, and on his return to the United States in 1795 was admitted to the bar in Newport, R.I. from 1799 till 1811. He was a member of the Legislature, and in the latter year he was elected United States Senator to fill out the term of Christopher G. Champlin. He was re-elected and served till 1821 with success as a statesman, and orator. His publications on the acquisition of Florida, and the Missouri Compromise gave him wide reputation. Resuming his profession at Newport, he practiced till 1834 when he was commissioned Charge D’affaire in Brazil, beginning Minister plenipotentiary in 1841, and serving till 1843. Returning to Newport at the conclusion of his service he resided there till his death. His son William, diplomatist, b. in New Port, R.I., 8 November 1805. He accepted a position in the State Department at Washington, and remained there till his death. At that time he held the office of Second Assistant Secretary of State, to which he had been appointed in 1877 by special act of Congress. His son Charles Monroe, officer, b. Newport, R.I. in 1813, d. at sea 22 November 1873; entered the United States Navy in 1831, was commissioned 1st Lieutenant in 1841, and retired at his own request in 1855. This breach of neutrality was investigated, and Commander Hunter was placed on the retired list. In 1866 by an act of Congress he was made Captain on the retired list, and he afterward resided at Newport, R.I.
