James Kirke Paulding

James Kirke Paulding (1778-1860), American writer and naval official, born near Tarrytown, New York. He was a friend of the American writer Washington Irving, with whom he shared the writing of the satirical periodical Salmagundi. During the War of 1812 (1812-1815), Paulding published the Diverting History of John Bull and Brother Jonathan, and in 1815 a more serious work, The United States and England, which gained him an appointment on the Board of Naval Commissioners. Paulding wrote several historical novels and many short stories. He is remembered for his patriotism and for advocating the use of American subject matter in American fiction. His play Lion of the West (1831) portrayed a character based on Davy Crockett and brought frontier humor to the stage. Paulding also wrote Life of Washington (1835) and Slavery in the United States (1836). From 1838 to 1841 he was secretary of the navy.