Letcher, Robert Perkins, 1788-1861

Robert Perkins Letcher was governor of Kentucky during 1840-1844. After his term ended, Letcher practiced law in Frankfort and remained active in politics. From 1850 to 1852, he served as U.S. minister to Mexico where his proposed treaties sought to protect American interests in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

From the description of Robert Perkins Letcher papers, 1844-1853. (Kentucky Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 38555012

Kentucky lawyer, state legislator, U.S. congressman, and governor, 1840-1844.

From the description of Robert Perkins Letcher : miscellaneous papers, 1830-1841. (Filson Historical Society, The). WorldCat record id: 49244855

Kentucky politician.

Letcher, a lawyer from Lancaster, Ky., served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1813 to 1815, and again in 1817. In 1823, he was elected to the U.S. Congress as a (Henry) Clay Democrat; later he was affiliated with the Whig party. After leaving Congress in 1835, he returned to the Kentucky House, and in 1938 became Speaker. In 1840, he was elected governor of Kentucky. Upon leaving office in 1844, he practiced law until 1849, when he was appointed envoy to Mexico. He returned to Kentucky in 1852 to make another bid for Congress, but was defeated by John C. Breckinridge. He retired to private life and his law practice. He died in 1861.

From the description of Robert Perkins Letcher letters, 1825-1845. (University of Kentucky Libraries). WorldCat record id: 13619559