James Leander Cathcart (1767-1843) was a seaman, American consul to the Barbary States, and civil servant. He served as a sailor during the American Revolution, was captured first by the British, then by Algerian pirates in 1785 and was sold into slavery in Algeria. After his release from eleven years in captivity, he returned to the Barbary States as consul from the U.S. After his diplomatic service he worked as a clerk in the U.S. Treasury. His oldest son, Charles W. Cathcart (1800-1888) settled in Indiana in 1830 and became a farmer, land speculator and politically active Democrat. He served two terms in the House of Representatives and was appointed to the U.S. Senate.
From the guide to the Cathcart family papers, 1785-1962, 1785-1806; 1830-1844, (The New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division.)
