Paulding, James Kirke

James Kirke (1779-1860), an American politician and writer. He was a native of Dutchess County, New York. He received a village school education. He removed to New York City in 1800. In 1807 he entered into a literary partnership with Washington Irving in the publication of the humorous articles known as the Salmagundi papers. Twenty numbers appeared. During the war of 1812 he acquired some note as a writer of political pamphlets, including The Diverting History of John Bull and Brother Jonathan. He wrote also a Life of Washington; a Book of St. Nicholas, the latter being a series of stories of the old Dutch settlers of New York; and Merry Tales of the Three Wise Men of Gotham. He wrote a considerable number of essays, poems, and tales. About the only lines that are remembered at the present time are:

Under Van Buren, Paulding was secretary of the navy.