Description
William Wirt was an author and statesman who served in many positions. In 1807, he was the prosecutor in Aaron Burr’s trial for treason. In 1816, James Monroe appointed Wirt as U.S. States Attorney. He is credited with turning that position into one of influence. William Wirt was the longest-serving Attorney General in U.S. history serving 12 years under James Monroe and John Quincy Adams. In 1830, after leaving office Wirt continued his career as a lawyer representing the Cherokee in Cherokee Nation v. Georgia. The Cherokee sought a federal injunction against laws passed that deprived them of rights within their boundaries. The Supreme Court refused to hear the case on its merits ruling the Cherokee Nation was not a foreign State within the meaning of Article III of the federal constitution.
The position of attorney general was created as part of the president’s cabinet beginning with the administration of George Washington. Washington created four cabinet positions to provide him with a source of key advisers, in the form of the attorney general, secretary of the treasury, secretary of state, and secretary of war. Current presidential cabinets are made up of sixteen officers. Members are chosen by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The attorney general is the head of the Department of Justice and its top law enforcement officer.
This William Wirt History Mug is part of our U.S. Attorney General series which includes the many unique individuals who served as U.S. Attorney General.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia-tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
