James Monroe Deems James Monroe Deems James Monroe Deems (1818–1901) was an American composer and music educator from Baltimore, Maryland, as well as a distinguished Union Army officer during the American Civil War. He served as lieutenant colonel of the 1st Maryland Cavalry. On July 26, 1866 President Andrew Johnson nominated Deems for appointment to the grade of brevet brigadier general of volunteers, to rank from March 13, 1865, and the United States Senate confirmed the appointment on July 27, 1866. Deems is remembered for his composition, "Nebuchadnezzar", which was the first American oratorio. His Capt. Watros Quickstep appears in the Manchester Cornet
USS President Monroe (AP-104) Pacific Island bases. With the end of hostilities, she extended her cruises to Japan and participated in Operation Magic Carpet, the giant sealift organized to bring demobilizing servicemen home. "President Monroe" received five battle stars for World War II service. Lieutenant Junior Grade Richard Nixon shipped out from San Francisco to the South Pacific aboard the "President Monroe" in 1943. "President Monroe" entered Hunters Point Naval Drydock 12 January 1946, decommissioned, and was delivered to WSA 30 January, returned to American President Lines 21 February, and stricken from the Navy List 12 March. Following decommission, "President Monroe" was returned to