Little favors from my government: United States consuls in Mexico, 1821-1865

Abstract

United States consuls to Mexico between 1821 and 1865 were representatives not only of the state, but also of American commerce. Consular posts subjected the official to risk, but the opportunities seemed boundless. Consuls were in a position of conflict, between performance of their official duties and private enterprising. The plurality of official and private function surfaces in at the occupational status: forty-two (29 percent) of the 146 member corps were bona fide merchants, with the total number involved in commerce significantly higher. Other private pursuits included lawyers, military careerists, newspaper editors, naturalists, physicians, educators, mining officials, mariners, and hotel operators. In most of these cases, consuls continued their private enterprising in Mexico along with their official duties. This was especially true of merchants, physicians, and naturalists. Political party identification is more difficult to ascribe, but of the 146 member corps, 18 were Democrats, 3 Whigs, 1 National Republican, 1 Loco-Foco, and 1 Republican. Eighty-two percent of the consuls could not be determined as to political affiliation. Geographically, the South and Middle Atlantic regions of the U.S. dominated the corps, with the South providing most of the membership to Mexico: 29 percent. The main activity of U.S consuls in Mexico pertained to maritime affairs, assisting shipping and maritime commerce and personnel. They also provided legal assistance to Americans traveling and residing in the consular district. At times during local rebellions, the consul would inventory local homes or businesses in case of damage. The American consular corps was also encouraged to answer letters of inquiry from scientific societies in the U.S., and consuls were considered unofficial members of these societies. The American Civil War forced resignations and removal of consuls to comply with federal policy and Union efforts to win the war.