Abstract

VILLEGAS, Pascale. Improvised consuls of the United States legation in Campeche (1819-1880). Península [online]. 2025, vol.20, n.1, pp.159-188.  Epub Apr 08, 2025. ISSN 1870-5766.  https://doi.org/10.22201/cephcis.25942743e.2025.20.1.90491.

The 19th century and the independence of Latin American nations created a favorable environment for the proliferation of consuls, who were crucial actors in ports and provincial capitals to foment mutual commercial relations. The purpose of this work, in addition to extracting information related to port activities -based on the consular correspondence of the United States legation established in Campeche-, is to analyze the consular staff divided into two groups. On the one hand, the Americans commissioned to undertake the journey and occupy the consular seat, some of whom never arrived, while others resigned shortly after. And, on the other hand, the appointment of a resident consul in Campeche, without academic training, neither previous diplomatic career, or aspirations to pursue one. Many nations turned to these “improvised consuls” who had the advantage of knowing the language and being able to move in a still insecure regional environment, although their epistolary communications were often lax and evasive.

Keywords : improvised consuls; Campeche; Mexico-United States relations; port activity; logwood.

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