Congressman. Elected to the Massachusetts state senate and reelected in 1846, 1850 and 1857. Traveled in Europe during 1829-30 and learned to speak Spanish and French. Elected Whig Representative in Congress in 1834, serving four consecutive terms. He favored states' rights and opposed abolition. Served as Commissioner to China 1843-44 and negotiated the Treaty of Wang Hiya. Commissioned by President Polk a brigadier general during the Mexican War after he raised a volunteer regiment. He did not see any action during the Mexican War, and entered Mexico City with a reserve battalion months after the capital had been pacified. Elected first mayor of Newburyport in 1851. Served as U.S. Attorney 1853-57 under President Pierce. Sent by President Buchanan in Dec. 1860 to Charleston, S.C. to delay passing the ordnance of secession. Appointed Minister to Colombia in 1868 to negotiate a treaty regarding a ship canal across Panama. In 1871 served as counsel for the U.S. at the Geneva Tribunal of Arbitration and was Minister to Spain during 1873-77 under President Grant.

Congressman. Elected to the Massachusetts state senate and reelected in 1846, 1850 and 1857. Traveled in Europe during 1829-30 and learned to speak Spanish and French. Elected Whig Representative in Congress in 1834, serving four consecutive terms. He favored states' rights and opposed abolition. Served as Commissioner to China 1843-44 and negotiated the Treaty of Wang Hiya. Commissioned by President Polk a brigadier general during the Mexican War after he raised a volunteer regiment. He did not see any action during the Mexican War, and entered Mexico City with a reserve battalion months after the capital had been pacified. Elected first mayor of Newburyport in 1851. Served as U.S. Attorney 1853-57 under President Pierce. Sent by President Buchanan in Dec. 1860 to Charleston, S.C. to delay passing the ordnance of secession. Appointed Minister to Colombia in 1868 to negotiate a treaty regarding a ship canal across Panama. In 1871 served as counsel for the U.S. at the Geneva Tribunal of Arbitration and was Minister to Spain during 1873-77 under President Grant.

Bio by: Antonio de la Cova