The Consular Letters, 1853-1855 Book

This final volume of the centenary edition provides complete documentation of Hawthorne's official career as United States Consul at Liverpool. Drawing on previously unpublished resources in English and American government archives, this text reconstructs the variety of issues Hawthorne became involved in, ranging from the commercial effects of the Crimean War to the abuse of American seamen. Included are official letters to James Buchanan, William L. Marcy and Lewis Cass, as well as numerous other government and private individuals. An historical introduction reconstructs Hawthorne's consular routine and places his deep involvement in this job more clearly into the context of his life and works.