Thomas Aspinwall

Colonel Thomas Aspinwall (1786–1876) was the second-longest-serving United States consul, holding that position in London from 1816 to 1854. Biography Thomas was born to Dr. William Aspinwall and Susanna Gardner in Brookline, Massachusetts, on May 23, 1786. He matriculated at Harvard College in 1804 and graduated three years later, delivering the Latin valedictory address. In the War of 1812, Aspinwall was appointed major of the Ninth Regiment, U.S. Infantry. In 1813 he was made a lieutenant-colonel and eventually a colonel on account of his valor in the battle of Sackett Harbor. In September 1814, during the Siege of Fort Erie, he sustained an injury to his left arm that required an amputation. In recognition of his service, President Madison appointed him consul to London during a recess, and he was confirmed at the beginning of the subsequent legislative session.