..., but in practical terms, that task belonged to consuls. This chapter examines how the system of consuls and commercial agents addressed the needs of American merchant vessels and citizens abroad despite having no clear definition of their duties and powers. Prompted by the seamen who came to their offices for help...

... seamen and the nation in the years prior to the Civil War. Antebellum America developed a system to define itself through the federal courts and consuls that tackled maritime cases. citizenship consuls’ role in defining Constitution of the United States citizenship and consuls ad hoc nature of duels...