Waddy Thompson Jr. (October 11, 1800 – February 2, 1870) was an American lawyer, politician, and diplomat from South Carolina. He served three terms as a United States Representative (1847‑1851) and was appointed United States Minister to Mexico (1849‑1852) during the administration of President Zachary Taylor.
Early life and education
Waddy Thompson Jr. was born in Edgefield County, South Carolina, to Waddy Thompson Sr. and his wife. He attended local schools and later studied law, gaining admission to the bar in 1822. He established a legal practice in Edgefield and became involved in state politics.
Political career
A member of the Democratic Party, Thompson was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives, serving intermittently from 1828 to 1840. He was a delegate to the state constitutional convention of 1832. In 1846, he won election to the United States House of Representatives, representing South Carolina’s 1st congressional district. While in Congress, Thompson supported measures favorable to Southern interests and took part in debates on issues such as tariffs and internal improvements.
Diplomatic service
In 1849, President Zachary Taylor nominated Thompson as United States Minister (Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary) to Mexico. Thompson presented his credentials in Mexico City and served until 1852. During his tenure, he worked to improve bilateral relations following the Mexican‑American War and negotiated several commercial agreements, most notably the “Thompson–Mason Treaty” concerning trade and navigation. His diplomatic efforts contributed to a period of relative stability in U.S.–Mexico relations during the early 1850s.
Later life
After returning to the United States, Thompson resumed his legal practice in Edgefield. He remained active in local affairs and supported the Southern cause during the Civil War, though he did not hold public office during the conflict. Following the war, he retired from politics and continued his involvement in agricultural enterprises. He died on February 2, 1870, in his hometown of Edgefield, South Carolina, and was interred in the local cemetery.
Legacy
Waddy Thompson Jr. is remembered for his contributions to mid‑19th‑century American politics and diplomacy, particularly his role in fostering U.S.–Mexico commercial relations after the Mexican‑American War. His career exemplifies the intertwining of regional (Southern) political interests with national foreign‑policy goals during a formative period in American history.