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Norris CastleTHE COWES CONSULS
THE COWES CONSULS
Little is known about the role played by the consuls of foreign powers based at Cowes during the 18th and 19th centuries. Several nations, all with important maritime trade, were sufficiently impressed with the location of Cowes as a port to station a consul there. New research is beginning to uncover information about this aspect of Island history, via communications between the American Consul to Cowes and Thomas Jefferson.
In 1789 Thomas Jefferson was ambassador of the fledgling United States to France. In an era of political upheaval and complex international trading arrangements, he prided himself on his connections and the useful information they provided. In October of that year he stopped over in Cowes while awaiting a ship back to America. He stayed with an East Cowes trader, Thomas Auldjo. Auldjo had not only entertained and lodged Jefferson, but had also helped procure protection for Jefferson's belongings from the prying eyes of the Cowes customs service. Jefferson commented that Auldjo had given him "every possible attention and friendly assistance" and was sufficiently impressed to recommend him as Consul for the United States at Cowes. In 1790 Jefferson officially wrote to Auldjo offering him the commission from the President.
