Darwin Correspondence Project

Scottish physician and businessman. MD, Glasgow. Physician, Valparaiso, 1818, then Coquimbo. Became a merchant, returning to England in 1830, a millionaire. Went into partnership with a London merchant and set up his own counting house. Went to the US and Mexico in 1842 to investigate American bonds. Made a study of Mexican finances in 1843. Went to Hawaii in 1844 as honorary secretary to the British consul general. Foreign minister to Kamehameha III of Hawaii, 1845–65.