The Journal of the Siam Society Vol. LXIV, Part 1-2, 1976 - Khamkoo

52 Benjamin A. Batson
both the Thai and American communities. 3 3 There was some discussion
in Bangkok circles as to whether or not it was proper for a missionary
to accept a "political" appointment. Dan Beach Bradley, the doyen of
the American missionary corps in Siam, noted in his journal that when
be first heard of the proposed appointment be told Lady Parkes "that
such a thing would scarcely be possible."34 Mattoon himself seems to
have had doubts about the propriety of his new role; two weeks after
bts appointment be wrote:35
Diplomacy and politics have come to me without any seeking
on my part, and I hope I will not forget my higher duties
while engaged in them. In this as in everything I shall await
the indications of Providence and seek to be guided
accordingly as to the path of duty.
This reluctant consul served for three years, during which no important
problems arose between the two governments. American trade with
Siam enjoyed a brief boom, reaching a peak in 1858 when it was
33) Not even Mattoon, who was the most popular and least controversial American
Consul for decades to come, could escape Chandler's misanthropy. Writing
to the Department of State, Chandler said (of the man who had recommended
himl : "Previous to the late presidential election, Mr. Mattoon was what
I should call a strong pro-slavery man. Since the news of that election be is
as strong the other way. He will be pretty sure to keep on what he regards
as the popular side. I leave you to form your own opinion of Rev. political
missionaries." (Bangkok Despatches, illegible date, November, J 861.)
34) George H. Feltus, ed., Abstract of the Journal of Rev. Dan Beach Bradley, M.D.,
Medical Missiona•-:,• in Siam 1835-1873 (Cleveland, 19 36), entry for May 29,
18 56. However, it seems that Bradley soon relented. On July 4, 1856, he
noted with satisfaction that Matoon had raised the flag and through "the
wonderful Providence of God ... we, the Americans in Siam, are now sitting
under our own banner."
3 5) Kenneth E. Wells, History of Protestant Work in Thailand, 1828-1958 (Bangkok,
1958), p. 26. Not all of Mattoon's descendants shared his skeptici~m about a
career in politics-a grandson was Norman Mattoon Thomas, per~nnial Socialist
candidate for president. (Wells, p. 23).
Biographical data on Mattoon is from Wells; George Bradley McFarland,
Historical Sketch of Protestant Missions in Siam, 1828-1928 (Bangkok, 1928),
pp. 20, 49; and the sources cited in the preceding five notes. There is a pic•
ture of Mattoon in McFarland, Historical Sketch, p. 3 6.