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

56 Benjamin A. Batson
he was no longer connected with the missionaries, and accepted the
position. Some missionaries seem to have bad a good opinion of
Chandler;4B subsequent American Consuls considered him "a consummate
scoundrel" and "a rogue of the first water." 4 9
In the 1860's
Chandler was involved in business affairs which resulted in a lawsuit
that ultimately landed him in the consular jail.SO He was at various
times also a translator and broker for foreigners wishing to do business
with the Thai Government, and an agent and interpreter for the Thai
Foreign Office.
During his incumbency in the Bangkok Consulate, Chandler's
energies were largely devoted toward making his appointment permanent.
Immediately after Mattoon's departure be wrote to Secretary of State
Cass saying, "I am not an office seeker yet if my feeble services are
needed I am ready to serve to the best of my ability."Sl Upon hearing
that he had been named vice-consul, Chandler wrote to thank the
Secr,etary of State, saying that although not acquainted with Cass, he
had "several times seen him, and ever been his warm political friend." 52
Meanwhile Chandler bad beard of Pollard's appointment, and in 1860
be returned to the United States for a visit and wrote the scurrilous
letters to Pollard quoted above. At the same time he wrote to tbe
Department of State from New York to ask if Pollard were really going
to Siam :s3
Friends here are ready with the use of their names, or any
other means in their power, to assist me in obtaining the
appointment of Consul. I feel a great delicacy in accepting
their names and their influence, unless it is pretty sure of
accomplishing the object.
48) See Mattoon's recommendation in Bangko/ 1 Despatches, January 24, 1859; and
Bradley's opinion in Feltus, ed., Bradley's Journal, September 13, 1861. But
in the entry of September 1 7, 18 61, Bradley noted that missionary opinion of
Chandler was divided.
49) Bangkok Despatches, July 26,1866, and June 8, 1876.
50) Bangkok Despatches, January 7, 1876.
51) Bangkok Despatches, February 12, 1859.
52) Bangkok Despatches, September 1, 1859.
53) BangkokDespatches, August 20, 1860.