This work is a study of the United States consular post in Guayama, Puerto Rico, 1828 through 1852. This diplomatic post was autonomous from the Spanish government and it responded directly to the U.S. State Department. It also operated independently from any other U.S. diplomatic post in Puerto Rico during this time. This research will analyze the institutional dynamics of a regional consular post as it developed in Guayama. It will use the diplomatic correspondence generated between the Guayama consulate and the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. Background information is...