Naval Diplomacy (cont.)
14 FEBRUARY – 8 JUNE 1839
NAVAL DIPLOMACY (cont.)
When Master Commandant Uriah P. Levy approached the coast of Yucatan in USS VANDALIA, 20, in March 1839 it was uncertain the degree of intimidation he would discover to which American interests had been subjected. As it turns out, the American consul, Jack Thomas, had none but disparaging comments about the local power-monger, a militaristic would-be despot who had managed to collect a following by focusing contempt and mistreatment upon “Yanquis.” Thomas described this half-breed as well-armed but little more than a brigand, who used insult, blackmail, and extortion against American businessmen.
Levy approached the rotund, tobacco-chewing generalissimo, sternly, explaining he would accept the general’s apology for mistreatment of Americans and the return of monies extorted. The amused general noted the paltry number of Americans in the Commandant’s company as compared to the size of his force and added that any monies had long ago been spent. Levy retorted with the threat to close his warship and blast the town to pieces. The fact that the bay was too shallow to accommodate the draft of VANDALAI was lost on the land-locked general, who now reconsidered his position. He tentatively agreed to Levy’s requests, but only in exchange for two barrels of whiskey, an American salute to his forces, and a sharp-looking uniform from Levy’s seabag. With an eye toward diplomacy, Levy agreed.
The following day the town witnessed a ceremony the likes of which were probably unique to that time and place. Tumbledown Mexican militia, at whose head stood the general resplendent in one of Levy’s uniforms (devices removed), faced a sharp American color guard across the square. After an exchange of pleasantries both flags were run up and salutes by both sides rendered. A barrel of American whiskey was cracked open, and the participants enjoyed several days of guarded camaraderie. A substantial portion of the disputed funds was located and returned. Levy summarized his visit to the Secretary of the Navy concluding that, “any future visit of a national vessel of the U.S…. will be hailed with great joy and delight by all classes.”
It is often noted in modern times that Army and Air Force practice allows officers to execute only those actions specifically prescribed in their orders. Historically however, Naval officers have often operated independently, at great distances, out of ready communication. As such Naval tradition allows the latitude to employ a variety of means to accomplish a mission, except any specifically prohibited in written orders–a subtle, but significant, cultural difference.
Watch for more “Today in Naval History” 21 FEB 25
CAPT James Bloom, Ret
Fitzgerald, Donovan and Saul Saphire. Navy Maverick: Uriah Phillips Levy. Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Co., 1963, pp. 153-55.
Minster, Christopher. “The Pastry War.” ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/the-pastry-war-mexico-vs-france-2136674, retrieved 1 February 2025.
