Anthony Butler

Anthony Butler (1787 – April 18, 1849) was an American soldier, politician and diplomat who served as Chargé d'Affaires to Mexico.

Birth and family life Butler was born in South Carolina (probably Clarendon County) in 1787. He married the sister of Kentucky politician John J. Crittenden.

Career

South Carolina Butler became a Mason at St. Johns Lodge No. 37 at Santee, South Carolina the dates of his degrees are not known.

Kentucky Butler moved to Logan County, Kentucky in 1807. Butler transferred his Masonic membership to Russellville Lodge No. 17 in Russellville, Kentucky in January 1809; he received additional Masonic degrees in 1813, served as the High Priest of Russellville Chapter No. 8, and served as the Masonic Grand Master of Kentucky in 1812, and 1813. In 1813, Butler was one of four men considered by the Kentucky legislature for the United States Senate; he placed third among the four contenders, losing to Jesse Bledsoe.

Army Butler served in the War of 1812. He was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel of infantry in the U.S. Army on March 11, 1813, entering from Kentucky. He was first assigned to the 28th Infantry Regiment, then promoted to colonel of the 2nd Regiment of Riflemen on February 21, 1814. Butler was never in combat and spent most of his time in command of his regiment attempting to recruit soldiers in the Eighth Military District (Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee), a problem that was exacerbated by having to compete for recruits with two other regiments of riflemen and four of infantry. In 1820, Butler campaigned for Governor of Kentucky; in August, it was announced that John Adair had won, Butler placing fourth in a field of four.

Diplomatic career Butler moved to Mississippi in 1829.

Jackson appointed Butler to the post because he wanted him to negotiate a purchase of Texas. Butler spoke no Spanish and had distinctly un-diplomatic manners. Butler disregarded instructions from Secretary of State Martin Van Buren not to meddle in the internal affairs of Mexico. Butler bribed Mexican officials and recommended to Jackson that he dispatch troops annex Texas by force. Butler was recalled to Washington in January 1836 but remained in Mexico, reporting to Jackson before finally leaving in May.