Slidell, John (1793–1871)

American public official and diplomat. He was named minister to Mexico by President Polk 1845–48 and later served in the US Senate from 1853 to the outbreak of the American Civil War 1861, when he resigned and joined the Confederacy. He was captured and imprisoned by the US Navy, living in exile in France after his release 1862.

Born in New York and educated at Columbia University, Slidell moved to New Orleans 1819 and was admitted to the bar. He served as district attorney 1829–33 and US congressman 1843–45. Resigning at the outbreak of the Civil War, he was named Confederate representative to France and was taken prisoner on the high seas by the US Navy. Siddell, Louisiand, is named after John Siddell.