Thompson, Waddy (1798–1868)

US Whig representative and public official. He was a member of the South Carolina legislature (1826–30) who sought to nullify federal influence over his state. In Congress (1835–41) he opposed antislavery petitions. As ambassador to Mexico (1842–44), he successfully negotiated the release of some 300 North American prisoners from the war between Texas and Mexico; he also opened the door for American immigration into California and generally improved relations between the two countries.

Thompson was born in Pickensville, South Carolina, where he became a lawyer in Greenville. In 1844 he returned to South Carolina to practise law and opposed the war with Mexico. He also opposed secession but he lost his fortune during the Civil War.