Mason and Slidell

Mason and Slidell, Confederate diplomats; their seizure while aboard a British vessel nearly touched off a war between the United States and Great Britain during the Civil War. James Murray Mason (1798–1871) served in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives from Virginia. John Slidell (1793–1871) served in both houses of Congress from Louisiana. On Nov. 8, 1861, they were captured along with the British ship Trent, as they sailed toward Europe to seek diplomatic recognition for the confederacy. They were released on Jan. 2, 1862.

See also: Civil War, U.S.