Colonel Thomas Aspinwall (1786–1876) was the second-longest-serving United States consul, holding that position in London from 1816 to 1854.

In September 1814, during the Siege of Fort Erie, he sustained an injury to his left arm that required an amputation.

In recognition of his service, President Madison appointed him consul to London during a recess, and he was confirmed at the beginning of the subsequent legislative session.

[4] While in London, Aspinwall acted as a literary agent and a liaison between American authors and British publishers.

[5] The American historian and Hispanist William Prescott, for instance, engaged with him in this capacity, as did Washington Irving, who was a close friend.