United States Relations with Rome
There was diplomatic connection with the See of Rome on the part of the United States for a period of more than twenty years, according to the New York Evening Post. "It began in 1848 with J. L. Martin, of North Carolina, charge d'affaires," and "Lewis Cass, Jr., of Michigan, was the first minister resident, in 1857." But "after the absorption of the Papal States by Italy in 1871 there was no diplomatic connection with the See of Rome on the part of the United States." This information was given in answer to a correspondent who, regarding a statement he had seen in the Post that "Madame Waddington's brother was the last minister sent by the United States to the pope," inquired, "Has the United States ever sent such an official, and when was the first one sent?"