Southampton is an important and busy port in the south of England with a long maritime history. In 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers sailed from there, not from Plymouth as is generally thought, only putting in to Plymouth for repairs to their ships. The city was formerly an important port of call for transatlantic liners, and it was also from there on 10 April 1912 that the Titanic sailed on its ill-fated maiden voyage. Nowadays the port is popular with luxury cruise ships. The city has close links with the Isle of Wight, about ten miles distant, which is reached by frequent ferry services.

The US consular presence in the area was inextricably linked with Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, which was where Thomas Auldjo, a local British businessman was appointed vice consul in 1790. However, as we have seen, his appointment was not recognized by the British government on the grounds that there had never before been a foreign consul in Cowes. As a compromise, the government was prepared to recognize him at Poole, on the mainland, and to overlook the fact that he was residing in Cowes. His recognition as vice consul at Poole therefore dates from 1791. His status changed in 1816 when he was recognized as consul at Cowes. Southampton came within the Cowes consular district. Auldjo's successors were Americans Robert R. Hunter, in 1823, and William Whetten in 1842. When visiting England in 1842 Joseph Rodney Croskey met his friend Whetten who decided that the consular post was not worth his retention and resigned it in favour of Croskey. Croskey had been born in Philadelphia but on his father's death had left there at the age of seven and under his London uncle's care was educated in England until the age of 16. Returning to the United States he embarked on a colourful career which included travel and business in Africa and Central America. He duly served as consul from 1844 until 1849, when he was removed from office by the newly elected President Zachary Taylor. In 1850 Charles W. Fenton of New Jersey was appointed consul for both Southampton and Cowes, based in Southampton. However his appointment was shortlived, as he found the emoluments of the post inadequate and resigned later that year.