“S” is for Smith, William Loughton (1758 to 1812). Lawyer, congressman, diplomat.

“S” is for Smith, William Loughton (1758 to 1812). Lawyer, congressman, diplomat. Born in Charleston, Smith studied in Europe and at the Inns of Court in England. He remained in Britain during the Revolutionary War and did not return to Charleston until 1783. He was admitted to the bar and despite his extended sojourn in Europe he moved successfully into state politics. In 1788 he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. His support for a stronger central government placed him squarely in the Federalist Party. He advocated Alexander Hamilton's proposals that the central government fund the national debt, assume state debts, and form a national bank. In 1797 Smith was appointed minister to Portugal where he served until 1801. In 1808 in a remarkable political about face, William Loughton Smith switched parties and embraced Jefferson's Embargo Act.