Trousdale in the Second Seminole War, and had defeated Trousdale for the 6th District congressional seat in 1837 and 1839. Like Brown in 1849, Trousdale's campaign was damaged by the actions of his own party. At the Nashville Convention in 1850, which Trousdale had endorsed, southern Democrats called for secession should the United States implement the Wilmot Proviso, banning slavery in territory acquired as a result of the Mexican–American War. Secession was unpopular in Tennessee at the time, and following a relatively dignified campaign, Campbell defeated Trousdale by 1,500 votes. In 1853, Trousdale was appointed "Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary" to Brazil by President Franklin Pierce. He arrived in Rio de Janeiro in July 1853, and served until 1857. He spent much of his term advocating the opening of the Amazon River to international commerce. After returning to Sumner County, Trousdale spent the remainder of his life practicing law. He was consistently stricken with rheumatism, creating physical difficulties that prevented him from taking part in public life, as well as from serving in the Civil War in the 1860s. He nevertheless supported the Confederacy, and refused to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, even when Union soldiers occupied his home. Family Trousdale was married to Mary Ann Bugg in 1827. The couple had seven children. Death Trousdale died on March 27, 1872, and is interred at Gallatin City Cemetery in Gallatin, Tennessee. Legacy Trousdale County, Tennessee is named in his honor. His family home, the Federal-style "Trousdale Place" located near the town square of Gallatin, has been a preserved historical site since 1900. See also List of governors of Tennessee References External links National Governors Association The Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture Governor William Trousdale Papers, 1849 - 1851, Tennessee State Library and Archives. 1790 births 1872 deaths Democratic Party governors of Tennessee Ambassadors of the United States to Brazil American people of Scotch-Irish descent People from Gallatin, Tennessee People from Orange County, North Carolina American military personnel of the Mexican–American War People of the Creek War American militiamen in the War of 1812 American people of the Seminole Wars United States Army generals 19th-century American diplomats Trousdale County, Tennessee 19th-century American politicians