Francisco Pizarro Martínez

Francisco Pizarro Martínez worked in the Caribbean and the United States before becoming Mexico's minister in Washington. His personnel file, covering 1826–40, includes instructions for secret government service in the Spanish Antilles and New Orleans. As consul in New Orleans he corresponded with José María Tornel about shipping, passports, and migration to Texas. He also supplied a copy of La Salle's travel account for the legation's investigation of competing territorial claims. ^{1, 2}

Accredited in Washington in October 1837, Pizarro negotiated with Secretary of State John Forsyth over American citizens' claims against Mexico. Their convention of 11 April 1839 replaced an unratified agreement of September 1838. It provided for two commissioners from each country and an arbitrator appointed by Prussia to resolve disagreements. It also allowed Mexico to pay awards through instruments bearing interest accepted at its maritime customs houses. Pizarro signed the convention as Mexico's plenipotentiary; ratification followed in 1840, after the end of his mission in February. ^{3, 4}