Jacob L. Martin

Jacob L. Martin (died August 26, 1848) was an American diplomat.^[1] He held the post of Chief Clerk of the U.S. State Department from July 16, 1840, to March 5, 1841.^[2] For just two days, March 4 and March 5, 1841, he held the ad interim chair of the United States Secretary of State.

Jacob L. Martin
11th Chief Clerk of the U.S. State Department
In office July 16, 1840 – March 5, 1841
President	Martin Van Buren William Henry Harrison
Preceded by	Aaron Vail
Succeeded by	Daniel F. Webster
Acting United States Secretary of State
In office March 4, 1841 – March 5, 1841
President	William Henry Harrison
Preceded by	John Forsyth
Succeeded by	Daniel Webster
Chargé d'affaires of the United States to the Papal States
In office August 19, 1848 – August 26, 1848
President	James Polk
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Lewis Cass, Jr.
Personal details
Born	unknown unknown
Died	(1848-08-26)August 26, 1848 Rome, Papal States (now Italy)
Resting place	Protestant Cemetery, Rome
Political party	Unknown

In 1848 he was appointed chargé d'affaires of the United States to the Holy See.^[3] Martin, a Protestant, was chosen over a few candidates who were openly friendly to Vatican. He reached Rome on August 2, 1848, but hesitated to enter the city owing to continuing revolution.^[4] Martin presented his credentials to the Holy See on August 19, 1848, but died seven days later^[5] and was buried in the city's Protestant Cemetery.^[6]

Preceded by Aaron Vail

Chief Clerk of the United States State Department July 16, 1840 – March 5, 1841

Succeeded by Daniel Fletcher Webster