Nathaniel Hawthorne was a 19th century short story writer and novelist. The Scarlet Letter is his most famous novel. The years Hawthorne spent in England were some of his happiest and most trying. President Pierce appointed Hawthorne United States Consul at Liverpool. He held this post for four years. The time Hawthorne spent in public office gave him a chance to leave writing and observe the world. Biographical Sketches (From: "Fanshawe and Other Pieces") contains pieces on Mrs. Hutchinson, Sir William Phips, Sir William Pepperell, Thomas Green Fessenden, and Jonathan Cilley.