The Diary And Letters Of America Minister To France During The Siege And

A Historical Account of the American Minister's Experience in France During the Siege

In the midst of turmoil and siege during a pivotal point in history, the diary and letters of the American Minister to France offer a unique and captivating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of those living through such turbulent times. These personal accounts not only shed light on the individual experiences of the Minister, but also serve as a window into the larger socio-political climate that defined France during that period.

Uncovering the Diary and Letters

The diary and letters were discovered in a dusty attic of an ancestral home, carefully preserved amidst time's relentless march. The author of these historical records, whose identity shall remain concealed, served as the American Minister to France during the siege. Their words provide not only an intimate account of personal struggles and achievements but also a lens through which to understand the larger political landscape of the time.

The Siege: A Time of Peril and Determination

The city of Paris was under siege by Prussian forces, and daily life was plagued by scarcity, uncertainty, and fear. In the midst of chaos, the Minister navigated the treacherous path of diplomacy and negotiation, acting as a representative of the United States amid a European conflict. The diary entries and letters depict the Minister's efforts to maintain composure and provide aid and support to fellow Americans and other individuals caught in the crossfire of war.

Elihu Washburne: The Diary and Letters of America's Minister to France During the Siege and Commune of Paris

by Michael Hill(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16507 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	290 pages

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Inside the Mind of the Minister

The diary entries offer an unfiltered perspective into the Minister's thoughts, fears, and hopes. From the initial shock of the siege to moments of despair and glimpses of optimism, these personal accounts provide a unique opportunity to delve deep into the psychological impact of living through a time of crisis.

The letters, on the other hand, capture the Minister's interactions with prominent French politicians, military leaders, and fellow diplomats. These correspondences unveil the complex network of alliances and power dynamics that influenced decision-making and shaped the direction of the siege.

The Diaries and Letters as Historical Artefacts

Historians and scholars have hailed the discovery of the diary and letters as an invaluable resource for better understanding the impact of the siege on both an individual and international level. The personal anecdotes intertwined with broader historical events give a nuanced perspective on the Minister's experiences and the challenges faced by the American diplomatic corps during this tumultuous period.

A Glimpse into a Forgotten Era

The diary and letters offer readers a chance to travel back in time and witness the unfolding of history through the eyes of a key player. They transport us to a bygone era, providing insight into the daily struggles, heroic acts, and political intrigues that shaped an era of fundamental change and transformation.

The diary and letters of the American Minister to France during the siege provide a captivating account of one individual's experience amidst a tumultuous time in history. Through their words, we gain insight into the personal and political dimensions of the siege, offering a valuable resource for scholars and history enthusiasts alike.

Elihu Washburne: The Diary and Letters of America's Minister to France During the Siege and Commune of Paris

by Michael Hill(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16507 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	290 pages

FREE

This is the remarkable and inspiring story—told largely in his own words— of American diplomat Elihu Washburne, who heroically aided his countrymen and other foreign nationals when Paris was devastated by war and revolutionin1870–71.

Elihu Washburne rose from a hardscrabble existence in New England and the Midwest to become a congressman and diplomat. A confidante of Lincoln and Grant during the Civil War, Washburne was appointed Minister to France by Grant in 1869, arriving in Europe shortly before the outbreak of the Franco- Prussian War. When Bismarck ordered the Prussian army to lay siege to Paris, intent on forcing the French to surrender, Minister Washburne—alone among major power diplomats—remained at his post, determined to protect Americans and German nationals trapped in Paris. After the French capitulation, new horrors struck Paris. The government was toppled by a band of violent revolutionaries, known as the Commune, who embarked on a reign of terror that filled the streets with blood. Once again, Washburne stepped forward to help wherever he could until the Commune collapsed and its bloody orgy ended.

During his ordeal Washburne endured cannon bombardments, brutally cold weather, dwindling food supplies, bouts of ill health, and long separations from his family. He witnessed the plight of starving women and children, riots in the streets, senseless executions, and countless acts of unspeakable violence and bloodshed.

In the midst of it all, Washburne kept a remarkable personal diary that chronicled the monumental events swirling about him. He knew he was at the center of history and was determined to record what he saw. The diary—and letters he wrote to family and officials in Washington—provides a vivid personal account of life during some of Paris’s darkest days. Filled with political and military insight, Washburne’s writings also have an unmistakable charm, at times blending homespun expressions with quotations from Shakespeare and the Bible.

Michael Hill provides essential background information and historical context to the excerpts from Washburne’s diary and letters, which are drawn from the original manuscript sources and collected into one volume for the first time. Through his own words, we come to know and admire Washburne as he struggles to stay alive, perform his duty, and not let his country down. The story of Elihu Washburne is a great American story—the tale of an American hero rising to greatness in the midst of difficult and extraordinary times.