Otto, Louis-Guillaume, comte de Mosloy (1754-1817) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05782 Author/Creator: Otto, Louis-Guillaume, comte de Mosloy (1754-1817) Place Written: Paris, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 January 1793 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 24 x 18.4 cm. Order a Copy
Upon his departure from America, he had every reason to think he would be returning shortly, "but a total change in the diplomatic system has fixed me here for some time." In his new position he has a chance to get news from America and to hear from his American friends. Writes, "The friendly dispositions of the french Republic for the United States of America render it particularly pleasing to me to be one of the instruments of Correspondence between the two Countries." Goes into a positive assessment of the French Revolution, comparing it favorably to the American Revolution. Asks "who is the man that will regret the sacrifice of the tranquility and ease of a few Years for the happiness of millions to come?" Apologizes for the political digression, as he only wished to thank Knox for the kindness shown to him over the years.
Otto accompanied Chevalier de la Luzerne to the U.S. in 1779 and was employed as minister plenipotentiary. In May 1785, Otto succeeded de la Luzerne as Chargé d'affaries. He was married to Elizabeth Livingston, and upon her death he married Fannie Crèvecoeur, daughter of St. John de Crèvecoeur. Otto remained in the U.S. until 1792. He negotiated the Treaty of Amiens and arranged the marriage of Napoleon and Maria Louisa of Austria.
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