Elihu B. Washburne

Elihu B. Washburne held a substantive appointment as Secretary of State from March 5 to March 16, 1869, at the beginning of Ulysses S. Grant’s administration. His brief tenure formed part of Grant’s initial cabinet arrangements. A Maine native who established a legal practice in Galena, Illinois, Washburne had represented Illinois in Congress and become an early political ally of Grant during the Civil War. ¹

His more substantial diplomatic work followed as United States minister to France from 1869 to 1877. During the Franco-Prussian War and the upheaval of the Paris Commune, he remained in Paris while many foreign representatives departed. He arranged protection and assistance for civilians, visited prisoners, and helped people leave the city. Because the United States represented North German interests during the war, his responsibilities extended beyond American citizens. ¹

Washburne also attempted to mediate for hostages during the Commune, including the archbishop of Paris, although his efforts could not prevent the archbishop’s execution. His service shows how a resident envoy’s duties could expand sharply when war severed relations between other governments. After returning to the United States, he remained active in Republican politics and published an account of his experience in France. His eleven days as secretary should be distinguished from his much longer and more consequential mission in Paris. ¹