(1763-1834) the first French Minister to the United States

Edmond Genet [zhuh neh'], "Citizen Genet," as he came to be called by the American public, arrived at Charleston, South Carolina on April 8, 1793, with instructions from the French government to enlist American help in France's war against Great Britain. It took him 28 days to make his way to Philadelphia, then the seat of the federal government. Along the way he was wined and dined by some of the most distinguished citizens of the day, including Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. He also attempted to persuade American citizens to organize expeditions against Spanish Florida and tried to commission privateers to harass British ships off American shores. Although he was coolly received officially, he was eagerly entertained by the American people, a vast number of whom supported Genet's ambitions.

When President George Washington issued in 1793 a proclamation of neutrality, stating that America would not involve itself in the war, Genet condemned Washington and dispatched the privateers.

Washington finally asked the French government to recall Genet, and he was replaced in 1794. Afraid he would be executed if he returned to France, Genet instead moved to Long Island, New York, and later married the daughter of New York Governor George Clinton. He subsequently became an American citizen.

Questions or comments about this page?