History-Documents
Voices from the past
Laws,Acts,Treaties
Choose your documents
Documents in History
Speeches, letters, publications
Voices from the past
Choose your documents
Speeches, letters, publications
Date: 1853
Source: Memoirs of the Life of Laurence Oliphant
The "Narrative of Lord Elgin's Mission to Washington to Negotiate Reciprocity" is a book written by Laurence Oliphant in 1853. The book is an account of the diplomatic mission undertaken by James Bruce, the 8th Earl of Elgin, to negotiate a reciprocal trade agreement between the United States and Canada.
At the time, Canada was still a colony of Great Britain, and trade relations between the United States and Canada were strained. Lord Elgin was sent to Washington, D.C. to negotiate a treaty that would improve trade relations between the two countries.
Oliphant was a member of Lord Elgin's staff, and his book provides a detailed and insightful account of the mission. He describes the negotiations, the personalities involved, and the difficulties encountered during the process. He also provides a fascinating glimpse into the political and social landscape of mid-19th century America.
The book is significant because it provides a firsthand account of an important moment in the history of international trade relations. It also sheds light on the diplomatic strategies and tactics used by Lord Elgin and his team during the negotiations.
Overall, the "Narrative of Lord Elgin's Mission to Washington to Negotiate Reciprocity" is a valuable historical document that offers insight into the complex world of international diplomacy and trade relations during the mid-19th century.
Lord Elgin and his staff approached the representatives of the American nation with all the legitimate wiles of accomplished and astute diplomacy. They threw themselves into the society of Washington - which in those days was apparently much more racy and original than it seems to be now, when American statesmen have grown dull, correct, and dignified like other men-with the abandon and enjoyment of a group of visitors solely intent on pleasure.
Lord Elgin's enemies afterwards described the treaty as 'floated through on champagne'.] Without altogether admitting this, there can be no doubt, that in the hands of a skilful diplomatist that liquor is not without its value.'...
At last, after several days of uninterrupted festivity, I began to perceive what we were driving at. To make quite sure, I said one day to my chief, 'I find all my most intimate friends are Democratic senators.' 'So do I,' he replied drily.'...
It is necessary to the success of our mission that we conciliate everybody, and to refuse their invitations would be considered insulting. Lord Elgin pretends to drink immensely, but I watched him, and I don't believe he drank a glass between two and twelve. He is the most thorough diplomat possible, - never loses sight for a moment of his object, and while he is chaffing Yankees and slapping them on the back, he is systematically pursuing that object. The consequence is, he is the most popular Englishman that ever visited the United States.
Cite Article : www.canadahistory.com/sections/documents
Source: Memoirs of the Life of Laurence Oliphant
Reference: Article by (Staff Historian), 2023
Tel: 1 604 833-9488
Email: info@canadahistorysociety.ca
All content and images are protected by copyright to Access History