Edmond-Charles Genêt, also known as Citizen Genêt, was the French envoy to the United States appointed by the Girondins during the French Revolution. His actions on arriving in the United States led to a major political and international incident termed the "Citizen Genêt Affair." Because of his actions, President George Washington asked the French government to recall him. The Montagnards, having risen to power at the same time, replaced Genêt and issued a warrant for his arrest. Fearing for his life, Genêt asked for asylum in America, which was granted by Washington. Genêt stayed in the United States until his death. Historian Carol Berkin argues that the Genêt affair bolstered popular respect for the president and strengthened his role in dealing with foreign affairs.
A Versailles ce 10. avril 1778 Monsieur J’ai l’honneur de vous addresser la prétendue réponse du gouvernement d’Angleterre à la déclaration de l’indépendance des Etats unis. Elle ne sera imprimée…
V[ersai]lles. May 6th. 78 The inclos’d just arriv’d from London into Mr. Genet’s hands are by him immediately dispatch’d to his Honour Benjamin Franklin and accompanied with Mr. Genet’s most…
Versailles May 9th 78 Honored Sir I’ve just receiv’d your kind favour of April 28. by which you let me know the paper I wanted is not yet publish’d. I’m…
A Versailles ce 17. juin 1778 Monsieur Je touche au moment d’employer dans le Journal des affaires de l’angleterre et de l’amérique, l’acte d’indépendance du 4. juillet 1776. Si vos…
A Versailles ce 2 juillet 1778 Monsieur J’apprens avec le plus grand plaisir par la lettre dont vous m’avés honoré, 5 que vous approuvés l’usage que j’ai fait des lettres…
Vlles. july 13th. 78 Hond. Sir I hope to make a proper use of your observations in the relation to the pretended nomination of the American Commissioners, and am very…
A V[ersai]lles ce 6 août 78 Monsieur J’ai l’honneur de vous remettre la lettre du Dr. Samuel Cooper que vous avés bien voulu me communiquer et a laquelle je joins…
[ , Start insertion, post 24 October 1778 , End, ] [Last] 1 night I was favoured with yours of the 24 [th] , [and nothing wou] ld give me…
V[ersai]lles oct 24 [1778] Genet takes the respectful liberty to transmit to his Honour M. Franklin several very interesting papers from the Royal american Gazette. 9 He would be exceedingly…
Vlles. nov. 7. 1778 Honoured Sir The papers you so kindly send me I had not and will make a proper use of them. Of Mr. W. H. Drayton’s letter…
Vlles. dec. 4. 1778 Hond Sir I had in time the papers you mention and you’ll See a translation of the article in question in no. L. which comes forth…
Versailles feby. 25. 1780 Monsieur Je ne manquerai point de rendre compte a monseigneur le Comte de Vergennes de la lettre dont vous venés de m’honorer. 1 Je vais écrire…
Versailles, 25 February 1780 Sir I will not fail to inform the Count Vergennes of the letter with which you have honored me. 1 I will also write to Ostend…
Ce 11. [ , Start insertion, mai 1780 , End, ] Nous serions bien fachés, Monsieur de ne pas avoir dimanche the young gentlemen . C’est un jour fait pour…
11 [ , Start insertion, May 1780 , End, ] Dear Sir We would be most unhappy not to see the young gentlemen Sunday. It is a day made for…
a Versailles ce 27. juin 1780 Monsieur Par le désir du Commodore Paul Jones j’ai fait traduire et remis à Mgr. de Sartines toutes les pieces contenues dans le paquet…