Chapter 16: Anthony Merry
One of Addington's friendly acts was the appointment of Anthony Merry as Brisish minister to the United States. For this selection Rufus King was directly responsible. Two names were mentioned to him by the Foreign Office as those of the persons entitled to claim the place; one was that of Merry, the other was that of Francis James Jackson.
- "As I have had the opportunity of knowing both these gentlemen during my residence here," wrote Minister King to Secretary Madison,[1] "it was not without some regret that I heard of the intention to appoint Mr. Jackson in lieu of Mr. Merry. From this information I have been led to make further inquiry concerning their reputations, and the result has proved rather to increase than to lessen my solicitude. Mr. Jackson is said to be positive, vain, and intolerant. He is moreover filled with English prejudices in respect to all other countries, and as far as his opinions concerning the United States are known, seems more likely to disserve than to benefit a liberal intercourse between them and his country. On the other hand, Mr. Merry appears to be a plain, unassuming, and amiable man, who having lived for
- ↑ King to Madison, April 10, 1802; MSS. State Department Archives.
