The New International Encyclopædia/Luzerne, Anne César de la

LUZERNE, lụ′zârn′, Anne César de la (1741-91), A French diplomat. He was born in Paris, the brother of Cardinal Luzerne; entered the army at an early age, saw considerable active service, and for some time was an aide on the staff of Marshal Broglie, returning to civil life after reaching the rank of colonel of grenadiers. His diplomatic career began with his appointment in 1776 to the post of Envoy Extraordinary to Bavaria, where he conducted with great tact the negotiations connected with the succession of Maximilian Joseph to the electorate. His success on this mission led in 1779 to his being appointed to succeed Gérard (q.v.) as Minister to the United States. He arrived in Philadelphia in September. His method of treating with the Congress of the Federation was not that usually employed by diplomats. He understood from the start that body's lack of real power, and therefore dealt with the members individually, some of whom he is said to have had in his pay. He soon gained considerable influence, particularly with Robert R. Livingston, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and his intrigues while negotiations for peace were pending resulted in Congress sending instructions to its commissioners at Paris to be guided in their actions by the desires of the French Court. He returned to France in 1783, and from 1788 until his death represented France as Ambassador at London.