Talk:Anthony Merry

Louisiana? What are we talking about?

The article says:

In April 1805, Merry was again approached by Burr, who claimed that Louisiana was ready to leave the United States.

This is only two years after the Louisiana Purchase, and I think they meant Louisiana Territory, which, at the time, was all of the US territory west of the Mississippi River. -- rogerd (talk) 16:50, 29 October 2009 (UTC)

If it is wrong, I suggest you change it, but please cite a reliable source for your information. It may be that the French settlers of Louisiana were not happy with joining the USA! I am no export on this either. Peterkingiron (talk) 19:10, 29 October 2009 (UTC)

The distinction between "Louisiana" and "Louisiana Territory" is a quibble. The dissatisfaction of the populace of Louisiana with the purchase is notorious. See Henry Adams, History of the United States during the Administrations of Thomas Jefferson Library of America, p. 574 ff. Fatidiot1234 (talk) 19:57, 29 October 2009 (UTC)

Perhaps you can add something of this to the article. This will explain the content and deal with rogerd's objection. I know too little of US history to do so, even if I had the time. Peterkingiron (talk) 20:50, 29 October 2009 (UTC)

If you look at the "History" in the "Page" tab, you will see that the article is largely my work. Merry is not a big name, and I've put in all I can find. If somebody has access to ODNB, that person might be able to help. As to the larger content of the article, there is plenty about Louisiana on other articles. Fatidiot1234 (talk) 22:08, 29 October 2009 (UTC)

I have added something from your earlier comment and filled out his career from ODNB. I have not resolved the conflict between it and ODNB, but the latter is the better source. Nevertheless this implies a gap in the list of ambassadors to Sweden. Peterkingiron (talk) 16:52, 31 October 2009 (UTC)

Thank you very much for your contribution. We are probably reaching the limit on what can be found. Fatidiot1234 (talk) 17:04, 31 October 2009 (UTC)

Yes, unless some one does primary research in diplomatic papers, something I do not intend to do. I know Anglo-Swedish relations were difficult in the latter years of the Naopleonic War, but I am not surprised that there should (apparently) be a gap in diplomatic representation: as far as I am aware, there was no war between the countries. Peterkingiron (talk) 17:43, 31 October 2009 (UTC)