American poet and diplomatist, born in Philadelphia, on the 6th of October 1823, and died there, on the 2nd of January 1890. After graduating at Princeton, he studied law and traveled in Europe. On his return he wrote poems and plays, several of the latter being brought out successfully, notably his Anne Boleyn and Francesca da Rimini. Under Grant he served as Minister to Turkey (1871–75), and to Russia (1875–79), and, returning in 1878, was elected president of the Union League, which, in 1862, he had helped to form. This position he occupied until his death. His tragedy, Calaynos, was performed with success in England. Poems of the War are his best-known productions. See also “Dirge for a Soldier”; Literary Criticism.
