(1752-1818)
David Humphreys fought through the Revolutionary War, and early in 1780
was selected as aide to General Washington with the rank of
Lieutenant-Colonel. Having particularly distinguished himself at the
siege of York, Congress voted him a handsome sword. In July, 1784, he
went to France as Secretary of Legation to Thomas Jefferson. In 1790 he
was appointed Minister to Portugal, and in 1797 accepted the office of
Minister to Spain, continuing at that post till 1802, after concluding
treaties with Tripoli and Algiers. In 1812 he took command of the
militia of Connecticut, and as a member of the Legislature was active
in reorganizing for the local defence. A collection of his writings was
published in 1804.