Henri Mercier
Mr. Mercier was the French Minister to the United States during the Civil War. Similar to Lord Lyons, Seward sometimes had issues maintaining a positive relationship with this diplomat, and Mercier began a new position in another country in 1863 due to this unresolved conflict. Despite this, Mercier was often a visitor at the Seward’s and was mentioned frequently throughout Fanny’s diary.
Fanny did not discuss the politics around Mercier much in her diary. In fact, she hardly ever criticized people directly for their political beliefs, unless they were arguing for slavery or against women’s rights. Fanny was more interested in Mr. Mercier’s appearance, calling him one of the most handsome men she ever saw!
“the French minister was here a short time--he is a middle-aged man, tall, black haired and quite handsome.” Dec 25, 1861
“I do think he is one of the handsomest men I ever saw” Apr 9, 1862
Henri Mercier, Harper's Weekly Magazine, February 22, 1862, 116.