Getting Money Back - John Brown Cutting and the Prince of Luxembourg
John Brown Cutting was an important, if unofficial, figure in Early American diplomacy.
John Brown Cutting
Considering his high status in society, shockingly little information is available regarding the early life of John Brown Cutting.
A South Carolina resident, Cutting joined the Revolutionary War in his early 20’s.
John began working as an Assistant Apothecary General in the Middle Department of the Continental Army.
Though he never appeared to have formal medical training, Cutting often used the title ‘doctor’ throughout his life. This seems to be due to his work in medicine during the Revolutionary War.
Europe
After the war concluded, Cutting travelled to London where he studied the law.
During his time overseas, John became well acquainted with other Americans. Notably, he carried on lengthy correspondences with John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and William Short.
He even travelled with Adams to the Netherlands where he acted as Secretary for the Diplomat on a temporary basis.
This despite earning a reputation for being a bit of a gossip.
Negotiating for Luxembourg
Cutting briefly returned home to represent the Prince of Luxembourg in discussions with South Carolina.
During the war, many States created their own Navy and South Carolina was no different. Commodore Alexander Gillion had leased a ship (named the South Carolina of course) for his State from the Prince of Luxembourg.
The South Carolina became arguably the most successful ship fighting with the Patriots. However, the State could not afford to pay Luxembourg what it owed.
Cutting did his best to mediate the situation, but to no avail. This financial situation would plague South Carolina for decades.
Reimbursement
John returned to Europe the following year and became engaged in freeing American soldiers who had been impressed into the British Navy.
Cutting was able to liberate almost 1000 Americans from their poor situation with his own finances.
He returned to the United States where he practiced law and attempted to achieve reimbursement from the Federal Government.
Although he did receive $2,000 for his troubles, Cutting spent the next decade unsuccessfully recouping the rest of his money.
Do you want to learn about some other Founders from South Carolina?
Great! Try one of these stories:
William Henry Drayton and the Annexation of Georgia
John Lewis Gervais Suggests a Capital For South Carolina
Alexander Gillion - Commodore of the South Carolina Navy
Want to read about Founders and foreign diplomacy?
‘Unlikely Allies’ is one of my all time favorite books about the Revolutionary War.
Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same) .
