Dutch and foreign diplomats 1584-1810

Compiled by O. Schutte

This reference work consists of two volumes. While one volume focuses on Dutch diplomats and consulate officials who represented the interests of the Republic of the United Netherlands, the Batavian Republic and the Kingdom of Holland abroad, the other volume deals with foreign diplomats and consulate officials stationed on Dutch soil during the period 1584-1810. Both volumes have focussed exclusively on permanent representatives; diplomats on special assignments have not been included.

Each volume lists diplomatic representatives by country – that is, their country of residence or country of origin – and presents this information in chronological order. Personal details and information about the family and career of each diplomat is provided along with a detailed survey of all data relating to the assignment in question. In addition, both volumes list staff members who were employed by the representatives for the duration of their assignment (secretaries, clerks, stewards) or who were otherwise attached to their complement of staff (clergymen, chaplains, chancellors, interpreters etc.). Whenever – in the case of Dutch diplomats – a written account of their mission is present in the archive of the States General, then this is indicated.

Personal information about the diplomats, along with details of their families and careers, was obtained from biographical reference books and genealogical works. The States-General’s registers of resolutions and the indexes of their Registers of Commissions were consulted for information on diplomatic assignments that took place before 1795. The so-called Green Indexes 1798-1811 and the archive of the department of Foreign Affairs 1796-1810 were used to gather information on the Batavian-French period. Both repertories are indispensable for historical research into the foreign policy of the Netherlands from the time of the Revolt against Spain right up to the annexation by France. This reference work will also appeal to a much wider audience due to the large amount of biographical and genealogical data it contains.