#emdiplomat of the day: Thomas Baker (1639/40-1729)
#emdiplomacy was not only about #courts, kings and queens, but also about trade and economic interests. Today’s #emdiplomat, Thomas Baker, is a great example for this. In the second half of the 17th century he had been English consul first in Tripolis and later in Algier. (1/3)
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Consuls as specific diplomatic actors were originally a phenomenon of the Mediterranean. They were often tradesmen who had to represent their senders commercial and economic interests and help other merchants and travelers. When sent to Barbary states posts like Tripolis or Algier they also had to negotiate with the authorities to free those who had come into slavery. (2/3)
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We don’t have a portrait of Thomas Baker, but he have his diplomatic diary Thomas Baker. Here he described his activities in great detail, often also complaining, about the hardships of his life as a consul. The purpose of this diary is not quite clear: was it for his private use only, or had it an official function. For modern historians it is a fascinating source that gives insights into an #emdiplomats life.
Luckily there’s an edition of the diary, so you can get to know Thomas Baker yourself. (3/3)
https://archive.org/details/piracydiplomacyi0000bake/mode/2up
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Early Modern Diplomacy