«M’accuserez-vous encore d’aimer la petite politique et les demi partis?». An unpublished letter from Louis-Philippe de Ségur to Prince Potemkin.

Abstract

This article focuses on a previously overlooked letter penned by the Comte de Ségur (1753-1830), shedding new light on his diplomatic maneuvers during his tenure as plenipotentiary minister at the court of Catherine II (1785-1789). Dated October 20, 1787, the letter, addressed to Prince G.A. Potemkin, provides a candid glimpse into Ségur’s role in the delicate dance of Franco-Russian relations amidst the backdrop of the Russo-Turkish War. Contrary to the instructions from the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ségur ventured beyond the prescribed boundaries, suggesting the groundwork for a potential Franco-Russian alliance. His plea for secrecy underscores his awareness of transgressing official directives and hints at a guilty conscience. Through a comparative analysis of his Correspondance politique and memoirs, this article unveils Ségur’s clandestine efforts for the alliance, positioning him in the precarious position of deceiving both his own government and subsequent historical narratives. By revisiting this overlooked episode, the article aims to offer fresh insights into the complexities of late Eighteenth Century diplomacy and the role of personal convictions in shaping international relations.