Andrew Mitchell (diplomat) facts for kids
Sir Andrew Mitchell (1708–1771) was an important British diplomat. He is best known for his work as an envoy, or special representative, to King Frederick the Great of Prussia. This was during a major conflict called the Seven Years' War.
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Early Life and Education
Andrew Mitchell was born in 1708. His father, Reverend William Mitchell, was a minister and a chaplain to the King. Andrew studied at several famous universities. He attended the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Later, he studied abroad at Leyden University in the Netherlands (1730–1731). He also spent time learning in Paris (1731–1732) and Italy (1732–1735).
After his travels, he decided to study law. He joined the Middle Temple in London in 1734. By 1738, he became a lawyer, which is called being "called to the bar." He also became an advocate in 1736.
Mitchell loved learning and new ideas. He often traveled for his studies. In 1735, he became good friends with a famous French thinker named Montesquieu in Paris. Mitchell was interested in many subjects. These included old and new history, art, books, and moral philosophy. In 1736, he was even chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group for top scientists and thinkers.
Becoming a Diplomat
Mitchell began his career in government. From 1742 to 1746, he worked as an under-secretary for Scotland. This meant he helped manage Scottish affairs.
Later, he became a special representative in Brussels. From 1752 to 1755, he worked on a trade agreement. This agreement was with Austria and the Netherlands. His most important role began in 1756. He became the envoy to Prussia. He served there until 1765 and then again from late 1765 until his death.
Working with Frederick the Great
In May 1756, Mitchell arrived in Berlin, Prussia. King Frederick the Great welcomed him warmly. At this time, there was growing tension between France and England. They were arguing over shipping routes and land. The British king was worried about his lands in Hanover, Germany. He wanted to become closer to Prussia to protect them if war broke out.
Mitchell's job was to create an alliance between Britain and Prussia. He also had to calm Frederick's worries. Frederick was concerned about Austria and Russia possibly forming an alliance against him. Frederick was open to this idea. He was unhappy with France's broken promises during earlier wars. Britain became his only steady ally throughout the Seven Years' War.
Mitchell stayed with King Frederick during the war. He wrote down his observations about the king in his journals. He was called back to Britain in 1764. Two years later, he returned to Berlin. By then, he had been made a knight. He remained in Prussia until he passed away in 1771.
Their friendship had some difficult times. Frederick was not happy with British policies at the end of the war. Mitchell also felt that Frederick did not like to be disagreed with. However, Frederick still respected Mitchell greatly. He wrote that Mitchell's skills and character had earned his full respect. Frederick even cried openly at Mitchell's funeral.
Serving in Parliament
Besides his diplomatic work, Sir Andrew Mitchell also served in the British Parliament. In 1747, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Aberdeenshire. He held this seat until 1754.
In January 1755, he was elected as an MP for Elgin Burghs. He continued to represent this area until his death in 1771. On December 13, 1765, he was given the title of Knight of the Bath (KB). This was a special honor.
Private Life
Sir Andrew Mitchell was married when he was young. His father arranged for him to marry Barbara, who was his second cousin. She was the daughter of Thomas Mitchell of Thainstone. His wife passed away in 1728 during childbirth. He lived at the old Thainstone House, which was later changed in 1840.
Writings
Sir Andrew Mitchell's observations and papers were collected in a book:
- Memoirs and Papers of Sir Andrew Mitchell
Images for kids
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Thainstone House today, now an hotel
