Edward Morris Erskine facts for kids

The Hon. Edward Erskine CB (born March 28, 1817 – died April 19, 1883) was an important British diplomat. He worked as an envoy, which is like a special representative, for his country in Greece and also in Sweden and Norway. He was given a special honor called the Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).

Edward Erskine's Early Life

Edward Morris Erskine was born on March 28, 1817. He was the fourth son of David Erskine, 2nd Baron Erskine. His mother was Frances Cadwalader. Her father was General John Cadwalader.

A Career in Diplomacy

Starting His Diplomatic Journey

Edward Erskine began working in diplomacy, which means representing his country in other nations. His first job was helping his father in Munich, Germany. He started as an attaché, a junior diplomat.

After this, he held several other junior roles. He worked as an attaché in Brussels. In 1852, he became the secretary of legation in Turin, Italy.

Moving Around the World

In May 1858, Edward Erskine moved to Washington, D.C., in the United States. He worked there as a secretary of legation. By the end of that year, he moved again to Stockholm, Sweden.

In April 1860, he was posted to St. Petersburg, Russia. He continued his role as secretary of legation there. In November, he moved to Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) for the same job.

Serving as a Minister

In 1864, Edward Erskine was appointed as a Minister to Greece. This was a very important role.

During his time in Greece, a difficult event happened in 1870. This was known as the Dilessi murders. Some travelers, including Lord and Lady Muncaster, were captured by a group of bandits. Sadly, some of the hostages were killed.

Edward Erskine had to handle this serious situation. Some people criticized how he dealt with it. However, he followed the wishes of the British government. They wanted to avoid using force or threats, which is sometimes called 'gunboat diplomacy'. He tried to find a peaceful solution.

In 1872, Erskine became the Minister to Sweden and Norway. One of his duties there was to work on a treaty. This treaty helped countries return criminals to where they committed crimes. This type of agreement is called an extradition treaty.

He stayed in Stockholm until 1881. After many years of service, he retired with a pension. In 1873, Edward Erskine was honored with the title of Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).

Edward Erskine's Family Life

On July 24, 1847, Edward Erskine married Caroline. She was the daughter of Robert Hamilton Vaughan. Caroline was also the widow of Andrew Loughnan. Edward and Caroline had three daughters and one son together.

Caroline passed away on October 23, 1877. Edward Erskine died at his home, Neville House, in Twickenham, on April 19, 1883.