Dictionary.net

(1816-1887), was a lawyer ill Illinois, Whig Congressman, and afterward Republican Congressman from 1853 to 1869. He was chairman of the Committee of Commerce and of the Impeachment. Committee of 1868. His long service and care of public expenditures earned for him the epithets of " father of the house " and " watch dog of the Treasury." President Grant appointed him Secretary of State, but he held office for a few days only. From 1869 to 1877 Mr. Washburne was U. S. Minister to France. He stayed in Paris through the siege of 1870-1871 and the days of the Commune, and was by the Germans intrusted with the charge of German interests also. His memoirs are published under the title " Recollections of a Minister to France."