Oswald, Richard, 1705-1784

Scottish merchant for many years engaged in business in America and London; in 1781 he gave bail to Henry Laurens when he was imprisoned in the Tower; negotiated the peace with the Americans, and signed the preliminary articles of peace at Paris, Nov. 30, 1782.

From the description of Papers of Richard Oswald [manuscript], 1779-1781. (University of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 647860036

British merchant and politician, chief negotiator of the peace treaty that ended the American Revolution.

From the description of Note on the appointment of peace commissioners : AMs, 1782 Apr. 27. (Rosenbach Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 122617136

British merchant and foreign emissary to the United States during the Revolutionary War.

From the description of Memoranda of Richard Oswald, 1779-1781. (University of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 34567043

Richard Oswald (1705-1784) was a Scottish merchant based in London who made his fortune in the Triangle Trade and as an army contractor during the Seven Years' War. In 1759 he purchased the estate of Auchincruive in Ayrshire, but he continued to remain active in business and in contact with his representatives in London, Virginia, the Caribbean, West Africa, and India. In 1781 Lord Shelburne appointed him as his main negotiator with the American Commissioners in Paris. Oswald returned to Scotland after the signing of the Treaty and died in 1784.

From the description of Letters to Richard Oswald, 1759-1784. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702162819