ARMFELT, Gustav Mauritz, Swedish courtier and diplomat: b. Finland, 31 March 1757; d. Tsarskoe-Selo, 19 Aug. 1814. His amiability, brilliant social gifts and unwavering loyalty commended him to Gustavus III, who entrusted him with important negotiations. In 1783 he took part in the negotiations with Catherine H, with the Danish government in 1787 and during the Russian war of 1788-90 was one of the most active counselors. He displayed great bravery in the field and con cluded the peace of Verela in 1790. By the will of Gustavus III, who was assassinated in 1792, Armfelt was appointed to care for the infant son of Gustavus and made a member of the council of the regent, Charles, Duke of Suder mania. The latter found means Co destroy the will and Armfelt was sent as an ambassador to Naples to be out of the regent's way. From Naples he wrote to Catherine II, urging her to help overthrow the regency and induce the states to proclaim Gustavus IV of age. The regent's spies discovered the plot and Armfelt only escaped from the war vessel sent to Naples to seize him, through the aid of Queen Caroline. He fled to Russia, and at home was condemned to confiscation of property and death as a trator. When Gus
tavus IV reached his majority in 1799 Armfelt was restored to all his honors. He was sent as ambassador to Vienna in 1802, but was obliged to quit this post for attacking the Austrian pol icy in relation to Napoleon I. In 1805-07 he commanded the Swedish forces in Pomerania and there he displayed remarkable ability. When Gustavus IV was deposed in 1809 Armfelt would not treat with the revolutionary leaders. He was among the most courageous supporters of the Crown Prince Gustavus, and when Ber nadotte was placed at the head of the nation Arnifelt decided to remove to Finland. In 1811 -he was expelled as a conspirator. On retiring to Finland he was held in high esteem by Alex ander I. The grand-duchy of Finland was erected into an autonomous state and Armfelt was its first governor-general. He was made a count and appointed chancellor of the Univer sity of Abo, and member of the Russian senate. Consult Bain,-R. N. 'Gustavus III) (Vol. II, London 1895), and Tegner, Elof, 'Gustaf Mauritz Armfelt' (Stockholm 1887).