LOGAN, CEORGE ( 1753-1821). An Aineriean scientist and politician, born of Quaker parent age at Menton, Pa. He studied medicine at Edinburgh for three years, and then traveled on the Continent, returning to America in 1780. He did not take up the practice of his profession. but devoted himself to literatore and public in- . terests and to applying scientific methods in agri culture. Upon the formation of political par tics he allied himself with Jefferson and the Pepublieans against the Federalists. He served • several terms in the State Legislature, and was a member of the United States Senate from 1801 to 1807. In 1798, when our diplomatic relations with France were broken off and war seemed inevitable, he conceived the idea of visiting France and attempting in his own private capa city to avert the threatened conflict. Accord ! ingly, taking with him letters from -Te and Governor McKean, he went to Paris, where he was well received by Talleyrand and other in fluential Frenchmen, and succeeded in inducing the French Government to release American prisoners and annul the embargo on American shipping. Ihit though lie thus prepared the way
tor negotiations resulting in the re6stablishment of peaceful relations. his action was looked upon as unwarrantable meddling by our Government ; the President and Cabinet refused to have any dealings with hint, and he received what was in effect a severe rebuke from Washington. then commander-in-chief. To prevent such action in the future. Congress shortly afterwards passed a law, called the •Logan Act,' which made it a misdemeanor for a person not properly accredited by the Government to hold intercourse with a foreign Government in order to influence its rela tions with the United States. In 1810 Logan undertook, this time with the approbation of President Madison. a peace mission to England, but without success. Ile published Erin rim( tits on Gypsum and Potation of Crops (1797).