Beaumarchais and the War of American Independence

Beaumarchais played a major role in Americas fight for independence, yet few Americans know his contribution. Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais (24 January 1732 18 May1799) was a watchmaker, inventor, musician, diplomat, fugitive, spy, publisher, arms dealer, and revolutionary for France and America. Assisted by P ris-Duverney, Beaumarchais acquired the title of secretary-Councillor to the King in 1760-61. Beaumarchais pledged his services to Louis XV and Louis XVI. He traveled to London, Amsterdam and Vienna on various secret missions. Louis XVI had Beaumarchais establish a commercial enterprise, Roderigue Hortalez and Co, supported by the French and Spanish crowns. They supplied the American rebels with weapons, munitions, clothes, and provisions. In this way Louis could help America without breaking ties with England. Beaumarchais worked with Silas Deane, an acting member of the Second Continental Congress's Committee of Secret Correspondence.