1782

 Published in 1782  Crevecoeur creates a persona, James, the American farmer  Corresponds with Mr. F.B., an English gentleman who wants to know more about America

 One of the first attempts to define the characteristics of an American  Tries to create an American identity for the entire country rather than separate colonies  Is credited with the idea of coining America as a melting pot

 Born in France (son of a minor noble)  Moved to England to continue schooling ◦ Fiancé died  Went to Canada at 19 to fight with the French during French and Indian War  Traveled for 10 years through the colonies as a surveyor and trader  Bought a farm in Orange County, New York, got married, and began farming ◦ Had three children

 During the American Revolution, tried to remain neutral (favored the British though) ◦ Neither side trusted him ◦ He was imprisoned as spy for three months  He sailed for Europe with his oldest son in 1780 & could not return until 1783 ◦ His wife was killed and farmhouse destroyed in an Indian raid ◦ His two children were missing – later found in Boston  He served as French consul to the United States from 1783 to 1790 & spent the rest of his life in France  Penname – J. Hector St. John