Diplomat, agriculturist, economist. Friend of Joseph Priestley and Thomas Paine.

A colonial sympathizer, he was a political associate of Lord Shelburne, at whose request he participated in a variety of secret diplomatic missions during the American Revolution. Most significant was his work with Franklin in negotiating an end to the war.

Collected and edited the first edition of Franklin’s non-scientific works, Political, Miscellaneous and Philosophical Pieces … (London, 1779).

Served in Parliament (1792-94), before being dismissed as a radical. Retired to America, where he pursued agricultural and scientific interests.

Born in Jamaica. Married in 1781 to Sarah Manning; seven children. Son of Samuel Vaughan.