![]() ![]() In his teenage years, Quincy matured greatly, helping his father in various diplomatic efforts and mixing socially with older members of the American community in Europe. Petersburg, wasted a great deal of time trying to see Russian officials who did not want to see them and then finally ventured home. At the age of 14, Quincy was asked to be the French interpreter for Francis Dana, who had been named envoy to czarist Russia. The first academic requirement was for him to learn French, which he did with his usual speed and precision. Thus began an extraordinary education in foreign affairs and diplomacy for the preteen that his father could not have planned better. After much thought, it was decided that young Quincy should go with his father while the rest of the family remained in America. The family was delighted at the thought of Paris but soon learned that Congress had only enough funds for the commissioner and not for the entire family. ![]()
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