Allen Smith American planter, traveler Date of Birth: . Country: USA

1. John Smith: American Planter and Cosmopolitan Traveler
2. Transcontinental Traveler
3. Welcome in St. Petersburg
4. Adventures in Russia
5. Artistic Legacy and Diplomacy
6. Literary Contributions

John Smith: American Planter and Cosmopolitan Traveler

John Smith, an American planter and traveler, was born in South Carolina. He is renowned as the first American traveler to visit Russia.

Transcontinental Traveler

From 1793 to 1807, Smith embarked on extensive travels, spending several years exploring Europe. During his stay in London, he forged close connections with American Minister Rufus King and Russian Minister S. R. Vorontsov.

Welcome in St. Petersburg

In 1802, Smith arrived in St. Petersburg, where he was received with the honors accorded to an official representative of a foreign nation. He met with Russian Chancellor A. R. Vorontsov, the brother of S. R. Vorontsov, and wrote to King: "The marks of friendship and attention which have been bestowed upon me in this city have exceeded all that I could either expect or deserve. I should say no more upon this subject, were it not that I believe they have been in many instances intended not so much for me as for the country to which I belong. At all public entertainments at Court, I have been placed on an equality with foreign ministers, and frequently, as an American traveler, I have received more attention than if I had held a diplomatic character... The Emperor invited me to dine with him in a family way, placed me next to him, and conversed with me for some time concerning America and France."

Adventures in Russia

Smith spent two months in the Russian capital before embarking on journeys to the Caucasus and Astrakhan (1802-1805). He then departed for Persia via Odessa and the Black Sea (1805), returning to the United States in 1808.

Artistic Legacy and Diplomacy

The collection of paintings Smith amassed during his travels formed the foundation of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, along with donations from other patrons. In private correspondence, Smith consistently advocated for the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Russia and the United States, although he noted that he had avoided the subject during his interactions in St. Petersburg. In the US, he maintained close ties with Russian Minister A. Ya. Dashkov.

Literary Contributions

Smith authored "Letters from Russia, 1802-1805," which was published in 1959 in the South Carolina Historical Magazine. His observations and experiences provide valuable insights into diplomatic and social relations between Russia and the United States in the early 19th century.