After arriving at Adrianople, the French ambassador, Sieur la Haje, was placed in custody. Unlike his son, who had faced harsh imprisonment earlier, he was treated with less severity. He remained confined for about two months. During this period, he sent gifts and made formal requests to calm the authorities, eventually securing his release. Both the ambassador and his son returned safely to Constantinople after this initial ordeal.
New Troubles in Constantinople
Soon after their return, the ambassador faced further difficulties. News arrived of a French ship that had carried Ottoman goods and run away with its cargo. Although the ambassador was not personally responsible, he was held accountable for this incident. As a result, he was imprisoned again, this time in a well-known prison called the Seven Towers in Constantinople.
Securing Freedom
The ambassador remained in prison until he was able to appease the authorities through gifts and money. This shows how much influence wealth and diplomacy had in the Ottoman Empire. Even though formal protections for ambassadors existed, personal negotiation and financial persuasion were often necessary to ensure their safety and freedom Private Tours Bulgaria.
Continued Malice of the Grand Vizier
Despite his careful diplomacy, Sieur la Haje continued to face the personal hostility of Grand Vizier Kuperli. This malice lasted throughout nearly 25 years of his diplomatic service. At the end of his term, he was dispatched home quietly and in disgrace. There was no official letter of revocation from his sovereign, and no formal announcement was made to the Grand Signior. This lack of ceremony indicated that his return was neither welcomed nor acknowledged, marking an unfortunate conclusion to a long and difficult career.
The experiences of Sieur la Haje illustrate the precarious life of foreign diplomats in the Ottoman Empire. Ambassadors could face repeated imprisonment, suspicion, and personal hostility despite their status. Gifts, money, and careful negotiation were often necessary to secure freedom and maintain authority. Even long and faithful service could end in disgrace if the political climate or personal rivalries turned against them.