The papers of Edmond Charles Genet (1763-1834) span the years 1734-1895, with the largest concentration of material between 1789 and 1793.

Edmond Genet's brief career as the French Republic's first minister to the United States, and his earlier diplomatic assignments in London and Saint Petersburg, are documented in the first two series of the collection. Genet's early career and education are described in a series of letters from Genet's father, Edme Jacques Genet, and other members of his family, together with draft replies by Genet, dated between 1776 and 1781. Of special interest are several letters of Ralph Izard addressed to Genet, dated 1778-1779, while the latter was chief of the interpreter's bureau at Versailles. Genet's St. Petersburg mission is represented by material in this collection that is not available in the archives at Leningrad. The correspondence series also includes many letters and drafts from officials of the various French ministries, letters relating to the Clinton and Osgood families, and commissions and diplomas, some of which are signed by the kings of France.

Aside from the series of news abstracts prepared by Genet as part of his official duties, a good portion of the remaining notes, drafts, and essays reflect Genet's interest in political theory and scientific research. There also are newspaper clippings, accounts of legation and secret expenses, memoirs by Genet's son, Charles, and miscellaneous papers.

In addition to the above mentioned letters of Edme Jacques Genet and Ralph Izard, the following are prominent correspondents in the collection: George Rogers Clark, DeWitt Clinton, George Clinton, Francis Dana, André Michaux, James Monroe, Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, Antoine Raymond Gabriel de Sartine, Jean-Louis- Paul Francois, duc de Noailles, and Alexandre Marie Léonor de Saint-Mauris, Prince de Montbarey.