William Charmichael (died 1795) was an American lawyer, statesman, and diplomat from Maryland. He represented Maryland in the Continental Congress in 1778 and 1779 and was the principal diplomat for the United States to Spain from 1782 to 1794.

William was born sometime around 1739 at the family home (Round Top) in Queen Anne's County, Maryland. He read for the law, was admitted to the bar and began his practice in Centerville. He was living in London, England when the Revolutionary War began, and soon made his way to Paris.

In 1776 the Congress named Charmichael as a Secret Agent, first as an assistant to Silas Deane, and later representing American interests in Barlin. He returned to America in 1778 and the Maryland Assembly sent him as a delegate to the Continental Congress.

In 1779, William was sent to Madrid as a diplomatic representative to Spain for the United States. At first, he was Secretary to the Legation headed by John Jay. When Jay returned in April 1782 Charmichael became Chargé d’ Affaires. He remained at his post until illness forced his replacement in 1794. He died in Madrid, Spain on February 9, 1795 and is buried in the Catholic cemetery there.

External link

• Charmichael’s Congressional biography