Samuel Greene Wheeler Benjamin

Having finally his audience with the Persian monarch, Benjamin read a speech penned by the American president Chester A Arthur.

The inadequacy of what was provided to him vexed Benjamin whose irascible and bombastic personality [5] often made diplomacy a matter of competition between him and other European diplomats.

[6] Despite his contentious relationships with the German, British, Russian diplomatic ranks, Benjamin cared for and deeply respected his Persian hosts, culture, and religion.

His unfettered commitment to an amicable U.S. – Persian relationship were also partially motivated by acting to counterbalance European control in Persia.

[7] In his autobiography, "The Life and Adventures of a Free Lance," Benjamin commented on his friendships with artists in New York including William Holbrook Beard, Frederic Edwin Church, Sanford R. Gifford, and Launt Thompson.