Warden, David Bailie (1772–1845), United Irishman, diplomat, and bibliographer, was born at Ballycastle, Co. Down, eldest among three sons of Robert Warden, tenant farmer, and Elizabeth Warden (née Bailie). Educated locally, he studied for the presbyterian ministry, despite being told by a clergyman that he was a ‘blockhead’. Entering the university of Glasgow, he won a silver medal for his work on barometers, received a certificate in midwifery, and graduated MA (April 1797). Returning to Ireland he was licensed a probationer in the presbytery of Bangor and became a popular preacher in the region. A patriot in politics, he joined the United Irishmen. Because of this a warrant was issued for his arrest in 1798 and he surrendered himself to the government. Banished from Ireland, he decided to emigrate to the United States and wrote a pamphlet explaining his decision, A farewell address to the junto of the presbytery of Bangor, in which he accused the church leaders of ‘meanness, injustice and cruelty’.
On his arrival in New York in 1799, Warden decided to abandon his career as a clergyman and became a teacher. Interested in mathematics, science and literature, he became principal of the Columbia Academy, at Kinderhook, and was appointed (1801) head tutor at Kingston Academy, Ulster county, also in New York. Employed by Gen. John Armstrong jr to teach his children, he made useful connections in American society. He became a citizen in 1804 and was asked to accompany Armstrong to France when he was appointed ambassador. Arriving in Paris in 1806, he gave strong support to Armstrong and defended him from criticism in the American press. He was appointed acting consul in 1808, and served as head of the legation on two occasions when Armstrong was absent. Surprisingly, despite their ties of friendship, Armstrong did not recommend Warden to succeed him permanently, and advised President Jefferson that although ‘honest and amiable’ he was ‘not well qualified for business’ (quoted in ANB, xxii, 656). Stung by these comments, Warden reacted angrily and his friendship with Armstrong ended acrimoniously; as a result he was swiftly recalled from Paris.
Once back in America, Warden lobbied vigorously to be appointed French consul. Supported by Jefferson, now out of office, he returned to Paris in August 1811 having convinced the government of his credentials. Befriending the new ambassador, Joel Barlow, Warden soon allowed pride to get the better of him. Arrogantly styling himself ‘consul general’ after Barlow died in December 1812, he provoked much anger and was dismissed from office on 10 June 1814; he never held a diplomatic appointment again.
Deciding to remain in France, he resumed his scholarly activities and published his first book, On the origin, nature, progress and influence of consular establishments in 1813. A friend of many of the leading French writers and intellectuals, he also offered assistance to visiting scholars from America, providing a bridge between the European and American intellectual communities. His reputation increased with the publication of A chorographical and statistical description of the district of Columbia (1816) and A statistical, political and historical account of the United States of North America (3 vols, 1819). The publishers of a series, L'art de vérifier les dates commissioned him to research the volumes on North and South America in 1821; these ran to ten volumes and were written over thirteen years.
Beset by financial difficulties, he was twice forced to sell part of his vast library to raise money. He died 9 October 1845 in Paris, after a long illness. He never married.