Stanley Washburn

Stanley Washburn (February 7, 1878 – December 14, 1950) was an American war correspondent particularly associated with reporting on Russian operations. He covered the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905, where he was one of the first on the battlefield to learn that peace had been agreed, followed by the Russian Revolution of 1905.

During World War One, he reported from the Eastern Front and made recommendations that the US support the Russian war effort before being reassigned to a commission sent to liaise with the Russian Provisional Government. He advocated that the US government support the Don Republic during the Russian Civil War and, in 1941, ahead of the attack on Pearl Harbor sent a message warning the leadership of the US Navy not to underestimate the Japanese.

Early life

Washburn was born on February 7, 1878, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the son of Elizabeth (née Muzzy) and William Drew Washburn, a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, the United States House of Representatives, and the United States Senate.

Washburn was a member of the Washburn family of Raynham, Massachusetts, which include numerous politicians. His paternal grandfather, Israel Washburn Jr. was a governor of Maine and served in the United States House of Representatives. His uncles included Cadwallader Colden Washburn, Charles Ames Washburn, Elihu Benjamin Washburne, and Israel Washburn Jr.. His brother, William Drew Washburn Jr., was also a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Washburn attended Williams College, where he wdas member of the fraternity of Delta Psi (St. Anthony Hall). Although he did not graduate, he later received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Williams.