https:// www.lawfareblog.com/logan-act-and-its-limits
The Logan Act is named for a Philadelphia doctor, George Logan, who traveled to Paris in 1798 at a time of heightened tension between the United States and the revolutionary government in France. Logan’s mission was arguably a success: France lifted an embargo against the United States and releasing American ships and sailors. However, former President George Washington, then-President John Adams, and members of the Federalist Party who were hostile to France condemned Dr. Logan upon his return.
Federalists in the House of Representatives responded with legislative action. Rep. Roger Griswold, a Connecticut Federalist, introduced a bill to “guard by law against the interference of individuals in the negotiation of our Executive with the Governments of foreign countries.” Griswold said that he “hoped no occasion would ever arise for bringing into operation a law of this kind; but if it should, it would be well prepared to meet it.”