Just when the Republican Party was to triumph at last, when its success was assured on the firm base of popular sentiment guided by wisdom, just when the American doctrine of an Adams, Paine, Price, or Priestley was to have its temples and altars on the European continent, the violent and perfidious Prussian invasion ruined everything. You are aware of the part I played in this admirable, just, and great undertaking. I thought it best to withdraw, and I am now busy watching for the endless obstacles and dangers that continue for the restorers and avengers of liberty. In spite of the reversal of fortune that freedom has suffered, in spite of the craven, absurd politics of those whom destiny chose to defend her from just such an attack in Holland, I shall never give up hope in seeing her triumph anew. I regret immensely that your mission keeps you tied up in another land: in the present situation you could well provide useful advice and, at the same time, support a cause that is perhaps not unrelated to the independent and prosperous existence of a united America. For, after a victory that has undone much of the damage suffered in the last war, the English are now 208 puffed up with pride and may set their sights even higher. They will probably not initiate a plan to bring America back to submission all of a sudden. But their current advantage can excite the audacity of their allies, who are widespread, and provoke them into dangerous mobilizations. In any case it is not in the interest of the United States that England increase its force and that the power of the French at sea and in the Indies be subject to ruin. You can see in the case of Mr. Dumas and of Mr. van Berckel, both victims of an odious reminder, which system currently prevails in the republic, if indeed we can give such a title to a country where a foreign military force has conquered all and governs everything. 1

As I am currently at work on these important interests and even authorized to work on them by special commissions which have been delegated to me by various sections of the patriotic party, I would be flattered to join efforts with your excellency or at least with the minister of the United States in Paris. I would be infinitely obliged to you if you could have a letter of recommendation sent to him.

In the meantime, if you meet any English who are concerned about liberty, would you please refer them to our cause? It will not be futile if in the parliamentary debates, the opposition party represented this barbarian invasion into Holland, financed by England, as a measure taken against the people and only good for establishing the authority of the king and preparing shackles for the nation.

I have the honor to be, with the most profound respect, sir, your most humble and most obedient servant

My address is at the Tuileries at the house of the Marquise de Champunez.

I saw Messrs. Abbés Chalut and Arnoux. They are only a little way from my part of the country. They know some of my relatives. This new circumstance, along with the favorable impression that you had given them of me, procured a most gracious welcome. They would be pleased to receive some news from you, just as I would be flattered if you were to recommend me to them again. Their esteem can be of great service to me, especially in our present situation where the conquest has reversed all of my fortunes and hopes.