“I mixed in the discussion only in order to represent to Mr. Madison, who is unwilling to stop at the treaty of 1762, that in general the last conventions were those which ought to guide in negotiations; otherwise, if each party invoked the antecedent ones in favor of his system, we should be forced to go back to the Deluge to find the primitive title. ‘But, General!’ replied Mr. Madison, ‘we have a map which probably carries to the Perdido the eastern limit of Louisiana!’--‘I should be curious to see it, sir; the more, because I have one which includes Tennessee and Kentucky in Louisiana. You will agree that maps are not titles.’ The Secretary of State closed this session, which lasted two long hours, by saying that if Spain had always conducted herself toward the United States as well as France had done, the difficulties would not have taken place. I did not think myself called upon to appear very grateful for this kind of cajolery.” Turreau did not want keenness of insight; and this early experience gave him no high respect either for Madison or for the American system of government. His despatch explained that the dispute was in great part due to the fact that the Louisiana purchase had been made a battle-ground in the Presidential election just ended; that the opposition, by depreciating its importance, had driven the party in power to exaggerate its value; and that the Administration, to assure itself of victory, had committed itself to the policy of obtaining Florida by one means or another, till it could no longer recede. Yrujo’s indiscretions had helped to make it impossible for Jefferson to withdraw with dignity from his position. “For the rest,” continued Turreau, “I have made every effort to reconcile M. d’Yrujo with the Secretary of State, and if I have not succeeded, it is the fault of the latter. He is dry (_sec_), spiteful (_haineux_), passionate; and his private resentments, still more than political difference, will long keep him apart from M. d’Yrujo. Nevertheless, as I am on very good terms with Mr. Madison, whom I was about to ask to dine with me, I sent my first aide-de-camp to ask him whether he would be pleased to meet the Spanish minister at dinner; and in consequence of his very civil and even obliging answer, I had them together at my table, where I again attempted a reconciliation. M. d’Yrujo would have agreed to it; but the Secretary of State cannot forgive.” Finally, Turreau called Talleyrand’s attention to the question whether it was for the interest of France and Spain that Yrujo should be kept at Washington:--