The Dawn of the XIXth Century in England: A social sketch of the timesAshton, John
History
The Dawn of the XIXth Century in England: A social sketch of the times
Ashton, John
England -- Social life and customs -- 19th century
“I am not ashamed to tell you, Sir, _who know me_, that my confusion
was extreme, in thus finding myself _led into_ a conversation with an
avowed assassin. I instantly ordered him to leave me, giving, at the
same time, orders to the police officer who accompanied him, to send
him out of the kingdom as soon as possible.
“It is probable that all this is unfounded, and that the wretch had
nothing more in view than to make himself of consequence, by promising
what, according to his ideas, would afford me satisfaction.
“At all events, I thought it right to acquaint you with what had
happened, before I sent him away. Our laws do not permit us to detain
him long; but he shall not be sent away till after you shall have had
full time to take precautions against his attempts, supposing him
still to entertain bad designs; and, when he goes, I shall take care
to have him landed at a seaport as remote as possible from France.
“He calls himself here, Guillet de la Gevrilliere, but I think it is a
false name which he has assumed.
“At his first entrance I did him the honour to believe him to be a spy.
“I have the honour to be, with the most perfect attachment,
“Sir,
“Your most obedient servant,
“C. J. FOX.”
I have given this letter _in extenso_, to show how a _Gentleman_ of
the grand Old School could act towards an enemy—feeling himself
dishonoured by even conversing with a murderous traitor. It was
chivalrous and manly, and well merited Napoleon’s remarks, contained
in Talleyrand’s reply: “I recognize here the principles of honour and
of virtue, by which Mr. Fox has ever been actuated. Thank him on my
part.”
This episode is the most agreeable one in the whole of the papers in
connection with the negotiations for peace at that time. The King
fully entered into the reasons why these proposals did not come to a
successful issue, in a Declaration, dated October 21st, which, with
many other papers, was laid before Parliament on December 22nd.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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