The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 01
History
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 01
United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
Since I had the honor of laying my narrative before Congress, I have
repeatedly solicited for the decision of Congress, but am to this hour
without the honor of any reply to the many letters I have written; it
would be tedious and perhaps unnecessary to repeat the substance of
them; it would take some time to refer to the dates only; they are
before Congress, and to them I appeal whether they speak the language
of a man conscious of having defrauded and injured the public, or that
of an innocent but greatly injured free citizen. I have had the honor
of acting in the character of political as well as commercial agent
for these States; I have repeatedly observed that every thing relating
to the former is already ascertained or ascertainable at this time,
and I freely rest my merits in that department on facts, and on the
testimony of those great personages, who best know what my conduct
was, and who have generously, and without solicitation from me,
publicly declared their approbation of it. With respect to my
commercial, I have appealed and again appeal to that mode of trial,
which will prove to a mathematical certainty whether I have embezzled
or misapplied the public monies, or whether, for more than three
years' faithful services, I have received anything more than my
private expenses. I have for more than ten months past been constantly
soliciting to have the accounts of the commissioners settled, on the
issue of which I freely put my reputation, and every thing dear in
life. My solicitations have been unsuccessful, whilst my enemies,
taking the base and disingenuous advantage of the circumstances before
mentioned of my leaving France, raise a cry against me and say--where
are his accounts? why did he not bring them out? if they were not
settled, why did he not stay and settle them? I must confess, that
when I reflect that these very men owe their present political, as
well as personal, safety, to the measure I then took, I am at a loss
which prevails most in my mind, indignation or contempt.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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