“I do not pretend that France at present enjoys liberty; but though the first constitution and that of the year III., preferable on many accounts (in particular by the establishment of two Chambers), cannot be considered by me but as secondary objects compared to the importance of the fundamental doctrine, I am persuaded that liberty can be consolidated in France and in other countries, upon the basis of an elective government, sooner than upon that of hereditary presidents. This opinion is not only the result of my republican inclinations; it comes also from the situation of men and of things. It has been even adopted by many unpatriotic monarchists who found that the resurrection of the French monarchy when it became a question of determining the powers of the king, caused more trouble than it had advantages. “How in this situation have I not recognized with joy the American principles of my old friend, that it would be impolitic to re-establish an hereditary magistracy, the destruction of which had been illegal, but for which I had never desired immortality. Wherefore, shall I not hope that the elective governments, with differences of form and similarity of principle, could be so combined as to assure the establishment of a true liberty? Is it then indispensable to be free to have a king? Will that obligation necessarily be attached to a vast territory and people? I do not think so. And so far as the experiment has been tried I have found that it would be better to follow the American principles than for us to take the English method. “But this is talking too much of politics, my dear Hamilton. I have not the pretension to believe that, upon such a subject, friends who have formed a strong opinion can persuade the one or the other. I have wished only to show you the motives for my conduct. “I thank you very tenderly for the earnest and affectionate manner in which you have expressed the good wishes of America in my favor, and your own feelings. I appreciate deeply my obligations towards that well-beloved country and shall always be ready to give my life for her prosperity. I am happy and proud of the sentiments which her virtuous and constant citizens have preserved, of those of my more intimate companions—of yours, particularly, my dear Hamilton. I hope that you are assured that our ancient friendship has not suffered in my heart the least diminution, and that from the first instant when our fraternal union was formed, until the last moment of my life, I shall be always your most devotedly attached friend.” [Illustration: DIRECTEUR SIÉYÈS.] But we will again let Virginie tell the story of her father’s return to France.