But while he thus held his army discontent, distrust, suspicion,--the train which inevitably follows failure,--possessed the minds of the people and embittered the hearts of those who were striving to serve them. The leaders were blamed for the misfortunes of the time, their ability doubted, their patriotism suspected. Thus hampered and trammelled, weak, sick at heart, America stretched out appealing hands to France. CHAPTER VI FRANCE IN THE REVOLUTION The rebellion of the colonies had been long expected in France. As early as 1750, Turgot, before the Sorbonne, had compared colonies to fruits which only remain on the stem until they reach maturity, and then drop off. [Illustration: Vergennes.] Vergennes, in conversation with an English traveller, had predicted: "England will soon repent of having removed the only check that can keep her colonies in awe. They stand no longer in need of her protection. She will call upon them to contribute towards supporting the burdens they have helped to bring on her. They will answer by striking off all dependence." France had excellent reasons for hating England. Her lilies had gone down again and again before the British flag. Despoiled by England of her American and Canadian possessions, dislodged from her foothold in India, subjected to the espionage, and stung by the arrogance of her enemy, her policy was directed toward one object, the rehabilitation of her former glory at the expense of her greatest rival.[18] [18] Edwardes's "Translations of Lemonie," p. 259. [Illustration: Beaumarchais.] Louis the Sixteenth, young and pleasure-loving, was glad to shift all responsibility upon his able advisers,--Maurepas, whom he tolerated, Vergennes, whom he feared and respected, and Beaumarchais, the son of a watchmaker, author of "Le Mariage de Figaro" and "Le Barbier de Seville,"--whom he cordially admired and loved, and who had probably more influence at court than all the rest put together. These were the men with whom Deane and Franklin labored, with varying result, for many years--sometimes thwarted and discouraged, at others cheered by promises, and sustained by substantial favors. Presents of money were given by France to America, and her ports were open to American trading-vessels. But England had a vigilant ambassador at the French court, watching like a cat lest the plucky little mouse should venture too far. It behooved the mouse to keep well in hiding. He could hope to gain an advantage over his enemy by stealthy diplomacy only. [Illustration: Silas Deane.] France had, early in September, 1776, sent secret messengers to America to ascertain the state of affairs and report to the court of Versailles. Congress sent Silas Deane, Benjamin Franklin, and Arthur Lee to plead the cause of the colonists at the French court, and negotiate treaties with foreign powers.[19] [19] Sparks's "Diplomatic Correspondence," Vol. I, p. 5. [Illustration: Benjamin Franklin.]