The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 9 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
History
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 9 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1865
overthrow the government of France. The interference of France to disturb
other governments and excite insurrections, was a measure of reprisal.
Yet these Princes have been able to make it believed to be the system
of France. Colonel Hamilton supposes Mr. Genet's proceedings here are
in pursuance of that system; and we are so to declare it to the world,
and to add our testimony to this base calumny of the Princes. What a
triumph to them to be backed by our testimony. What a fatal stroke at the
cause of liberty; _et tu Brute_. We indispose the French government, and
they will retract their offer of the treaty of commerce. The President
manifestly inclined to the appeal to the people.[11] Knox, in a foolish
incoherent sort of a speech, introduced the pasquinade lately printed,
called the funeral of George W--n, and James W--n, King and Judge, &c.,
where the President was placed on a guillotine. The President was much
inflamed; got into one of those passions when he cannot command himself;
ran on much on the personal abuse which had been bestowed on him; defied
any man on earth to produce one single act of his since he had been in
the government, which was not done on the purest motives; that he had
never repented but once the having slipped the moment of resigning his
office, and that was every moment since; that _by God_ he had rather
be in his grave than in his present situation; that he had rather be
on his farm than to be made _Emperor of the world_; and yet that they
were charging him with wanting to be a King. That that _rascal Freneau_
sent him three of his papers every day, as if he thought he would become
the distributor of his papers; that he could see in this, nothing but
an impudent design to insult him: he ended in this high tone. There
was a pause. Some difficulty in resuming our question; it was, however,
after a little while, presented again, and he said there seemed to be no
necessity for deciding it now; the propositions before agreed on might
be put into a train of execution, and perhaps events would show whether
the appeal would be necessary or not. He desired we would meet at my
office the next day, to consider what should be done with the vessels
armed in our ports by Mr. Genet, and their prizes.
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