Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1816-02-03


until that Of his entering Cambrai |?
A stranger, as all my conduct proves, to
The plot, the authars OF which the kline has |
thought himself bound to punish, aud not
having served under the iliegitimaic GO
vernment, except during the interval elaps-
ed between the tso epochs marked by the !
proclamation, on what ground can be the
object of punishment, when my security |
rests on the highest gua~antee-A[y own
innocence and the kings word
w hat, then, is the cruel fatality which
arrays against me all the wrath of his ma
iesty, while his letter of the 18th Of March,
posterior to my retreat from the ministry.
Still assured ne of bis favor, and while his
proclamation of June aeth excuses the in
voluntary errors in which participated
during that interval with SO great mum.
Der OF Frenchmen ?
CAN'T be my conduct since that procla-
nation which has rendered me unworthy
of the benefit it guarantees No, that is
impossible for that conduct, as the army
and the capital can attest, was such as, of
itself perhaps, ought to suffice to recover
for me all the favor my sovereign.
Can the ministers have neglected TO in
form his majesty, that before the aSth o.
June, and from the moment that the abdl-
cation of Bonaparte permitted me only to
express my wishes, NEGLECTED no effort, a
voided no danger in endeavoring to recall
the troops, the citizens, and the different
authorities of the State to our legitimate
Princes /? While mems minds, and all the
factions were agitated with the question
on what head the Crown of France, re-
garded as vacant, should be placed, was |
found to hesitate moment in recognising
and proclaiming the right of the Bour-
bons ?-Did not appear in this Chamber
of Peers, before the provisional commission
Of government, III the presence of all the
generals of the army assembled in coun-
Gil Of war to deliberate on the defence of
Paris Is Unnecessary that should state,
that my zeal and frankness in maintaining
that the honor of France depended on a
prompt submission TO the King, rendered
me suspected by the government, and caus-
ed my REGAL from the army the command
of which was entrusted to Count Grouchy /?
Doubtless, never thought of demand
ing from the Court the reward of this con-
duct. believed was fulfilling my duty.
1t was my country considered myself de-
Tending. But though was far from look
ing Ter any recOmpence, ought to have
expected that as the reward OF my zeal aud
devotedness to the cause OF the King, his
ministers would class me with thOse who
have been signalized as the most criminal
or the most dangerous of his subjects Is
it because |, almost alone, had the courage.
in those moments Of difficulty, to recall to
her duty France, thea rebecome free to
follow it, that my name has been placed at
the head of the list of the prescribed ?
Tie more / reflected on this strange re
sulf, the more compare ituith my conduct
and the wisdom of the King, the more
nust be confirmed in the conviction. that
the mind of his Majesty has been deceived,
that nay conduct has not been known
TO him that ignorance or calumny can a
lone have instituted the process against
me. lmay then hope, that his Majesty.
on being better informed, will himsell
deign TO correct the fatal error of which I
am the victim. For this, his knowledge, his
justice, and his bounty, are my guaran
tees.
But were so unfortunate as to find that
his Majesty considering himself bound By
first determination, should not think Fl,
to employ his own authority in repairing
the injury he has done me, and should en-.
trust TO others than himself the examina-
ton and appreciation ofmy conduct, there
is at least one act ofjustice which doubtless
l shall not solicit in vain. Its to be sent.
without further delay, before the Judges
destined to pronounce on my fate. This
act of justice / shall receive as benefit.
since it will furnish me with the surest
means of proving my innocence. This
benefit is secure to me by the laws and
cannot fear the being deprived of a right
so sacred, since it is from his Majesty
claim it. MaIevolence and ignorance may
obtainby surprise from the Sovereigns a
serious change against All irreproachable
citizen; but to refuse the accused his
means Of justification--to condemn him
without hearing, would be an act of ty-
ranny. Imay then be tranquil.
To conclude, whatever may be the fate
that waits me, l shall not be less the faith.
full subject of the King, and admirer of his
virtues, or less ready again to expose my
life, on the first signal, for my Prince and
my country. The sentiment of my love
for them and my duty, is too deeply root
ed in my heart for either misfortune or in
justice toalter it. 1t is long since took
for my motto--Do gour ditty, happen mhat
may. never lost sight Of itin the midst
of nnIifical eforna and mo conac;n,,,o 81 n.