Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-11-21


sonally, arising from the very friendly relations
which had so long existed between US in public
and In private life, there were considerations
known TO the public, which, doubtless, had weight
with him in making the appointment. My zeal,
In favor OF the free navigation OF the MISSISSIPPI
had been shewn on reyeral important occasions
J A far back The year l7S6, when member Of
the Revolutionary Congress, 1 had strenuously OPP
posed projected treaty with Spain. by which, had
1t been concluded, the of that river would have
been suspended for term, and our right TO II, as
thought impaired Ii was known tina, wrote the
paper, which presented by the Delegates OF
the State, in opposition 10 that project" mention
this occurrence with no un.Tiendly feeling 10 Mr.
Jay, our then Secretary OF T. reish Affairs, Tor
one thinks more highly han l have done, and still
do, of his talents, Revolutionary services, and
senei al merit which take this occasion, with plea
/ sure, to declare.
Another Instance had occurred, in which my
zeal. in favor OF the tree navigation OF this river
had been Displayed Il. January, 1875, in my iirsi
mission to France, al Period when our Tela-
lions with the French Governments were of a most
friendly character, France AMI Spain being then at
war. and The armies OF The Republic victorious in
every quarter, and particularly in Spain, negoti-
alton being soush, by The latter, and existing be-
tween the two Governments, presented note to
the French Government, in which urged, iom
motives OF policy, which ough, TO have weight
with tina; Government, the exerion of its influence,
10 secure 10 US the free navigation of that river,
either by extending ii to a negotiation then intrusi-
ed to Mr.. Short, Minister at Madrid, or By
providing for it in It's own treaty These facts be-
! ing well known 10 the Union, could not fail TO
have their effect, in every quarter, as TO the zeal
which should carry with me into the nesotia-
| ton.
The presumption was equally strong that
should be well received by the French Govern
| a
standing between the u States and France, in my
former mission, had produced some effect on the
policy OF that Government towards the United
States and much its dispeaeure, sfter it had de-
citled change OF policy, it natural that The
cenSure inflicted me by my own Govesnment,
by my recall on the presumption that hal failed
to perform my duty to it, and, 10 nv country, in
that very circumstance, should excite some feeling
in the Government of France, and restore TO me
its confidence, which had been withdrawn. The
men still, in poN er were al of the Revolutionary
character, with most OF whom / was personally
well acquainted, and had witnessed iheir greatest
difficulties. was the first minister " no had been
presented to The Republic; had beheld three great
NOV ements against bein-those of Gerninal, OF
Prairal, end Vlrdemiaire- in the latter of which
Barras commanded the National Guard, and Napo-
lean Bonaparte acted under him. This occurred at
the moment when the Convention was engaged in
the act OF transferring the Government from itself
TO the Directory, and 20 the two Councils | was
| in the Hall of the Convention just before the at
| tack commenced, and retired from it at the in
stance, and under the guidance, of some Of the
members, who led me through the Carousel, by
their cannon, whose matches were lighted bearing
up towards the Richlien, where those of the
sections posted, and lighted against them had
scarcely passed the latter when The action com
menced, AZ about O'Clock, Z. NJ. and which con-
tinue ed till 10 al night. no other citizen of our
Union hell he same relation TO them. See in
the View. three Letters Secretary OF State,
in which give account Of those three move
mems, viz April 18th, 1895, p. las; June Ifth,
1895, page lGS; and October 20, same year,
page 269
1t nigh, fairly be inferred, iherefors, reasoning
on the bet rropsnsilies OF our nature, If that Go
vernmen' could be induced 10 yield 10 or de
mands, that it would be graifed 10 make the ac-
comm da ion, at the instance of one, with whose
good wishes hey acquainted, and whom
they had injured. They had had before 20 oppoI-
tnnity 10 make TO him any reparaton. The day
after took my leave OF the Directory, not being
able to sail for the United States during the winter
and unwilling to remain spectator OF the distress
ing incidents which llowed, proceeded TO Hol-
land, and remained here until the Spring, at which
time hurried through France 10 Bordeaux, from
which port we sailed.
My reception by the French Government in
my second mission, on my return in 1903, wa.
| as kind and friendly ; could have been expected
! from what had before occurred. Tha, the mission
contributed 10 the result contemplated prev ent
war, and secure 10 us, by the treaties which were
then concluded with the Frenth Government not
only the free navigation of the Mississippi, but al
! Louisiana MI. ralleyrand's letter to MI I.iy-
gston, which was written after my appointment
was known in France, while | was al sea Mr.
] Livingstone letter to me in reply to mine, an
nouncing my arrival at Havre, and the ex'Tac
from Col. Merrer's journal OF what passed be
! tween Mr.. Livingston end the evening o
I my arrival in Paris will distinctly show Nr
\ TallsyTaDd states, in explicit ms that the Fir
Consul thought IL improrerto commence nego
iation, on the ground OF Mr.. Livncs,on's cem
plants, until Mr.. Monroe, the Minis, er ExtraorIi.
nary, whom the President had appointed TO discus
the subject, should arrive, and be heard that ever
matter susceptible OF contradiction might he com
plesly and deinidvely discussed. lie states, also
that The First Consul had charged hin to assuf
our Government, thai tar from thinking that thei
4 new position in Louisiana could be an object o
solcItude the least injury TO the u States
he would receive the Minister Extraordinary whom
the President had sent to him, with the creates
pleasure, and that he hoped that his mission wou
terminate to the satisfaction of both States. Mr.
Il Livingston congraiulaes me on my arrival, an
expresses an ardent desire that my mission ma,
answer mine and the public expectation War
he says may do something for rs; nothing ell
would: that he had paved the way .or me by h.
memoirs, and If could add 20 them an assnsDc
that we were in possession Of New Orleans, "
might do we'll With ihe sentiment. contained y
this letter, those which were declared by MIR Iiv
inggon, alter my arrival in Paris, we're in siric
accord, 90 appears by the extract from Colon,
Mercer ioiupal Of what passed in or fret ini 81