Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1847-07-30

France, formally notified 10 us is SUSPENDED
"and new Convention called During the
time OF this suspension, and while no Icpiti.
mate government exists, we apprehend we
"cannot continue the re-rayments of our debt
"to France because there is no person author
"lzed to receive 1t, and give an unexcep,ionable
"acquittal. Should circumstances
"obgc you to mention this, do it with such
9" solid reasons as will occur to Yourself, and
accompany it with the most friendly dcclara.
tons, that the suspension does not proceed
from any desire to embarrass or oppose the
" settlement of their Government in the way in
switch their nation shall desire it. but from our
desire to pay this debt Justly and honorablv
"and to the persons really authorized BY the ma
" ton, TO whom we owe it) to receive it for
their use Nor shall the suspension be con,n.
"ued one moment after we can see our way
"clcar ont Of the difficulty into which their sit
"nation has thrown us. That they may speed
"ily obtain liberty, peace and tranquility is our
"earnest prayers
AT the moment that this letter of jefferson
was written, money had Just been voted by Con-
gress for the relief of the suffering Colony of
st. Domingo-and, in addition to these rra,ui-
ties, the sum of four million vrcs--which the
National Assembly. by its decree of 26th June.
1892 had requested the Government of the Uni
ted States to furnish that Colony was paid into
the hands of the French Minister. The polit-
cal considerations, and the regard for the unfor-
tunatc Louis XVI, which caused the American
funds destined for France to lie. for a certain
! time. inactive at Amsterdam. did not prevail to
retard that portion of them which was destined
tor n work OF humanity. Within two years
from this time, the last sol of this debt was paid.
The incXactitndes of fact in the Historic des
1 Girondins, to which as an American | have
thought it my duty to draw your attention, have
gwen me an opportunity to speak Of the SYM
patty and gratitude towards Louis XVI which
existed and which still exist in the United States
IT would be wrong. however, to suppose that
these feelings are confined to the unfortunate
King. That nation which is ever ready to sue
cor the oppressed, and which prefers generous
ideas to material interests, must ever possess
the admiration of freemen, and above ALL the
constant sympa'hes Of those whose fathers
chose to brave the dangers of the ocean. and of
exile in an unknown land, rather than to ENJOY
the comforts of home by the sacrifice of IA prin-
ciple.
The debt of American gratitude is due 20 the
whole French nation, but the desire to individ-
uallze, II | may say so, the expression OF that
gratitude. has caused the names os three French
men to be craven on every American heart
the names of Lafayeue, Louis XVI. verrenncs.
And u this trinity of the wcl.beloved be COM
pIeted by one whose actions were less prominent
whose services less known to famc-tmn
those of the other two. it is that Vcrgcnnes was
the first friend America found among those hav-
ing authority with Louis XVI. 1t was he who
stakcd his reputation rs Minister upon the
success of her strnggle-he who proposed al
ways generous aid to her cause. and he, who
in his diplomatic relations with the American
Ministers - Franklin and Jefferson - showed
always loyal and honorable spirit.
AT the present day the American pilgrim who
comes to Versailles, to visit that monument
dedicated "to all the glores of France" pause.
IN more humble tcmple-the Church Of Norc
Damc--and offers there his tribute of affection
and respect at the tomb of Vergcnnes-at the
tomb of that Frenchman who, swayinr the
councils of his Sovereign, and having Influence
over the opinions of the nation, never forgot tc
be gene and just to America
beg yon, Sir, to accept the assurance of nv
high consideration.
GEORGE SUMNER,
Citizen of the United States
To Niscount ALrHoSsE DE LAMAgrlyE.