ong imprisonment,
and the confiscation of his estate, and the indigence and dispersion
of his family, and the painful anxieties incident to all these
circumstances, do not form an assemblage of sufferings which recommend
him to the mediation of humanity? allow me, sir, on this occasion, to
be its organ; and to entreat that he may be permitted to come to this
country, on such conditions, and under such restrictions, as your
majesty may think it expedient to prescribe.

"As it is a maxim with me not to ask what, under similar
circumstances, I would not grant, your majesty will do me the justice
to believe that this request appears to me to correspond with those
great principles of magnanimity and wisdom, which form the basis of
sound policy, and durable glory."

This letter was transmitted to Mr. Pinckney to be conveyed to the
Emperor through his minister at London. How far it operated in
mitigating immediately the rigour of Lafayette's confinement, or in
obtaining his liberation, remains unascertained.

CHAPTER IV.

Letter from General Washington to Mr. Jefferson.... Hostile
measures of France against the United States.... Mr. Monroe
recalled and General Pinckney appointed to succeed him....
General Washington's valedictory address to the people of
the United States.... The Minister of France endeavours to
influence the approaching election.... The President's
speech to Congress.... He denies the authenticity of certain
spurious letters published in 1776.... John Adams elected
President, and Thomas Jefferson Vice President.... General
Washington retires to Mount Vernon.... Political situation
of the United States at this period.... The French
government refuses to receive General Pinckney as
Minister.... Congress is convened.... President's speech....
Three envoys extraordinary deputed to France.... Their
treatment.... Measures of hostility adopted by the American
government against France.... General Washington appointed
Commander-in-chief of the American army.... His death....
And character.

{1796}

The confidential friends of the President had long known his fixed
purpose to retire from office at the end of his second term, and the
people generally suspected it. Those who dreaded a change of system,
in changing the person, of the chief magistrate, manifested an earnest
desire to avoid this hazard, by being perm