a contest between the President and Genet--anonymous writers--will be
same difference of opinion in public, as in our cabinet--will be
same difference in Congress, lot it must be laid before them--would,
therefore, work very unpleasantly at home. How would it work abroad?
France--unkind--after such proofs of her friendship, should rely on
that friendship and her justice. Why appeal to the world? Friendly
nations always negotiate little differences in private. Never appeal to
the world, but when they appeal to the sword. Confederacy of Pilnitz
was to 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.* 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