ent addressed the following letter to Mr.
Pinckney:--

"The situation of affairs, and the interests of this country, as
they relate to France, render it indispensably necessary that a
faithful organ near that government, able and willing to explain
its views, and to ascertain those of France, should immediately
fill the place of our present minister plenipotentiary in Paris.
Policy requires that this character, to be essentially serviceable,
should be well attached to the government of his own country, and
not obnoxious to the one to which he is sent. Where, then, can a
man be found that would answer this description better than
yourself?

"It is a fact too notorious to be denied, that the greatest
embarrassments under which the administration of this government
labors, proceed from the counteraction of people among ourselves,
who are more disposed to promote the views of another nation, than
to establish a national character of their own; and that, unless
the virtuous and independent men of this country will come forward,
it is not difficult to predict the consequences. Such is my decided
opinion....

"Had not the case been important and urgent, I might have hesitated
longer; but, in finding a character of the description I have
mentioned, you will be at no loss to perceive the difficulty which
occurs. He must be a man whose abilities and celebrity of character
are well known to the people of this country, whose honor and
integrity are unimpeached, and who ought, as far as the nature of
the case will admit, to be acceptable to all parties. Doubtless
many such there are; but those who have been either in the
legislative or executive departments of the general government, and
are best known to me, have been so decisive in their politics, and,
possibly, so frank and public in their declarations, as to render
it very difficult to choose from among them one in whom the
confidence of this country could be placed, and the prejudices of
the others not excited."

Mr. Pinckney accepted the appointment, and made immediate preparations
for his departure for France. "Though my affairs have not, hitherto,
been arranged as I could wish them," he said in his letter of
acceptance, "the manner in which you state our political situation, and
the interests of this country as t