t in
any way disagreeable to France; that they must be sensible, that M.
de Ternant might apprehend that jealousy would be excited by their
addressing themselves directly to foreign powers, and, therefore, that a
concert with him in their applications to us was essential. The subject
of independence and their views towards it having been stated in the
public papers, this led our conversation to it; and, I must say, they
appeared as far from these views as any persons on earth. I expressed
to them, freely, my opinion that such an object was neither desirable
on their part, nor attainable; that as to ourselves, there was one case
which would be peculiarly alarming to us, to wit, were there a danger of
their falling under any other power; that we conceived it to be strongly
our interest, that they should retain their connection with the mother
country; that we had a common interest with them, in furnishing them
the necessaries of life in exchange for sugar and coffee for our own
consumption, but that I thought we might rely on the justice of the
mother country towards them, for their obtaining this privilege: and,
on the whole, let them see that nothing was to be done, but with the
consent of the minister of France.

I am convinced myself, that their views and their application to us are
perfectly innocent; however, M. de Ternant, and still more, M. de la
Forest, are jealous. The deputies, on the other hand, think that M. de
Ternant is not sensible enough of their wants. They delivered me
sealed letters to the President and to Congress. That to the President
contained only a picture of their distresses, and application for
relief. That to Congress, I know no otherwise than through the public
papers. The Senate read it, and sent it to the Representatives, who read
it, and have taken no other notice of it. The line of conduct I pursue,
is, to persuade these gentlemen to be contented with such moderate
supplies, from time to time, as will keep them from real distress, and
to wait with patience for what would be a surplus, till M. de Ternant
can receive instructions from France, which he has reason to expect
within a few weeks; and I encourage the latter gentleman even to go
beyond their absolute wants of the moment, so far as to keep them in
good humor. He is accordingly proposing to lay out ten thousand dollars
for them, for the present. It would be ridiculous in the present case,
to talk about forms. There are situations wh