the darkest ignorance, and that nothing can ever be devised more
perfect than what was established by our forefathers. To these I will
add, that I was a sincere well-wisher to the success of the French
revolution, and still wish it may end in the establishment of a free
and well-ordered republic: but I have not been insensible under the
atrocious depredations they have committed on our commerce. The first
object of my heart is my own country. In that is embarked my family, my
fortune, and my own existence. I have not one farthing of interest, nor
one fibre of attachment out of it, nor a single motive of preference
of anyone nation to another, but in proportion as they are more or less
friendly to us. But though deeply feeling the injuries of France, I did
not think war the surest means of redressing them. I did believe, that
a mission, sincerely disposed to preserve peace, would obtain for us a
peaceable and honorable settlement and retribution; and I appeal to you
to say, whether this might not have been obtained, if either of your
colleagues had been of the same sentiment with yourself.

These, my friend, are my principles; they are unquestionably the
principles of the great body of our fellow-citizens, and I know there is
not one of them which is not yours also. In truth, we never differed but
on one ground, the funding system; and as, from the moment of its being
adopted by the constituted authorities, I became religiously principled
in the sacred discharge of it to the uttermost farthing, we are united
now even on that single ground of difference.

I turn now to your inquiries. The enclosed paper will answer one
of them. But you also ask for such political information as may be
possessed by me, and interesting to yourself in regard to your embassy.
As a proof of my entire confidence in you, I shall give it fully and
candidly. When Pinckney, Marshall, and Dana were nominated to settle
our differences with France, it was suspected by many, from what was
understood of their dispositions, that their mission would not result in
a settlement of differences; but would produce circumstances tending to
widen the breach, and to provoke our citizens to consent to a war
with that nation, and union with England. Dana's resignation and your
appointment gave the first gleam of hope of a peaceable issue to
the mission. For it was believed that you were sincerely disposed to
accommodation: and it was not long after your arrival the