UNITED STATES, _June 21, 1798_.
PARIS, _April 16, 1798_.
MY DEAR SIR: This, I expect, you will receive by my
colleague, General Marshall, who carries with him the last
letter of Mr. Talleyrand to the American Envoys, and their
answer. On the day when we sent the answer, I received a
letter from the Minister, a copy of which and my answer is
enclosed. I have not sent these to the Secretary of State,
because I have not time to prepare a letter to accompany
them. Indeed, I expected my passport with my colleagues,
but am informed the Directory will not consent to my
leaving France; and to bring on an immediate rupture, by
adopting this measure contrary to their wishes, would be,
in my mind, unwarrantable.
The object of Mr. Talleyrand, you will perceive, was to
resume our reciprocal communications, and again to discuss
the subject of a loan. I thought it best, in my answer, not
merely to object to this, but to every measure, that could
have a tendency to draw me into a negotiation. I accepted
of this mission, my dear sir, to support your
Administration, and have brought myself into a
predicament,[36] which you must assist me to extricate
myself from, by appointing some others to supply the places
of myself and colleagues, if a further progress in this
business should be found practicable.
I have only a moment to add my best respects to your lady,
and my assurance of the most sincere and respectful
attachment. My dear sir, yours, sincerely,