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.
Pages:
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242