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 when form must be dispensed
with. A man attacked by assassins will call for help to those nearest
him, and will not think himself bound to silence till a magistrate may
come to his aid. It would be unwise in the highest degree, that the
colonists should be disgusted with either France or us; for it might
then be made to depend on the moderation of another power, whether what
appears a chimera may not become a reality. I have thought it necessary
to go thus fully into this transaction, and particularly as to the
sentiments I have expressed to them, that you may be enabled to place
our proceedings in their true light.
Our Indian expeditions have proved successful.
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