'Why, indeed,'
says he,' I begin to doubt very much of the affairs of France; there are
papers from London as late as the 10th of January, which represent them
as going into confusion. He read over the letter he had signed,
found there was not a word which could commit his judgment about the
constitution, and gave it to me back again. This is one of many proofs
I have had, of his want of confidence in the event of the French
revolution. The fact is, that Gouverneur Morris, a highflying monarchy
man, shutting his eyes and his faith to every fact against his
wishes, and believing every thing he desires to be true, has kept the
President's mind constantly poisoned with his forebodings. That the
President wishes the revolution may be established, I believe from
several indications. I remember, when I received the news of the King's
flight and capture, I first told him of it at his assembly. I never saw
him so much dejected by any event in my life. He expressed clearly, on
this occasion, his disapprobation of the legislature referring things to
the Heads of departments.
Written March the 12th.
Eodem die. Ten o'clock, A. M. The preceding was about nine o'clock. The
President now sends Lear to me, to ask what answer he shall give to
the committee, and particularly, whether he shall add to it, that, 'in
making the communication, it was not his expectation that the House
should give any answer.
Pages:
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
773
774
775
776