1717. CONSTITUTION (French), Montmorin, Jefferson and.—
But duties of exculpation
were now incumbent on me. I waited
on Count Montmorin the next morning, and
explained to him with truth and candor how it
had happened that my house had been made
the scene of conferences of such a character.
He told me he already knew everything which
had passed, that so far from taking umbrage
at the use of my house on that occasion, he
earnestly wished I would habitually assist at
such conferences, being sure that I should be
useful in moderating the warmer spirits, and
promoting a wholesome and practicable reformation
only. I told him I knew too well the duties
I owed to the King, to the nation and to
my own country, to take any part in councils
concerning their internal government, and that
I should persevere, with care, in the character
of a neutral and passive spectator, with wishes
only and very sincere ones, that those measures
might prevail which would be for the greatest
good of the nation. I have no doubts, indeed,
that this conference was previously known and
approved by this honest minister, who was in
confidence and communication with the Patriots,
and wished for a reasonable reform of the Constitution.—
Autobiography. Washington ed. i, 105.
Ford ed., i, 146.
(1821)
