3148. FRANCE, Honesty of.—[continued].
There are great numbers
of well enlightened men in this nation. The
ministry is such. The King has an honest
heart. The line of policy hitherto pursued
by them has been such as virtue would dictate
and wisdom approve. Relying on their
wisdom only, I think they would not accept
the bribe suppose it would be to relinquish
that honorable character of disinterestedness
and new faith which they have acquired by
many sacrifices and which has put in their
hands the government, as it were, of Europe.—
To James Monroe.
Ford ed., iv, 39.
(P.
1785)
