3202. FRANKLIN (Benjamin), French admiration.—[continued].
I have it in charge from
the President * * * to communicate to the
National Assembly * * * the peculiar sensibility
of Congress to the tribute paid to the
memory of Benjamin Franklin. * * * That
the loss of such a citizen should be lamented
by us, among whom he lived, whom he so
long and eminently served, and who feel their
country advanced and honored by his birth,
life and labors, was to be expected. But it
remained for the National Assembly of France,
to set the first example of the representative of
one nation, doing homage, by a public act, to
the private citizen of another, and by withdrawing
arbitrary lines of separation, to reduce
into one fraternity the good and the great,
wherever they have lived or died. That these
separations may disappear between us in all
times and circumstances, and that the union of
sentiment which mingles our sorrows on this
occasion may continue long to cement the
friendships of our two nations, is our constant
prayer.—
To the President of the National Assembly. Washington ed. iii, 218.
(Pa.,
1791)
