3415. GENET (E. C.), Calamitous appointment.—[continued].
Mr. Genet had been then
but a little time with us; and but a little more
was necessary to develop in him a character
and conduct so unexpected, and so extraordinary,
as to place us in the most distressing
dilemma, between our regard for his nation,
which is constant and sincere, and a regard for
our laws, the authority of which must be maintained,
which the Executive Magistrate is
charged to preserve; for its honor, offended in
the person of that Magistrate; and for its character
grossly traduced in the conversations and
letters of this gentleman.—
To Gouverneur Morris. Washington ed. iv, 31.
Ford ed., vi, 372.
(Pa.,
Aug. 1793)
