3545. GOVERNMENT, Recognition of.—
With what kind of government[in France] may you do business? It accords with our
principles to acknowledge any government to
be rightful, which is formed by the will of
the nation substantially declared. The late
government was of this kind, and was accordingly
acknowledged by all the branches
of ours. So, any alteration of it which shall
be made by the will of the nation substantially
declared, will doubtless be acknowledged in
like manner. With such a government every
kind of business may be done.—
To Gouverneur Morris. Washington ed. iii, 489.
Ford ed., vi, 131.
(Pa.,
Nov. 1792)