5548. MOREAU (General J. Victor), Reception of.—
I confess that the enclosed
letter from General Turreau excites in me both
jealousy and offence in undertaking, and without
apology, to say in what manner to receive
and treat Moreau within our own country.
Had Turreau been here longer he would have
known that the national authority pays honors
to no foreigners. That the State authorities,
municipalities and individuals, are free to render
whatever they please, voluntarily, and free
from restraint by us; and he ought to know
that no part of the criminal sentence of another
country can have any effect here. The style
of that government in the Spanish business,
was calculated to excite indignation; but it was
a case in which that might have done injury.
But the present is a case which would justify
some notice in order to let them understand
we are not of those powers who will receive
and execute mandates. I think the answer
should show independence as well as friendship.—
To James Madison. Washington ed. iv, 584.
Ford ed., viii, 376.
(M.
Aug. 1805)
