8252. TALLEYRAND, Connection with X. Y. Z. plot.—
There were interwoven with
these overtures [472]
some base propositions on the
part of Talleyrand, through one of his agents,
to sell his interest and influence with the Directory
towards smoothing difficulties with
them, in consideration of a large sum (fifty
thousand pounds sterling); and the arguments
to which his agent resorted to induce compliance
with this demand, were very unworthy of
a great nation (could they be imputed to them),
and calculated to excite disgust and indignation
in Americans generally, and alienation in the
republicans particularly, whom they so far mistake,
as to presume an attachment to France
and hatred to the federal party, and not the
love of their country, to be their first passion.—
To James Madison. Washington ed. iv, 232.
Ford ed., vii, 235.
(Pa.,
April. 1798)
