University of Virginia Library

TO J. M. ROLAND.[71]

I have recd your letter of the 10th of Oct. accompanying
the decree of the National Assembly of the

26th of Aug. last; which confers the title of French
Citizen on several foreigners among whom I have the
honor to be named.

In the catalogue of sublime truths and precious
sentiments recorded in the revolution of France,
none is more to be admired than the renunciation of
those prejudices which have perverted the artificial
boundaries of nations into exclusions of the philanthropy
which ought to cement the whole into one
great family. The recitals of the act which you
communicate contain the best comment on the great
principle of humanity: and in proportion as they
speak the magnanimity of the French nation, must
claim the gratitude and affection of the individuals
so honorably adopted into her citizenship. For
myself I feel these sentiments with all the force
which that reflection can inspire; and I present them
with peculiar satisfaction as a citizen of the U. S.
which have born so signal a part towards banishing
prejudices from the world and reclaiming the lost
rights of mankind; and whose public connection
with France is endeared by the affinities of their
mutual liberty, and the sensibility testified by the
citizens of each country to every event interesting
to the fortunes of the other.

To this tribute of respectful affection, I beg leave
to add my anxious wishes for all the prosperity and
glory to the French Nation which can accrue from
an example corresponding with the dignified maxims
they have established and compleated the triumphs
of Liberty by a victory over the minds of all its
adversaries.

Be pleased, Sir, to accept acknowledg[ment] due
to the sentiments you have personally expressed in
transmitting the public act with which you were
charged.