8253. TALLEYRAND, Corrupt.—
The
Envoys have been assailed by swindlers, whether
with or without the participation of Talleyrand
is not very apparent. The known corruption
of his character renders it very possible
he may have intended to share largely in the
£50,000 demanded. But that the Directory
knew anything of it, is neither proved nor probable.
On the contrary, when the Portuguese
ambassador yielded to like attempts of swindlers,
the conduct of the Directory in imprisoning
him for an attempt at corruption, as well
as their general conduct, really magnanimous,
places them above suspicion.—
To Peter Carr. Washington ed. iv, 235.
Ford ed., vii, 238.
(Pa.,
April. 1798)
