A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents | Page 7

all the tribes of the great human family; and it belongs without doubt to a nation still affected by all the sentiments which accompany the achievement of their liberty, and which owes its enfranchisement essentially to the progress of the public reason, to be the first to give the example of the filial gratitude of the people toward their true benefactors. Besides that, these ideas and this example are so proper to disseminate a happy emulation of patriotism, and thus to extend more and more the empire of reason and virtue, which could not fail promptly to determine a body devoted to the most important legislative combinations. Charged with assuring to the French the rights of men and citizens, it has believed without doubt that fruitful and great truths were likewise numbered among the rights of man.
The name of Benjamin Franklin will be immortal in the records of freedom and philosophy, but it is more particularly dear to a country where, conducted by the most sublime mission, this venerable man grew very soon to acquire an infinite number of friends and admirers as well by the simplicity and sweetness of his manners as by the purity of his principles, the extent of his knowledge, and the charms of his mind.
It will be remembered that every success which he obtained in his important negotiation was applauded and celebrated (so to express it) all over France as so many crowns conferred on genius and virtue.
Even then the sentiment of our rights existed in the bottom of our souls. It was easily perceived that it feelingly mingled in the interest which we took in America and in the public vows which we preferred for your liberty.
At last the hour of the French has arrived. We love to think that the citizens of the United States have not regarded with indifference our steps toward liberty. Twenty-six millions of men breaking their chains and seriously occupied in giving themselves a durable constitution are not unworthy the esteem of a generous people who have preceded them in that noble career.
We hope they will learn with interest the funeral homage which we have rendered the Nestor of America. May this solemn act of fraternal friendship serve more and more to bind the tie which ought to unite two free nations. May the common enjoyment of liberty shed itself over the whole globe and become an indissoluble chain of connection among all the people of the earth. For ought they not to perceive that they will march more steadfastly and more certainly to their true happiness in understanding and loving each other than in being jealous and fighting?
May the Congress of the United States and the National Assembly of France be the first to furnish this fine spectacle to the world! And may the individuals of the two nations connect themselves by a mutual affection worthy of the friendship which unites the two men at this day most illustrious by their exertions for liberty--Washington and Lafayette!
Permit me, Mr. President, to offer on this occasion my particular homage of esteem and admiration.
I have the honor to be, with respectful consideration, Mr. President, your most humble and most obedient servant,
SIEVèS, President.

DECREE OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE 11TH OF JUNE, 1790.
The National Assembly decree that their members shall wear during three days mourning for Benjamin Franklin, to commence on Monday next; that the discourse pronounced on this occasion be printed, and that the president write to the American Congress in the name of the National Assembly.
Compared with the original by us, president and secretaries of the National Assembly, at Paris, June 10, 1790.
SIEVèS, President. GOUDAU, FéLIX DE PARDIEU, DUMOUCHET, Secretaries.

UNITED STATES, _February 18, 1791_.
_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_:
I have received from the Secretary of State a report on the proceedings of the governor of the Northwestern Territory at Kaskaskia, Kahokia, and Prairie under the resolution of Congress of August 29, 1788, which, containing matter proper for your consideration, I lay the same before you.[3]
Go. WASHINGTON.
[Footnote 3: Relating to land claimants in the Northwest Territory.]

UNITED STATES, _February 22, 1791_.
_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
I lay before you a report of the Secretary of War, relative to the appointment of two brigadier-generals of militia in the territory of the United States south of the Ohio, and I nominate John Sevier to be brigadier-general of the militia of Washington district and James Robertson to be brigadier-general of the militia of Miro district, both within the said territory.
Go. WASHINGTON.

UNITED STATES, _December 28, 1791_.
_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
I lay before you, for your consideration, the copy of a letter[4] which I have received from the Attorney-General of the United States.
Go. WASHINGTON.
[Footnote 4: Respecting the relation between district attorneys and the Attorney-General.]

UNITED STATES, _January 2, 1792_.
_Gentlemen of the Senate and