The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

490 LIFE QF WASHINGTON. [1793.
aggravated by his previous conduct, could neither be
tolerated nor passed over in silence. It was obvious,
indeed, that nothing could be hoped from any further
intercourse with so wrongheaded a man. A statement
of the particulars was drawn up, and forwarded to the
French government, with a request that he might be
recalled. A more remarkable chapter can hardly be
found in the history of diplomacy, than might be furnished from the records of this mission of Genet. It
is a memorable instance of the infatuation to which a
man of respectable talents and private character may
be driven by political frenzy.
Among the pernicious effects of Genet's embassy was
the establishment of associations in different parts of the
country, called Democratic Societies, upon the model of
the Jacobin clubs in France. The first society of this
sort was instituted in Philadelphia, under the direction
of Genet himself. Others soon followed. Their objects
and influence are described by Washington.
"That these societies," he observes, "were instituted
by the artful and designing members, (many of their
body I have no doubt mean well, but know little of
the real plan,) primarily to sow among the people the
seeds of jealousy and distrust of the government, by
destroying all confidence in the administration of it, and
that these doctrines have been budding and blowing
ever since, is not new to any one, who is acquainted
with the character of their leaders, and has been attentive to their manoeuvres.
"Can any thing be more absurd, more arrogant, or
more pernicious to the peace of society, than for selfcreated bodies, forming themselves into permanent
censors, and under the shade of night in a conclave
resolving that acts of Congress, which have undergone
the most deliberate and solemn discussion by the rep