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.

16T. 61.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 483
naturally be the first impulse of a people, who had recently been engaged in a similar struggle, encouraged
by the good wishes and strengthened by the assistance
of the French nation. Washington partook of this general sentiment.
The sanguinary acts that followed, and the ferocious
temper shown by the leaders, left but little ground for
hope; yet there were causes still, which induced many
to cling to the interests of France, and approve the
revolution, although they looked with horror upon the
means employed to carry it forward. It was believed
to be a warfare of the oppressed against their oppressors, in which justice was asserting her rights, and rescuing from thraldom the victims, who had been so long
borne down by the yoke of bondage, and scourged
by the rod of despotism. A new era was supposed to
have arisen, when liberty was about to go forth successful in conquest, breaking down the strong-holds of
tyranny, and building up her temples of peace and concord on their ruins. Ardent minds were. easily captivated by this illusion, especially when it harmonized
with their opinions on other subjects. Their impressions
also derived force from the prejudices against England,
deeply rooted and of long standing, which the conduct
of the British cabinet since the peace had not contributed to remove.
Gouverneur Morris had been sent to France as minister plenipotentiary from the United States. A friendly
intercourse had been kept up between the two countries, on the basis of the treaties of alliance and commerce; but, after the downfall of the King, and amidst
the distractions succeeding that event, the minister's situation was embarrassing. It was the opinion of Washington, in which his cabinet agreed with him, that every
nation had a right to govern itself as it chose, and that