The Kentucky Gazette

PARIS, April 29.

GENERAL CUSTINE'S Second letter to the President of the National Convention.

Head-Quarters, General at Wessenburg, May 7, 1793.

Citizen President,

I cannot command the armies of the Rhine and the Moselle, which have been entrusted to me, as I have lost the confidence of citizens Rehnps, Montaut and co., the commissioners of the representatives of the people. I cannot doubt that the fact has brought with him the most disagreeable and most unmerited prejudices against me.

These three Commissioners, on Saturday the 27th of April, brought me to a trial before them, giving me as antagonist, Lieutenant Colonel Offenstein, one of the least respectable subjects of the republic.

At present as I am returning from a journey which I was obliged to take to the Upper Rhine, for the interest of the republic, I was violently accused by one of these representatives, in presence of a number of the officers of the army, respecting a letter which I wrote to the Duke of Brunswick; an exact copy I have here subjoined, with my private thoughts, by which it was dictated, explained in the margin. As long as I was only to interpret my expressions, I answered with all that moderation which the commission had a right to expect; but when one of them, whom the rest applauded, accused me of having displayed in that letter sentiments unworthy of a republican, I can no longer after such an injury, continue to command the armies of the republic; and for its interest, I request that you will appoint some one to succeed me, for I cannot command the French troops after their delegates announce to me that they refuse me their esteem; and it would be dishonoring the post to which your confidence raised me, and knowing myself unworthy of that testified to me by my fellow citizens, if through ambition I should retain an office in which such age would deprive me of the means of being able to discharge the duties of it.

The character which I have even before the Assembly of the States General, the opinions which at the epoch were in me the result of long, and of mature observation, made in the midst of courts and experience and observations which gave rise to my republican principles are the same at present; but as they are the result of principles long ago deeply studied, they have not produced that exaggeration which makes one despise all Kings, because they have had the misfortune to be born on the throne.

I beg the representatives of the people to remember, that I demand the restoration of a villain; and that I was not making an eulogium; but I will again repeat, let impartial men read my letter, and they will see whether I offer incense to the virtues of the king of Prussia—On the contrary, they will read, that I hope not to be compelled to pronounce opinions so unfavorable to him, as those which would be excited in my mind by his granting protection to traitors.

I shall not here mention the harsh expressions with which this charge was accompanied, because they concern myself personally. I insist only on the impossibility under which I am of being able to discharge those functions which I am desirous to see taken from me.

My wishes for the glory of the arms of the republic are, however, not less sincere. I wish that another more fortunate than myself may unite the confidence of the commissioners to the talents necessary for ensuring our success. Till the last moment I shall neglect nothing to attain that end, the object of all my vows, but I must inform you, representatives of the people, that it is absolutely requisite that some one may be appointed to fill my place as soon as possible. I shall wait for my successor and give him an account of all my plans.

Signed, CUSTINE.