National Gazette

The following is the Substance of an ADDRESS

Presented to M. Genet, by a deputation from the French Benevolent Society, French, and the descendants of French established in this city, consisting of men.

IMPATIENT to shew our respect and attachment to the nation which you represent, and our zeal in the cause of liberty and equality, as well as our personal esteem, we have taken this opportunity to congratulate you on your safe arrival in this city.

Many amongst us impressed with an innate love of liberty whilst France groaned under the yoke of despotism, sought and found an asylum in this country, when it was the cradle of infant equality. The favourable reception which we met with from our new fellow citizens, the close connections and mutual habits which we imbibed here, have made it a new mother country to us. But in becoming American citizens, we did not cease to be Frenchmen; since no individuals can be more nearly connected than a people whose situations have been so similar to each other.

The French citizen who has become a citizen of the United States, whom France has regenerated to the American nation, and the citizen... ed the ties of connection.

A union thus cemented by the blood of the two nations, and strengthened by so strong a similarity of sentiments and principles, is able to resist the most violent efforts of those who may have any interest in destroying it; for liberty tends to unite men, as despotism doth to divide and destroy them.

The mission with which you are charged, imposes, therefore, a pleasing duty, since it is your to give and receive the assurances and testimony of so sincere a friendship, and so fraternal a union. We will co-operate with you as far as may be within our power, in maintaining that fellowship and in preventing the enemies of liberty from destroying it.

Let us be allowed here, as individuals and Frenchmen, to pay to our brethren of the United States, the tribute of gratitude which their conduct deserves. We have been strangers amongst them, they have treated us as brothers, and they have lavished their friendship upon us. They have been industrious in making us forget that we were not born in the same country.

Through all the extent of the American empire, we have seen our countrymen experience the same benefits, from the citizens who are ever ready to assist, and government as ready to protect them.

Accept, Citizen, our best wishes for the success of the cause which France has determined to support. We hope that by such generous efforts they will be enabled to triumph in spite of the hosts of despots and slaves, who would attempt to annihilate it.

We are happy in having amongst us, a citizen, who has deserved well of his country, and who gives us every reason to expect, that he will always be acquiring additional claims to our gratitude and approbation.

Signed, on behalf of the society,
PETER S. DUPONCEAU.

To this Address M. Genet made the following reply.

Citizen Genet, Minister Plenipotentiary from the French republic to the American citizens and descendants of Frenchmen, resident in Philadelphia.

Citizens,

The same principles and sentiments with which you are animated, do equal honor to your understandings and your hearts; You have expressed a just idea of the views of the French republic. Its aim is to draw still closer, the ties that bind a virtuous people who have united by their generous proceeding towards you, your attachment, and your gratitude.

I will exert all my powers to fulfil the intentions of the republic, and I am persuaded that on your side you will neglect no thing, to prove to the citizens of the United States, that Frenchmen regard them as brethren.

I will take care to make known to our fellow citizens in France, the address which you have presented to me, and I request you will be pleased to accept of my particular thanks for the opinion which you have so obligingly expressed of my zeal and attachment to the glorious cause of liberty and equality.

GENET.