Gazette Of The United States

ALEXANDRIA, June 27.

Translation of the answer of Capt. Ferrey, commanding the schooner Sans Culotte, to the address of the Patriots of Alexandria the French.

Baltimore, 12th June, 1793, Second year of the French Republic.

Citizens,

I have received, with inexpressible pleasure, the kind letter you sent me by citizen Cherui. The principles you display in it shew your true and well meant patriotism. The opinion you have formed of my courage, penetrates me with gratitude. What should not men do to defend such a cause? What should they not do to deserve the name of restorers of the freedom of mankind? This is the honorable title that our perseverance will obtain for us among future generations.

Is it not ten thousand times more glorious to die victims to the happiness of our Fellow brothers, than to triumph under the orders of whimsical tyrants, who engross all the honor of the combats, at which they are not even present? Yes, undoubtedly. These considerations, I think, are very proper to inflame courage in every heart. There are certain conjunctures in life, when we ought to sacrifice the tranquility of a moment to the promotion and glory of the human race. Such is the case in the present war; the success of which is interesting to every free nation.

The thick veil of prejudices, which is spread over the eyes of our combined enemies, will soon be torn off; and then they will bless the thunderbolts with which we are going to strike dead their despots, and embrace the arms by which we are going to carry triumphant liberty into their unhappy country.

Keep yourselves always ready, citizens, to come at the first call. We eagerly accept your patriotic offer; perhaps in a short time, we shall want you. Prepare, as much as lies in your power, the minds of our countrymen to fly to the standard of liberty, when the case requires it. This is the service you may at present render to the common cause. Represent to those who indulge in Silence, that their country wants their exertions, and that shortly it will bestow upon them a peace, from which they will in a little time reap numerous advantages. As for me, I entirely devote myself to the defence of my country. I am the enemy of Slaves, and the friend of free men, of whatever country. I avow, on the altar of truth, a hatred of the former, that nothing but a change of their principles or their death can extinguish; and I dedicate my heart to the latter. It is upon these principles I have taken the office entrusted to me, and of which I will perform the duties till the last moment of my life. I cannot express to you all the gratitude I feel towards our faithful allies, for the kind receptions I or my prize have received in every part of the United States. I hope I shall soon be able to go to Alexandria, and present in person, my thanks to its generous and patriotic inhabitants.

I am, Citizens, your most
Respectfully-attached and
Devoted brother,

B. ANDRE FERREY.