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Foreign News August 27, 1811

Alexandria Daily Gazette, Commercial & Political

Alexandria, Virginia

What is this article about?

Opinion piece criticizes Spanish Prime Minister Godoy for yielding to French influence under Napoleon, highlights French spies and agents in free nations including America, references French minister Fauchet's testimony on corrupt patriots, and cites Citizen Genet's pamphlet revealing Jefferson and Madison's naturalization as French citizens in 1793 and their ongoing pro-French stance.

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FRENCH VICEROY.

The infamous Godoy treacherously abandoned the kingdom of Spain to the "love" of Napoleon and the fraternity of France. For a long time before the "contest for the government" arose between these two nations, the treasures and the strength of Spain were devoted to the will and pleasure of France. By intrigues and douceurs France obtains absolute sway over nations that boast of freedom, and preserve the forms of independence. French spies and agents are stationed near every free government and we have no reason to suppose that our own nation is regarded with indifference. We have the testimony of Fauchet, a French minister, which our democrats cannot consistently dispute, that many of our grave, sober, philosophical, liberty loving patriots have their prices.
If the secret and confidential letters from France to certain men in this country should be displayed for public inspection, we undoubtedly could form as accurate a price current of democratic patriotism, as merchants can in respect to American lumber and potash by letters from Liverpool.
A short time since, Mr. Genet, the French minister who was the confidential bosom friend of Jefferson and the idol of democracy during the presidency of Washington, published a pamphlet, which unfolds some facts not generally known, confirming the fears of those who tremble for the fate of our country. The following is an extract from page 18:

It cannot be denied that Mr. Jefferson made in France his entry on the diplomatic stage: he studied at the court of Louis, the art of Machiavelli, and from a courtier of the king became a courtier of the people: when the fire of the revolution first broke out, the most profuse doses of flattery and adulation were lavished upon him by the leading characters at that period; those marks of respect and confidence have been continued since, and the French ambassador brought to him and Mr. Madison, in 1793, decrees of the national assembly, naturalizing them both French citizens; the written answer of Mr. Madison, expressive of his gratitude, his admiration, and his devotion, was transmitted to France by the same minister; and the bloody Robespierre, who opened that letter, was very much pleased at his civism, Mr. Jefferson, an older fox, took care himself of his answer.

These two philosophers now have absolute and uncontrolled dominion over this ill-fated country. He that questions their infallibility, or doubts the wisdom or expediency of any of their measures, is denounced an old tory, not by those only who use street language, and cry Go up bald head, to every revolutionary patriot, but even Gerry calls it rebellion, and hints at exile and confiscation as the portion of those who will not cease to declare that French influence has infected our rulers, and that it is increasing, and ought to be diminished.

What sub-type of article is it?

Diplomatic Political

What keywords are associated?

French Influence Spanish Abandonment Godoy Treachery Jefferson Madison Naturalization Fauchet Testimony Genet Pamphlet

What entities or persons were involved?

Godoy Napoleon Fauchet Genet Jefferson Madison Robespierre Gerry

Where did it happen?

Spain

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

Spain

Event Date

1793

Key Persons

Godoy Napoleon Fauchet Genet Jefferson Madison Robespierre Gerry

Outcome

french influence increasing in spain and america, with jefferson and madison holding dominion and facing criticism for pro-french ties.

Event Details

Critique of Godoy's abandonment of Spain to French control; French intrigues and spies influencing free nations including America; Fauchet's testimony on priced patriots; Genet's pamphlet extract on Jefferson and Madison's diplomatic ties to France, naturalization in 1793, and Robespierre's approval; current denunciation of critics as tories by democrats including Gerry.

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