The Kentucky Gazette

Paris, June

Address from the Council of Bartholomew.

Citizens Directors.

"I feel it a sentiment that occurred to my mind on receiving the national representation, this right of sitting among you was a conviction of my incapacity. A dismal prospect of the glory of the French republic, and awe with admiration to her prosperity, I know not to what cause I ought to ascribe this excess of kindness and confidence, which called me to the exercise of the trust of office in the State. But, soon forgetting my capacity, I become sensible of my good fortune. To contribute at the close a glorious revolution, for the consolidation of its happy efforts, and preside at the execution of the laws, to co-operate with you and the legislative body in repairing the mischief necessarily produced by a long and dreadful tempest, is to me a glorious and an enviable duty. Need I mention, sir, on entering upon my office, I cherish the sanguine hope of finding in the directory the foundation of general pacification? I did imagine, that after a grand old day of power under energy, the French republic would pursue a just and pacific line of conduct, and manifest a disposition to treat with her most inveterate enemies. The duration of empires is guaranteed by their justice; and justice and moderation Ixion, after victory, will be the harbinger of that permanent peace, which ought forever to confirm and consolidate the constitution which France has acquired. Accept, citizens directors, the assurance of my inviolable attachment to the constitution. Accept those sentiments of respect and esteem which are due to your characters. I derive the utmost satisfaction reflecting that our union, under the guidance of the law, will be cemented by reciprocal esteem, affection, and confidence."

THE PRESIDENT'S REPLY:

"The executive directory receive with the utmost glowing sentiments of joy in their esteem, the man whom the confidence of the representatives of the people have elected to participate in their labours. In times of danger and difficulty you succeeded, dear colleague, in making the republic respected abroad, in securing to her in such her old and faithful allies, and in neutralizing the malignity of those who attempted to incite new enemies against her. Your extensive knowledge, and the spirit of moderation which influences your conduct, are therefore pledges of the success with which you will co-operate with us in the accomplishment of our principal object—peace. The foundation of joy in principles is likewise guarantee that with the least possible loss she will establish her desirable event on a just basis, and on terms highly honorable. Remote from the scene of contending parties, who have so long kept the nation in a state of convulsion you will be an impartial judge, and your efforts united to ours, for the suppression of sedition, will be a favourable omen of its utter extinction. We hope that a review of the conduct of the Directory, and observing the unanimity that prevails among the members, that you will return with increased esteem, and will join with them in the sentiments they retain for them. The military, and civil virtues of your old colleague Letourneur, which were so conspicuous during the eighteen months that he remained in the eminent situation which you are about to fill."

The ceremony was announced to the public by the discharge of artillery.