The King of France acknowledges
the notification by his minister at London, promises he will do nothing
in consequence of it, declares he has no intention to intermeddle with
force in the affairs of Holland, and that he will entertain hostile
views in no quarter, for what has been done there. He disavows having
ever had any intention to interpose with force in the affairs of that
republic. This disavowal begins the sentence, which acknowledges he had
notified the contrary to the court of London, and it includes no apology
to soothe the feelings which may be excited in the breasts of the
Patriots of Holland, at hearing the King declare he never did intend to
aid them with force, when promises to do this were the basis of those
very attempts to better their constitution, which have ended in its
ruin, as well as their own.
I have analyzed these declarations, because, being somewhat wrapped up
in their expressions, their full import might escape, on a transient
reading; and it is necessary it should not escape. It conveys to us the
important lesson, that no circumstances of morality, honor, interest, or
engagement, are sufficient to authorize a secure reliance on any nation,
at all times, and in all positions.
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