They possess our language, know our laws, customs, and commerce; have,
generally, acquaintance in the United States; give better satisfaction;
and are more to be relied on, in point of fidelity. Their disadvantages
are, an imperfect acquaintance with the language of this country, and an
ignorance of the organization of its judicial and executive powers,
and consequent awkwardness, whenever application to either of these
is necessary, as it frequently is. But it happens, that in some of
the principal ports of France, there is not a single American (as in
Marseilles, L'Orient, and Havre), in others but one (as in Nantes and
Rouen), and in Bordeaux only, are there two or three. Fortunately for
the present moment, most of these are worthy of appointments. But we
should look forward to future times, when there may happen to be no
native citizens in a port, but such as, being bankrupt, have taken
asylum in France from their creditors, or young ephemeral adventurers
in commerce, without substance or conduct, or other descriptions, which
might disgrace the consular office, without protecting our commerce.
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