SOURCE: Cobbett, William. “The Detection of Bache; or French Diplomatic Skill Developed. Very necessary to be kept in all Families in Town and Country.” Early American Imprints, first series, no. 33524, 1955-83.

In following essay, originally published in 1798, Cobbett criticizes Bache for what he argues were deceptive actions surrounding Bache's publication of a letter from Talleyrand, the foreign affairs minister of France.

On Saturday, the 16th inst. Bache (the grandson of Old Franklin) published a Letter from Talleyrand, the French minister for Foreign affairs, to the American Envoys at Paris. This letter was evidently calculated, not for the perusal of the Envoys, but for that of the people of America. Its object is to persuade them, that France always has been, and yet is, friendly to them; and that all the calamitles they have suffered, as well as the war, which they have been driven into, are to be...