The name of Benjamin Franklin will be immortal in the records of freedom and philosophy, but it is more particularly dear to a country where, conducted by the most sublime mission, this venerable man grew very soon to acquire an infinite number of friends and admirers as well by the simplicity and sweetness of his manners as by the purity of his principles, the extent of his knowledge, and the charms of his mind.

It will be remembered that every success which he obtained in his important negotiation was applauded and celebrated (so to express it) all over France as so many crowns conferred on genius and virtue.

Even then the sentiment of our rights existed in the bottom of our souls.  It was easily perceived that it feelingly mingled in the interest which we took in America and in the public vows which we preferred for your liberty.

At last the hour of the French has arrived.  We love to think that the citizens of the United States have not regarded with indifference our steps toward liberty.  Twenty-six millions of men breaking their chains and seriously occupied in giving themselves a durable constitution are not unworthy the esteem of a generous people who have preceded them in that noble career.

We hope they will learn with interest the funeral homage which we have rendered the Nestor of America.  May this solemn act of fraternal friendship serve more and more to bind the tie which ought to unite two free nations.  May the common enjoyment of liberty shed itself over the whole globe and become an indissoluble chain of connection among all the people of the earth.  For ought they not to perceive that they will march more steadfastly and more certainly to their true happiness in understanding and loving each other than in being jealous and fighting?

May the Congress of the United States and the National Assembly of France be the first to furnish this fine spectacle to the world!  And may the individuals of the two nations connect themselves by a mutual affection worthy of the friendship which unites the two men at this day most illustrious by their exertions for liberty—­Washington and Lafayette!

Permit me, Mr. President, to offer on this occasion my particular homage of esteem and admiration.

I have the honor to be, with respectful consideration, Mr. President, your most humble and most obedient servant,

SIEVÈS, President.

DECREE OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE 11TH OF JUNE, 1790.

The National Assembly decree that their members shall wear during three days mourning for Benjamin Franklin, to commence on Monday next; that the discourse pronounced on this occasion be printed, and that the president write to the American Congress in the name of the National Assembly.

Compared with the original by us, president and secretaries of the National Assembly, at Paris, June 10, 1790.