When I seem not to acquiesce in the acts of those I respect in every degree short of superstition, I am obliged to give my reasons fully.  I cannot set my authority against their authority.  But to exert reason is not to revolt against authority.  Reason and authority do not move in the same parallel.  That reason is an amicus curiae who speaks de plano, not pro tribunali.  It is a friend who makes an useful suggestion to the court, without questioning its jurisdiction.  Whilst he acknowledges its competence, he promotes its efficiency.  I shall pursue the plan I have chalked out in my letters that follow this.

FOOTNOTES: 

[22] “Mussabat tacito medicina timore.”

[23] Mr. Bird, sent to state the real situation of the Duc de Choiseul.

[24] Boissy d’Anglas.

[25] “This Court has seen, with regret, how far the tone and spirit of that answer, the nature and extent of the demands which it contains, and the manner of announcing them, are remote from any disposition for peace.

“The inadmissible pretension is there avowed of appropriating to France all that the laws actually existing there may have comprised under the denomination of French territory.  To a demand such as this is added an express declaration that no proposal contrary to it will be made or even listened to:  and this, under the pretence of an internal regulation, the provisions of which are wholly foreign to all other nations.

“While these dispositions shall be persisted in, nothing is left for the king but to prosecute a war equally just and necessary.

“Whenever his enemies shall manifest more pacific sentiments, his Majesty will at all times be eager to concur in them, by lending himself, in concert with his allies, to all such measures as shall be best calculated to reestablish general tranquillity on conditions just, honorable, and permanent:  either by the establishment of a congress, which has been so often and so happily the means of restoring peace to Europe; or by a preliminary discussion of the principles which may be proposed, on either side, as a foundation of a general pacification; or, lastly, by an impartial examination of any other way which may be pointed out to him for arriving at the same salutary end.

“Downing Street, April 10th, 1796.”

[26] Official Note, extracted from the Journal of the Defenders of the Country.

 “EXECUTIVE DIRECTORY.

“Different journals have advanced that an English plenipotentiary had reached Paris, and had presented himself to the Executive Directory, but that, his propositions not having appeared satisfactory, he had received orders instantly to quit France.

 “All these assertions are equally false.