which had fallen due; and the utmost punctuality would be observed in
future. These instructions were accompanied with assurances that the
government would omit no opportunity of convincing the French people
of its cordial wish to serve them; and with a declaration that all
circumstances seemed to destine the two nations for the most intimate
connexion with each other. It was also pressed upon Mr. Morris to
seize every occasion of conciliating the affections of France to the
United States, and of placing the commerce between the two countries
on the best possible footing.[2]

[Footnote 2: With this letter were addressed two others to
the ministers at London and Paris respectively, stating the
interest taken by the President and people of the United
States in the fate of the Marquis de Lafayette. This
gentleman was declared a traitor by France, and was
imprisoned by Prussia. The ministers of the United States
were to avail themselves of every opportunity of sounding
the way towards his liberation, which they were to endeavour
to obtain by informal solicitations; but, if formal ones
should be necessary, they were to watch the moment when they
might be urged with the best prospect of success. This
letter was written at the sole instance of the President.]

The feelings of the President were in perfect unison with the
sentiments expressed in this letter. His attachment to the French
nation was as strong, as consistent with a due regard to the interests
of his own; and his wishes for its happiness were as ardent, as was
compatible with the duties of a chief magistrate to the state over
which he presided. Devoted to the principles of real liberty, and
approving unequivocally the republican form of government, he hoped