[The Companions of Jehu by Alexandre Dumas, pere]@TWC D-Link book
The Companions of Jehu

CHAPTER XLIII
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LORD GRENVILLE'S REPLY.
While the events we have just recorded were transpiring, and occupying the minds and newspapers of the provinces, other events, of very different import, were maturing in Paris, which were destined to occupy the minds and newspapers of the whole world.
Lord Tanlay had returned, bringing the reply of his uncle, Lord Grenville.

This reply consisted of a letter addressed to M.de Talleyrand, inclosing a memorandum for the First Consul.

The letter was couched in the following terms: DOWNING STREET, February 14, 1800 Sir--I have received and placed before the King the letter which you transmitted to me through my nephew, Lord Tanlay.
His Majesty, seeing no reason to depart from the long-established customs of Europe in treating with foreign states, directs me to forward you in his name the official reply which is herewith inclosed.
I have the honor to be, with the highest esteem, your very humble and obedient servant, GRENVILLE.
The letter was dry; the memorandum curt.

Moreover, the First Consul's letter to King George was autographic, and King George, not "departing from the long-established customs of Europe in treating with foreign States," replied by a simple memorandum written by a secretary.
True, the memorandum was signed "Grenville." It was a long recrimination against France; against the spirit of disorder, which disturbed the nation; against the fears which that spirit of disorder inspired in all Europe; and on the necessity imposed on the sovereigns of Europe, for the sake of their own safety, to repress it.


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