Gouverneur Morris letter to Lebrun, 29 March 1793

[Translation]

Paris, March 29th, 1793.

Sir,

Yesterday afternoon I was arrested in the street, and conducted to the Section de la Butte des Moulins, because I had not a Carte de Citoyen. Fortunately a person who knew me, having heard what had passed, came to my rescue, and brought me out of the affair, on his own responsibility. I have the honor to send you, herewith, the copy of the pass given me by the Section. I beg, Sir, that you will have the goodness to secure me against similar accidents, troublesome in themselves, and scandalous from their publicity.

I pray you, also, to grant me protection from domiciliary visits. Armed men came into my house yesterday, and although I had every reason to be satisfied with their conduct, (for they went away as soon as I convinced them of the impropriety of their proceedings,) yet I think that when general orders are given for these visits, such houses ought to be excepted as are under the protection of the Law of Nations.

Will you do me the favor also to send me a passport for travelling into the interior ? In the month of January it happened to me to be arrested and sent back to Paris, under pretence that the passport you gave me was out of date. I am in expectation of going forthwith to pass a few days at my country house, and it may be that I shall be again stopped.

Will you have the goodness, Sir, to sign the enclosed certificates for the members of my family ? I have the honor to be, &c.

Gouverneur Morris.