THE Constitution, accepted by the French sovereign People in the year 1793, the Declaration of the rights of man, proclaimed in the same year,. that year of rejoicing prospects for the French true Republicans, and several other pieces contained in the compilation now published by me, appear to me very important and interesting, and worthy to be more generally known.

UPON inquiry, I could not find that this Constitution had ever been published in New-York in a pamphlet form; and as Newspapers, though containing momentous statepapers, are too seldom preserved, I thought it probable, that a translation of this Constitution (although translations of the same, and of the Declaration of rights, were published in the New-York journal extraordinary of September 7, 1793,) would be found at present in the possession of but very few persons. I therefore yielded to the desire I felt, of having a small number of copies printed in this favoured Land, where sound reasonings and unperverted accounts of facts can be freely published, and ideas and opinions submitted to the consideration of the reader, without restraint or danger.

TOGETHER with this Constitution in the original, (as contained in the Moniteur,) and the translation thereof, which it is hoped is in a good degree literal and accurate, I publish some other pieces which were in my possession. They are not all alike valuable, but I trust some will be acceptable and interesting at least to some readers, and so I trust will the extracts from well known works. I considered it an essential point to add so much matter as would give this little work, in consequence of its size, a fairer chance to preservation, than if it had been a mere small pamphlet.

THE notes marked thus (*), and thus (†), originally belonged to the pieces, under which they are found; those

marked with a number, on the contrary are all of one hand, and so are words added in the pieces inserted in this compilation, to make the sense more plain or for other causes. Such words are in this work always distinguished by being placed between crotchets like these [1, never by being printed in Italics, or by being inclosed in parentheses like these ( ).

I HOWEVER, Wish to be considered by my readers merely in the character of a publisher, in respect to all the contents of this compilation (the prefaces excepted); as well with regard to the numbered notes, and, words added, as to the inserted original pieces, the extracts and the translations. The whole, as well as every part, whatever positive assertions they may contain, I declare to offer merely to the consideration of my readers as a publisher. In several instances my own opinion differs from assertions contained in this compilation.

Ir the sound and excellent ideas respecting war and other subjects, which are extracted from the works of two renowned, and, in some respects, in my opinion, great, useful, and enlightened authors, be relished by some of my readers, friends to the rights of man and universal peace; let none suppose that I do not abhor the expressions used by these very authors, when unhappily they speak evil of that, which it is evident they did not understand; but which alone affords solid and rational grounds of joyful prospects and exultation to those who wish the true happiness of their fellow-men.-I greatly disapprove also of some ideas exhibited in other works from which I have made quotations; but generally, I considered those parts which I have inserted, as containing important opinions.

I HOPE that this compilation may contribute to eradieate from the minds of some Republicans in this Country their incorrect ideas respecting the political conduct and views of some of the renowned men who were conspicuous in the French revolution: men who, having devoted themselves to the good cause of liberty, died as martyrs in its cause! That their names are often repeated with scorn and slander by the numerous adherents to despotism and

folly, is honourable to them, and in some respects pleasing to the surviving friends of that cause which they so zealously defended; but there is something peculiarly painful in the thought that some friends to liberty and truth withhold the tribute due to their political conduct. May some French Republican, who has found safety on these hospitable shores, and is better acquainted with particulars than myself, favour the public with true biographical sketches!-May this compilation also contribute to increase a detestation of war, and to invigorate Patriotism and the love of liberty in some minds!

I HAVE Compiled this publication under considerable disadvantages, arising in part from a feeble state of health and an imperfect acquaintance with both the English and French languages, not to mention other unpropitious circumstances. I wish it may not escape observation that no copy right is reserved. It would be peculiarly gratifying to me if any friend to sound principles should re-print it, in part or wholly. Only a limited number of copies is now to be struck off, and I do not intend to be concerned in any other edition. Relative duties have appeared for a considerable time to call me back to my native Country, Holland, once in some degree, free and prosperous, but which now ought to serve as a beacon, to warn other Nations against the consequences of factions, wars, national supineness and inactivity, and of submission to the first encroachments on the liberty of the people. For this Country I intend, if consistent with the perfect will of the Saviour, to embark without delay when this publication shall see the light, under an impression that I can live there now (since the fall of Buonaparte) in safety and without prison-walls, if I preserve silence, though in no manner denying my political principles, which are there so well known. And my stay on earth will probably not be long.

MAY these United States, "The stranger's home," prosper! May light and truth gain ground; and peace and liberty here establish their permanent abode !

MARIA ALETTA HULSHOFF.

New-York, First month 24th, 1817.

DECLARATION

DES

DROITS DE L'HOMME ET DU CITOYEN.

Le Peuple Français, convaincu que l'oubli et le mépris des droits naturels de l'Homme sont les seules causes des malheurs du Monde, a résolu d'exposer dans une déclaration solennelle ces droits sacrés et inaliénables, afin que tous les Citoyens, pouvant comparer sans cesse les actes du gouvernement avec le but de toute institution sociale, ne se laissent jamais opprimer et avilir par la tyrannie; afin que le Peuple ait toujours devant des yeux les bases de sa liberté et de son bonheur; le magistrat, la regle de ses devoirs; le législateur, l'objet de sa mission.

En conséquence, il proclame, en présence de l'Etre Suprême, la déclaration suivante des droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen.

ART. 1er. Le but de la Société est le bonheur commun. Le gouvernement est institué pour garantir à l'Homme la jouissance de ses droits naturels et imprescriptibles.

2. Ces droits sont l'égalité, la liberté, la sureté, la propriété.

3. Tous les hommes sont égaux par la nature et devant la loi.

4. La loi est l'expression libre et solennelle de la volonté générale; elle est la même pour tous, soit qu'elle protège, soit qu'elle punisse; elle ne peut ordonner que ce qui est juste et utile à la Société : elle ne peut défendre que ce qui lui est nuisible.

5. Tous les Citoyens sont également admissibles aux emplois publics. Les Peuples libres ne connaissent d'autres motifs de préférence dans leurs élections, que les vertus et les talens.

6. La liberté est le pouvoir qui appartient à l'Homme de faire tout ce qui ne nuit pas aux droits d'autrui : elle a pour principe la nature; pour regle la justice; pour sauvegarde la loi sa limite morale est dans cette maxime:

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