APPENDIX.—t. NO. 15.                   [lxxxiîl
that I have done my duty, and that it is the fixed determination
of the nation, which I communicated when I acquainted you,
that no change in the state could be allowed.
You seem yourselves in this discussion to agree and justify
the choice of the government we adopted for our security
in the first epoch in which we consecrated it. From the
change of circumstances in France you infer that they should
also be changed here. It would be reasonable to suppose
that if the motive was legitimate in its principle it would be
more natural at the present day to recognize than reject it—-
By this solemn act of the King of France's will, all the conse-
quences of the misfortunes you anticipate would be obviated i
the precautions you employ m the mixed form of government
you propose, would become needless; nothing could alter the
prosperity of the republic in relations honourably formed with
the French government, and all mistrust would cease.
In declaring their independence, the people of Hayti did
so to the world at large, and not to France in particular. No-
thing could be done to make them swerve from this unalterable
resolution ; they know by the experience of past misfortunes,
and by wounds yet unhealed, that its only guarantee is to be
found in itself and without partition.
They have weighed all the force and extent of this measure
since they preferred devoting themselves to death to retracing
their steps, without designing to put themselves in a state of
hostility against any person whatsoever.
It is in the name of the nation of which I am the head and
interpreter that I address you, I never will compromise its so-
vereignty, and my duty is to conform myself to the bases of
the social compact it has established. The people of Hayti
wish to be free and independent ; I participate in their wish ;
hence the cause of my refusal, of my obstinacy.
To alter our institutions belongs to the decree of the nation,
not to that of its head.
I am gratified by your assurance, on announcing your
departure, that you have experienced, during your residence
in the republic, all the attention and hospitality which was
due to you.
Receive, gentlemen, the assurance of my high consideration,
Petion.