Note 593 — BOOK II[446] (continued 2)
Alexander Teixeira de Mattos translation
Talleyrand's letter did not arrive until ten days after the letter of resignation, and was thus worded:
"12 Germinal [2 April 1804].
"Citizen,
"I have brought to the notice of the First Consul the motives which prevent you from accepting the Legation in the Valais, to which you had been appointed.
"The Citizen Consul had been pleased to give you a proof of confidence. The same feelings of good-will have caused him to learn with regret the reasons which do not permit you to fulfill that mission.
"I must also express to you the great interest which I attached to the new relations which I should have had to maintain with you; and to this regret, which is personal to myself, I add that of seeing my department deprived of your talents and services."—B.