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BEAUMARCHAIS And the War of American Independence
BEAUMARCHAIS And the War of American Independence
“ We have been surprised that no descendant of Beaumarchais was invited to represent France at the unveiling of that Statue of Liberty, upon the pedestal of which his name would not be out of place by the side of that of Lafayette. Since 1870 Mr. Bigelow has invited his compatriots to ask themselves seriously if they have done their whole duty towards the memory of Beaumarchais. ” E. Lintilhac. “ Beaumarchais et ses œuvres ,” Paris, 1887....
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FOREWORD
FOREWORD
I F “good wine needs no bush” and a “good play needs no epilogue,”—and we have high authority for both these maxims,—then it should also be true that a good book needs no prologue, especially where, as in the case of Beaumarchais and the War of American Independence , the author has prefaced a valuable contribution to history by a scholarly and effective introduction. Notwithstanding this, it gives me pleasure to introduce Miss Elizabeth S. Kite’s work to the American public by a tribute to its
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PREFACE
PREFACE
I N 1905 while in London I availed myself of the opportunity to attend the courses in general history given by the late Dr. Emil Reich at various educational centers—Gresham College, the Polytechnique, the University of London, etc. The originality and force of his method of teaching attracted me strongly, though the desire to be able to reply to his attacks upon the people of my own country was the most powerful incentive that led me to follow him to every corner of London where his courses wer
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CHAPTER I
CHAPTER I
“Je passe encore sous silence la scène dégoûtante entre deux hommes où vous vous êtes égaré jusqu’à me reprocher que je n’étais que le fils d’un horloger. Moi qui m’honore de mes parents....” Beaumarchais au Duc de Chaulnes, 1771 Early life—Trained by his Father to the Trade of Watchmaker—Invents an Escapement for Watches—First Lawsuit— Horloger du Roi —Enters the Court of Versailles as Contrôleur clerc d’office —First Marriage—Assumes the Name of Beaumarchais—Death of his Wife—Becomes Music Mas
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CHAPTER II
CHAPTER II
“ On dira que l’amour des lettres, des plaisirs, n’exclut point une juste sensibilité dans tout ce qui regarde l’honneur. ” Marsolier —“ Beaumarchais à Madrid. ” P ARIS du Verney, who had pushed his way upward from an origin even more obscure than that of Beaumarchais, was a man of wide experience in life, and of rare energy of character. Although a certain shadow rested upon his name in connection with the protection accorded him by Madame de Pompadour and the management of the Seven Years war,
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CHAPTER III
CHAPTER III
“ Que dirait la Sagesse si elle me voyait entre-mêler les occupations les plus graves dont un homme puisse s’occuper, de soirées agréables, tantôt chez un ambassadeur, tantôt chez un ministre.... Les contraires peuvent-ils ainsi aller dans une même tête? Qui, mon cher père, je ressemble à feu Alcibiade, dont-il ne me manque que la figure, la naissance, l’esprit et les richesses. ” Lettre de Beaumarchais à son père. Marceline : “ Jamais fâché, toujours en belle humeur; donnant le présent à la joi
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CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER IV
“ Figure charmante, organe flexible et touchant! de l’âme surtout.... ” “Les deux amis,” Act 1, Scene 1. B EFORE entering into a consideration of the rôle played by Beaumarchais as lover, a few more touches are necessary to represent him as he was before the world. We already have spoken of his various appointments at court, and mentioned the fact that in 1763 he had bought the very honorable charge of lieutenant-général des chasses aux bailliage et capitainerie de la varenne du Louvre . In orde
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CHAPTER V
CHAPTER V
Séguedille de Beaumarchais A MONG the numerous studies of the life of Beaumarchais which the admirable and scholarly work of M. de Loménie stimulated into being, none takes a higher place than that of Eugène Lintilhac. Fired into enthusiasm by the work of Loménie, and having as he has said, his curiosity rather stimulated than satisfied thereby, he demanded of the descendants of Beaumarchais leave to examine for himself the entire mass of manuscript which had served as the foundation of that gre
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CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VI
“Je laisserai sans réponse tout ce qu’on a dit contre l’ouvrage, persuadé que le plus grand honneur qu’on ait pu lui faire, après celui de s’en amuser au théâtre, a été de ne pas le juger indigne de toute critique.” Beaumarchais in “Essai sur le genre dramatique sérieux,” prefixed to the edition of “Eugénie.” T HE immediate effect of Pauline’s desertion of Beaumarchais was to turn his thoughts from the gay world in which he was so brilliant and so striking a figure, to the more sober realms of l
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CHAPTER VII
CHAPTER VII
“ La calomnie, Monsieur! vous ne savez guère ce que vous dédaignez; j’ai vu des plus honnêtes gens prêts d’en être accablés. Croyez qu’il n’y a pas de plâte méchanceté, pas d’horreurs, pas de conte absurde, qu’on ne fasse adopter aux oisifs d’une grande ville en s’y prenant bien.... D’abord un bruit léger rasant le sol comme hirondelle avant l’orage, pianissimo murmure et file, et sème en courant le trait empoisonné. Telle bouche le recueille, et piano , piano , vous le glisse en l’oreille adroi
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CHAPTER VIII
CHAPTER VIII
La Jeunesse—“Y-a-t-il de la justice?” Bartholo—“De la justice? C’est bon pour les autres misérables, la justice. Je suis maître, moi, pour avoir toujours raison.” Le Barbier de Séville, Act II, Scene VII. I T will be remembered that Gudin in his history of Beaumarchais speaks of a meeting of literary men at the table of a certain Mademoiselle Ménard, femme d’esprit , where the subject of the comic opera lately composed by Beaumarchais was discussed. It was this same Mademoiselle Ménard who in th
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CHAPTER IX
CHAPTER IX
“La Jeunesse—Mais quand une chose est vraie.... Bartholo—Quand une chose est vraie! si je ne veux pas qu’elle soit vraie, je prétends qu’elle ne soit pas vraie. Il n’y aurait qu’a permettre à tous ces faquins-là d’avoir raison, vous verrez bientôt ce que deviendrait l’autorité.” “Le Barbier de Séville,” Act II, Scene VII. A LTHOUGH Beaumarchais’s first letter from For-l’Evêque sounded philosophical, his situation was cruel in the extreme. Loménie says: “This imprisonment which fell in the midst
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CHAPTER X
CHAPTER X
“Mais que dira-t-on quand on apprendra que ce Beaumarchais, qui jusqu’à présent n’est connu que par son inaltérable gaîté, son imperturbable philosophie, qui compose à la fois un air gracieux, un malin vaudeville, une comédie folle, un drame touchant, brave les puissants, rit des sots et s’amuse aux dépens de tout le monde?” Marsolier—“Beaumarchais à Madrid,” Act IV, Scene V W E have come at last to the turn of the tide in the career of Beaumarchais, which in his case is no ordinary tide but a t
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CHAPTER XI
CHAPTER XI
“Après le bonheur de commander aux hommes, le plus grand honneur, Monsieur, n’est-il pas de les juger?” Préface du Barbier de Séville. B UT while public opinion was expressing itself so loudly in his favor, the situation of Beaumarchais was in reality cruel in the extreme. The breaking up of his household had necessitated the separation of the members of his family. His father went to board with an old friend, while Julie retired temporarily to a convent. The two sisters whose acquaintance we ma
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CHAPTER XII
CHAPTER XII
“Il n’y a pas de conte absurde qu’on ne fasse adopter aux oisifs d’une grande ville, on s’y prenant bien.” Le Barbier de Séville, Act II, Scene VIII I F at the end of a cultivated education and a laborious youth, my parents could have left me an entire liberty as to the choice of a vocation, my invincible curiosity, my dominant taste for the study of mankind and its great interests, my insatiable desire to learn new things, and to form new combinations, would have led me to throw myself into pol
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CHAPTER XIII
CHAPTER XIII
Le Barbier De Séville— “J’ai donc eu la faiblesse autrefois, Monsieur, de faire des drames qui n’etaient pas du bon genre; et je m’en repens beaucoup. “Pressé depuis, par les événements, j’ai hasardé de malheureux mémoires que mes ennemis n’ont pas trouvés de bon style; j’en ai le remords cruel. “Aujourd’hui je fais glisser sous vos yeux, une comédie fort gaie, que certains maîtres de goût n’estiment pas du bon ton; et je ne m’en console point. ... “Je ne voudrais pas jurer qu’il en fut seulemen
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CHAPTER XIV
CHAPTER XIV
“On dit qu’il n’est pas noble aux auteurs de plaider pour le vil intérêt, eux qui se piquent de prétendre à la gloire. On a raison; la gloire est attrayante; mais on oublie que, pour en jouir seulement une année, la nature nous condamne à dîner trois-cents-soixante-cinq fois;... Pourquoi, le fils d’Apollon, l’amant des Muses, incessammant forcé de compter avec son boulanger, négligerait-il de compter avec les comédiens?” Compte Rendu, par Beaumarchais W HILE Beaumarchais was enjoying the triumph
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STUDIES IN AMERICAN HISTORY
STUDIES IN AMERICAN HISTORY
Beaumarchais, and the War of American Independence. Two volumes. Illustrated. By Elizabeth S. Kite. The Political History of the Public Lands, from 1840 to 1862. From Pre-emption to Homestead. By George M. Stephenson. Georgia as a Proprietary Province—The Execution of a Trust. By James Ross McCain. Lincoln, the Politician. By T. Aaron Levy. The Agricultural Papers of George Washington. Edited by Walter Edwin Brooke, Ph.B....
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BEAUMARCHAIS And the War of American Independence
BEAUMARCHAIS And the War of American Independence
“ The faith of a believer is a spring to which uncertain convictions yield; this was the case of Beaumarchais with the King in the cause of American Independence. ” Gaillardet, in Le Chevalier d’Eon. Curious History of the Chevalier d’Eon—Secret Agent of Louis XV—The Chevalier Feigns to Be a Woman—Curiosity of London Aroused—Necessity for the French Government to Obtain Possession of State Papers in d’Eon’s Hands—Beaumarchais Accepts Mission—Obtains Possession of the Famous Chest Beaumarchais’s
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‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗ And the War of American Independence ‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗ CHAPTER XV
‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗ And the War of American Independence ‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗ CHAPTER XV
Figaro-“Feindre d’ignorer ce qu’on sait, de savoir tout ce qu’on ignore; d’entendre ce qu’on ne comprend pas, de ne point ouïr ce qu’on entend; surtout de pouvoir au delà de ses forces; avoir souvent pour grand secret de cacher qu’il n’y en a point; s’enfermer pour tailler des plumes, et paraître profond, quand on n’est, comme on dit, que vide et creux; jouer bien ou mal un personage; répandre des espions et pensionner des traîtres; amollir des cachets, intercepter des lettres, et tâcher d’ennob
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CHAPTER XVI
CHAPTER XVI
“ Vor der Ankunft Dean’s und Franklin’s, Beaumarchais war ohne Frage, der bestunterrichtete Kenner Englands und der Vereinigten Staaten auf dem continent. ” Bettelheim , “ Beaumarchais: Eine Biographie. ” Beaumarchais’s Earliest Activities in the Cause of American Independence—First Steps of the Government of France—Bonvouloir—Discord Among Parties in England—Beaumarchais’s Memoirs to the King—Meets Arthur Lee—Lee’s Letter to Congress—King Still Undecided—Curious Letter of Beaumarchais, with Rep
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CHAPTER XVII
CHAPTER XVII
It was absolutely necessary to the existence and prosperity of France that the great commercial power and assumed preponderance of Great Britain and her attempted monopoly of the seas should be broken. The revolt of the American Colonies was her opportunity. ” George Clinton Genet in Magazine of American History, Nov., 1878. Beaumarchais’s English connections—With Lord Rochford—With Wilkes—Meets Arthur Lee—Sends Memoir to the King—His Commission to Buy Portuguese Coin—Called to Account by Lord R
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CHAPTER XVIII
CHAPTER XVIII
Look upon my house, gentlemen, from henceforward as the chief of all useful operations to you in Europe, and my person as one of the most zealous partisans of your cause, the soul of your success and a man most deeply impressed with the respectful esteem with which I have the honor to be .... “Roderigue Hortalès et Compagnie” Beaumarchais to the Secret Committee of Congress, Aug. 15, 1776. Memoir Explaining to the King the Plan of His Commercial House—Roderigue Hortalès et Cie.—The Doctor Du Bou
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CHAPTER XIX
CHAPTER XIX
“I should never have completed what I have but for the generous, the indefatigable and spirited exertions of Monsieur de Beaumarchais, to whom the United States are in every account greatly indebted, more so than to any other person on this side the water.” Silas Deane to Congress, November 29, 1776. Suspicions of English Aroused Through Indiscretions of Friends of America—Treachery of du Coudray—Counter Order Issued Against Shipments of Beaumarchais—Franklin’s Arrival—England’s Attempt to Make
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CHAPTER XX
CHAPTER XX
“Never Greece, never Rome, never any people of the ancient world, exposed the motives of its independence with a more noble simplicity, nor based them upon more evident truths.” Gudin de la Brenellerie, Histoire de Beaumarchais. The Declaration of Independence and Its Effect in Europe—Beaumarchais’s Activity in Getting Supplies to America—Difficulties Arise About Sailing—Treachery of du Coudray—Lafayette’s Contract with Deane—His Escape to America—Beaumarchais’s Losses—Baron von Steuben Sails fo
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CHAPTER XXI
CHAPTER XXI
“Any crisis which puts in peril all that society undertakes to secure to us by its laws, uncovers our hearts to the world, strips our native selfishness of all its disguises, and makes us appear to each other pretty nearly as bad as we must always appear to the angels.” Hon. John Bigelow in “Beaumarchais the Merchant.” De Francy Sails for America—His Disappointment in the New World—Beaumarchais Recounts His Grievances against the Deputies at Passy—Rejoices Over American Victories—Manœuvers to In
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CHAPTER XXII
CHAPTER XXII
“ After the perplexing and embarrassing scenes you have just had to pass through, it must give you the most solid joy to see an armament going out to America.... I congratulate you on this great and glorious event, to which you have contributed more than any other person. ” “ Silas Deane to Beaumarchais. ” March 29, 1778. “ It seems to me that we cannot consistently with our own honor or self-respect pay off an undisputed debt with a doubtful or disputed gift. ” Speech of Mr. Tucker of Virginia,
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CHAPTER XXIII
CHAPTER XXIII
“ It was to take from the Ministers all idea of my ambition, to conjure the storm, that I began again to amuse myself with frivolous theatrical plays, while guarding a profound silence upon my political actions. ” Petition to MM. the Representatives of the Commune of Paris by P. A. Caron de Beaumarchais. The Mariage de Figaro —Its Composition—Difficulties Encountered in Getting it Produced—It is Played at Grennevilliers—The First Representation—Its Success— Institut des mères nourrices —Beaumarc
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CHAPTER XXIV
CHAPTER XXIV
“In my feeble childhood I was always astonished to see that the cheval de bronze had its foot in the air, but never advanced.... Sad emblem of my affairs, which like this image seem always to march, but which have no movement.” Beaumarchais to Ramel, Minister of Finance. The Marine of Beaumarchais—Success of His Business Undertakings—His Wealth—Ringing Plea of Self-Justification in the Cause of America, Addressed to the Commune of Paris, 1789—The Beautiful House Which He Built in Paris—His Liber
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CHAPTER XXV
CHAPTER XXV
“ I know very well to live is to combat, and perhaps I should be afflicted at this if I did not know that in return to combat is to live. ” Caron de Beaumarchais. “ —Often broken-hearted, always consoled by the sublime principle of the compensation of good and evil—which was the ground of his optimism... ” Lintilhac in Beaumarchais et Ses Œuvres. House of Beaumarchais Searched—The 10th of August—Letter to his Family in Havre—Letter of Eugénie to her Father—Commissioned to Buy Guns for the Govern
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CHAPTER XXVI
CHAPTER XXVI
“ Qu’étais’je donc? Je n’étais que moi, et moi tel que je suis resté, libre au milieu des fers, serein dans les plus grands dangers, faisant tête a tous les orages, menant les affaires d’une main et la guerre de l’autre, paresseux comme un âne et travaillant toujours, en butte à mille calomnies, mais, heureux dans mon intérieur, n’ayant jamais été d’aucune coterie, ni litéraire, ni politique, ni mystique, n’ayant fait de cour à personne, et partout repoussé de tous.... C’est le mystère de ma vie
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Beaumarchais et son Temps par Louis de Loménie , Paris, 1850. Translated by H. S. Edwards. N. Y. 1857 Histoire de Beaumarchais, Gudin de la Brenellerie. Edited by Maurice Tourneux, 1888 Œvres Complètes, précédées d’une notice sur sa vie et ses ouvrages par Saint Marc Gerardin , 1828, 6 tomes Nouvelle Edition Augmentée de quatre pièces de Théâtre et des documents divers inédits avec une introduction par M. E. Fournier, ornée de vingt portraits, etc. 1876 H. Doniol— Histoire de la Participation de
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STUDIES IN AMERICAN HISTORY
STUDIES IN AMERICAN HISTORY
Beaumarchais, and the War of American Independence. Two volumes. Illustrated. By Elizabeth S. Kite. The Political History of the Public Lands, from 1840 to 1862. From Pre-emption to Homestead. By George M. Stephenson. Georgia as a Proprietary Province—The Execution of a Trust. By James Ross McCain. Lincoln, the Politician. By T. Aaron Levy. The Agricultural Papers of George Washington. Edited by Walter Edwin Brooke, Ph.B....
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