“Have I not always been seen at war with enemies at home, or as a soldier against the foreign foe?
“I have sacrificed my residence in my country and my property to the republic; I have lost all for her.
“By serving my country with some distinction at Toulon and in the Italian army, I have had my share in the laurels which that army has won at Saorgio, Queille, and Tanaro.
“At the time of the discovery of Robespierre’s conspiracy, my conduct was that of a man who is accustomed to recognize principles only.
“It is therefore impossible to refuse me the title of patriot.
“Why, then, am I declared suspect without being heard? Why am I arrested eight days after the news of the death of the tyrant?
“I am declared suspect, and my papers are sealed!
“The reverse ought to have taken place: my papers ought to have been unsealed; I ought to have been tried; explanations ought to have been sought for, and then I might have been declared suspect if there were sufficient motives for it.
“It is decided that I must go to Paris under a warrant of arrest which declares me suspect. In Paris they will conclude that the representatives have acted thus only after sufficient examination, and I shall be condemned with the sympathy which a man of that class deserves.
“Innocent, patriotic, slandered, whatever may be the measures which the committee take, I cannot complain.