188] 
ANNUAL REGISTER, 1796. 
CHAP. XIII: 
In France, a General wish for Peace.—But the Popularity of the War with 
England still continued.—Overture of Peace from England to the French 
Republic —Negociation for Peace at Paris.—Abruptly broken off.— 
Affairs, Maritime and Colonial, French and British.—Infidelity of the 
French Government to ther Engagements tothe Dutch.—French Prepara- 
tions and Expedition for an Invasion of Ireland.—Defeated.—The Death 
of Catherine II.—And the Resignation of General Washington. 
IIE directory were very sensible 
that, after the pacification 
which they had in so great @ mea- 
sure effected in the affairs of reli- 
gion, the nation would expect that 
they should proceed with equal so- 
iicitude to restore peace between 
the state and i1s numerous enemies : 
victories eneugh had been obtained 
to teach these the inefficacy of their 
endeavours to subvert the system 
now settledin France; the adherence 
to which, by the mass of the peo- 
ple, was sufficiently proved, by the 
zeal with which they supported it, 
and the sufferings to which they had 
cheerfuily submitted, during the 
struggle against its many and potent 
adversaries. It was ttme to come 
to a conclusion of so destructive a 
war, and to concludea peace upon 
reasonable conditions. 
This was a language that began 
to diffuse itself every where. The 
popularity of the war against Eng- 
Jand, which was looked upon as the 
power under the auspices of which 
it had been chiefly promoted, was 
not diminished: but as the ruinous 
expences of this terrible contest, 
had proved so fruitless, for the pur- 
pose proposed by this ancient rival, 
it was now hoped that he would de- 
sist from attempts that had already 
cost bim so much blood and trea- 
sure. To persist in them, must 
finally plunge bim into far more se- 
rious difficulties than he had yet en- 
countered. Tlis resources, however 
great, were not sufficient to subsidize 
the immense combination of powers 
that he must bring intoaction. He 
might keep them together some time 
longer; but the greatness of bis ef- 
forts must necessarily exhaust him, 
and he would then be compelled to 
agree toa much more disadvantage- 
ous peace, thanif he were willing, 
while yet ona respectable footing, 
to enter into pacific negociations. 
Such were the sentiments of the 
moderate party in France, but there 
were others who eniertained no 
other ideas, than of an entire suh- 
jugation of England. .To humble 
it would not satisfy them. The 
French, in their opinion, were en- 
titled to wreak the most signal ven- 
geance on a people that had excited 
all Europe against them, tbat had 
loaded 
