1To George Washington from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 28 May 1785 (Washington Papers)
Since full nine years I have the honor to be a Servant, as unexpectedly called as scrupulously loyal to the United States in this Country, I wanted only a proper occasion for paying your Excellncy directly my share in the admiration which Mankind owes to your Virtues. Now it presents itself with the most charming grace, my eagerness in taking it up, will not, I hope, appear unseasonable....