human
Monsieur Pascal, Toussaint began,
gpt
I do not. With your permission, I will remain with you.
human
With what view?
gpt
My own satisfaction, and the wish to serve the colony. My attachment to yourself is strong. I also perceive that you govern wisely and well; and I desire to aid in so important a work.
human
Good. But you are not aware of the danger of attaching yourself thus exclusively to me. Till to-day, if I fell, your way to France, your way in France, was open. After to-day, it will no longer be so. I am so surrounded with dangers, that I can scarcely escape ruin or death. The mulattoes conspire against my power and my life. The blacks, for whom I have made myself responsible, are yet full of passion, and not to be relied on in the present infancy of their education. The French officials are so many malignant spies--excepting yourself, indeed, he added, with a smile.
gpt
Bonaparte, who rules everywhere, is surrounded by our emigrants, who attribute their sufferings to the blacks; and he is jealous of me. I would rather say he distrusts me. Now you see my position. I ask no white to share its perils. If you go with Hedouville, you shall carry with you my friendly farewell.
human
I will stay with you.
gpt
Thank God! Then we are friends indeed! Now to business. In the pressing affairs of to-day, we must not overlook the future security of the colony. The story which Hedouville will tell at home must be met and illustrated by our statement. Write so fully to the First Consul as that he may clearly see that it is to Hedouville's ignorance and presumption that the present disturbances are owing.
human
It is a clear case.
gpt
It is to us. Make it so to him. One word first. Will you undertake the office of governor of this town?
human
Instead of Raymond?
gpt
Instead of Raymond. He is a good man; but I erred in appointing him. He is fit for deliberation, but not for action. But for my early arrival, this town would have been burned to-day, for want of even a show of defence. He is setting out now for the legislature, to which I have appointed him, and where he will be valuable. Will you assume his office?
human
By no means. I desire to remain beside you, and study your mode of government, before I attempt myself to govern.
gpt
I have no fixed mode of governing. I merely act as seems to me good at the time.
human
Inspired by a generous love, ever,
gpt
Enough of this. It would be an advantage to me, and to the colony, that you should undertake this office. There is no other white, there is no mulatto fit for it! and the mulattoes need conciliation. If they see the office bestowed on a black, or occupied by me, in the interim they will feel themselves injured by Raymond's removal. You see the advantages of your filling the office.
human
I see yet more plainly the disadvantages, unfit as I am. I cannot accept it.
gpt
Very well. While you are writing, I will ascertain how the provisioning of the ships goes on, and will give you as much time as possible. But there is not a moment to lose. I will return presently to sign.