[Footnote *:  I am permitted to explain, that Kossuth had in view not the action of one power only, but the total result of all the powers.  While the Sultan knew what the arms of Russia were meant for, and could not learn whether the fleet of England was meant for anything but a mere show (for Sir Stratford Canning “had no orders” to use it), the practical advice of diplomacy was, not, to do what was just, but, to make the least disgraceful and least dangerous compromise.]

Now suppose, sir, you had not introduced that resolution then, and the star-spangled flag had not been cast in protection around me—­suppose that the coup d’etat of Louis Napoleon had found me in prison still—­that coup d’etat which caused a change of the ministry in England,—­what would have been the consequence?  England would probably have remained indifferent, and France would have certainly opposed the proposition of the United States—­or rather, supported the cause of Austria; and the Sultan abandoned by the constitutional powers of Europe, would have been forced to make Kutaya what the arrogant despots desired—­a physical, or at least, a moral grave for me—­and instead of the new hope and fresh resolution which my liberation inspired into nations groaning under the weight of a common oppression, there would be now a gloom of despondency spread over all who united with me in spirit, in resolution, and in sentiments.

Therefore, in whatsoever I may yet be useful through my regained activity, it is due to you, sir.  Without the intercession of the United States, there would have been no field of activity left me.

Allow me now to speak on another matter connected with this.  Among the calumnies perpetually thrown out at me, is one which I cannot pass in silence, because it charges me with ingratitude to the United States, saying that I misuse the generosity of your country, which granted me protection and an asylum, upon my accepting the condition not to meddle any more with politics, but to abandon the cause to which I have devoted my life—­to retire from public life, and to lay down my head to rest.

Now, before God and man, this representation is entirely false.  No such condition was added to the generous offer of the United States; and I declare, that however much I regard such an offer, had this condition been attached, I would in no case, have accepted it.  Life is of no value to me, except inasmuch as I can do some service to my country’s cause.

Therefore, under the condition of forsaking my country, I would not accept happiness—­not liberty—­not life.  This I have said before.