L E T T E R S

370Since you had not decided to leave France, your resistance could only be futileand your complains less necessary. However, this did not require blindcompliance; a discussion with the local authorities entered into respectfully wasvery much in place. As a result of the law on aliens, you haven’t a leg to stand onwhere there is a question of leaving France. You ask me further: What does thefuture hold? Is it worth waiting any longer here in France? It is worth waiting, andit is necessary to do so.Undoubtedly, from the standpoint of personal, material benefit to theexiles, living conditions might be more advantageous elsewhere. But, not inGermany, or in England, or in Switzerland. Where then? In America. There youcould obtain land, establish colonies, enjoy greater freedom, eat more abundantly,marry, etc. But, how would this be a voice raised in support of our national cause?In that case our exile would be of practically no benefit at all to our country.Perhaps half of the exiles so dispersed might decide to rally to the defense of theirhomeland, if an occasion presented itself after the battle was begun by others. Butthe exiles themselves could never initiate this struggle and this is their essentialmission. The fact that we remain in Europe will always continue to encourage andbuild the hopes of our patriots, groaning under the yoke of the oppressor. Itstimulates, supports, expands and strengthens that hope.Our presence is a constant annoyance, that continues to disturb the Tsarand encourages him to reaction in our homeland. This, is turn, hastens the momentof a new uprising, even if it be caused despair. The Tsar would give us money forthe journey to America; for, in this way we would put an end to his fears as wellas to the hopes of our compatriots.Therefore, our patriotic concern bids us to stand firm and hold tight toFrance. (N.B., by way of parentheses, I would have communicated these and thefollowing observations of interest to the exiles immediately, as soon as we heardabout the legislation. However, we consulted with Mochnacki, and he assured methat once he had discusses the matter with the authorities at Avignon, there couldbe no doubt that they would all agree with his viewpoint. But, from now on, insimilar instances, we can communicate with each other immediately). In reference