From — St. Juste
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Rodez, May 29, 1778, in French: I have a project that you will
doubtless approve, for a corps to be raised, trained, and ready
for action within a year. It will have a new kind of discipline
and way of fighting, along with weapons of my invention that
are far more effective than cannons. I want to use it for particular
purposes that suit my skills and the men’s courage. If we
fail, I and my eight immediate subordinates will atone with our
heads and the men with half their pay; the same penalty will
apply if the corps does not make a predetermined number of
forays in each campaign. Authorization from the French government
is prerequisite, for I have not the means to act on my
own. I must have sufficient funds, and be permitted to give my
men distinctive training, uniforms, and weapons, more pay
than in the rest of the army, and the right to booty and prisoners’
ransoms. You have nothing to fear from high station,
which I do not claim, or from a brilliant reputation, which I
claim still less. All I have is the boldness of my scheme, the
means to carry it out, and the willingness to lose my head if I
fail. Let me have your answer; I shall not leave Rodez for some
days. Please communicate my letter to no one except the other
commissioners.>
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