That the President did not look with indifference or disapprobation upon the effort of his young countryman, although diplomatic necessities had prevented his interference in the matter, was distinctly expressed. Soon after Mr. Huger’s release he returned to America, and being in Philadelphia, where President Washington then resided, was invited to dine with him. It was a strictly family party, of only five or six persons, and after dinner the General spoke to him of the effort which he had made to liberate his friend, saying that he had watched with deep interest the whole event, and wished that it had met with the success that it deserved.
Those few words of approval, uttered in his own reserved and quiet manner, were deemed a gratifying reward by the young man.
A pamphlet was published by Dr. Bollman, dated Dresden, August Ist, 1795, addressed to Mrs. Church, London. This lady was one of General Lafayett’es American friends, who took deep interest in the success of Dr. Bollman’s enterprise, which had been planned by the General’s friends in London. He gives very much the same account, though briefly.
Dr. Bollman came to America a few years after Mr. Huger’s return home, whom he visited, and travelled through several of the
