Michel-Guillaume de Crevecoeur (1735-1813) was born in France and
came to the American colonies as a military in the French army. He became a
naturalized American and settled down to farming. Between 1765 and 1780 he wrote
on American life. He returned to France in 1780, came back to America in 1783,
and became French consul in New York. In 1790 he went back to France where he
lived the rest of his life.I wish I could be
acquainted with the feelings and thought which must agitate the heart and
present themselves to the mind of an enlightened Englishman, when he first lands
on this continent. He must greatly rejoice, that he lived at a time to see this
fair country discovered and settled; he must necessarily feel a share of
national pride, when he views the chain of settlements which embellishes these
extended shore. When he says to himself, this is the work of my countrymen who
when convulsed by factions, afflicted by a variety of miseries and wants,
restless and impatient, took refuge here. They brought along with them their
national genius, to which they principally owe what liberty they enjoy, and what
substance they possess. Here he sees the industry of his native country,
displayed in a new manner, and traces in their works the embryos of all the
arts, sciences, and ingenuity which flourish in Europe. Here he beholds fair
cities, substantial villages, extensive fields, an immense country filled with
decent houses, good roads, orchards, meadows, and bridges, where a hundred years
ago all was wild, woody, and uncultivated!