ABSTRACT
The singularity of John Frederic Oberlin's interpretations of the revolutionary slogans had but little effect on the intensity of the fervor of his patriotism. Oberlin anticipated that development early, and his quick and energetic reaction is strikingly symptomatic of some of his chief characteristics: his loyalty to the revolutionary government, his lofty sense of national honor, his literal adherence to the Christian ethic, and his naivete in matters pertaining to political economy. The letter from Oberlin that opened the exchange is lost; it is therefore impossible to judge the style or tone in which it was written. From Baron Jean de Dietrich's reply it seems that Oberlin had informed him that a larger seating capacity was needed in the church at Belmont and had asked him to furnish from his forests, either gratis or at greatly reduced cost, the timbers needed to build a new gallery.
