LETTER LXXX.

FROM MR. TRAIL.

Paris, June 27. 1791.

Nothing can exceed the good order and tranquillity which have reigned at Paris ever since the King's elopement. Some very seditious resolutions have been adopted and published by some of the inferior clubs, and some abominable libels have also been published against Lafayette and the municipality, but, it would seem, with very little effect. Profound silence was recommended to the people on the entrance of the Royal family; and it was in general observed. I stood in the Champs Elysées, on the edge of the road, from three till near eight, and I never saw more tranquillity or even indifference on any occasion. An officer passed us about half an hour before the King's arrival, and called out as he passed, " Chapeau sur tête!" This order was punctually observed. I heard of a young man, who lost his hat, being obliged to get behind, that nobody might appear uncovered. In all the conversation I heard, not a symptom of pity or sympathy appeared-nor much resentment. Ridicule, contempt, or great indifference, characterized all the observations that were made. When the Royal family got out of the carriage, three gardes du corps, who had acted as couriers, and were brought back tied on the coach-box, were for

The King's flight from Paris took place on the night of the 20-21st of June, and he was brought back on the 25th.

some time in great danger of being put to death by the mob, and even by the National Guards. A deputation from the National Assembly arrived in time to save them: they are in prison. It is needless to give you an account of the King's being stopped. Every thing known about it has been published by the Assembly. It is certain that the King has repeatedly declared that he did not mean to quit the kingdom. When Lafayette's aide-decamp presented him with the decrees the Assembly had passed immediately on the discovery of his flight, it is said both the King and Queen expressed themselves with much violence and resentment.

I have been much entertained in listening to the discussions in the groups formed in the Palais Royal and in the streets. I have heard very little violence against the King, a good deal against the Queen, but still more against those who assisted their escape. "Le Gros Cochon " is the most common appellation. They seem unwilling to believe that the guards about the Tuileries knew nothing of the elopement. A woman said, speaking of the Queen and Mad. Elizabeth's escape, "S'il avoit été question de Made. d'Artois et de Mad'. de Provence, je les aurois cru échappées en bonnes Savoyardes par la cheminée." When the King was passing yesterday, a man by me said, "Voilà vingt-cinq millions perdus, pour un Louis gagné!" The day the King went off, it was a very common reflection that the nation would save thirty millions a year. I did then suppose that the general opinion was for a Republic; but I am now persuaded I was mistaken, for since, nobody talks of it

at

least very few. All the schemes I have heard proposed, imply continuing the monarchical form of government. They do also all imply setting aside in effect, if not also in form, the present Sovereign. When the commissaries from the Assembly met the Royal family, the Queen said, "Eh bien, factieux, vous triomphez encore!" She asked Lafayette's aide-de-camp, who came up with her at Varennes, "En quel état est Paris?" "Dans la plus parfaite tranquillité; votre départ n'inspiroit que du mépris." The King, on his arrival, was, it is said, much intoxicated. A thousand other circumstances are repeatedly mentioned. I give you these, as the most likely to be true of all I have heard.

When the people were destroying all the insignia of royalty they could find on signs, &c., they came to the head of the King of England, a sign of one of the restaurateurs in the Palais Royal; when they were about to "faire main basse,” an orator persuaded them that the King of England was a good man, and the only good king in Europe, and so saved his Majesty's head. I did not hear what arguments he employed.

After Pétion and Barnave got into the carriage with the Royal family, the Dauphin examined the legend on Barnave's buttons, one after another, and at last said, “Vivre libre, ou mourir partout, Maman."

Voltaire's funeral procession will probably be put off. They say here, "Le clergé a refusé d'enterrer Voltaire, et Voltaire a enterré le clergé."

LETTER LXXXI.

TO MADAME G

Madam,

Gray's Inn, August 2. 1791.

Indeed it is not just that you should always wait to receive a letter from me, before you let me have that pleasure. You have many subjects to write on, while I have none that are worth saying any thing about. Every day furnishes materials for a volume in the land of wonders which you inhabit; but here every day passes exactly like that which went before it. I speak of London; for at Birmingham', that happy uniformity, which is the effect of peace and prosperity, has been dreadfully interrupted. It is very singular that all the persons who have most suffered from the outrages of the rioters, were persons particularly distinguished for their benevolence and charity, and who had most contributed to the prosperity of Birmingham by their industry. But all their virtues were of no avail in the eyes of men who had been deluded, by those who are very improperly called their superiors, into a belief that they intended to overturn the civil and ecclesiastical constitution of the country. I do not say this from conjecture, for I am just returned from Birmingham, where I have had occasion to inquire particularly into the causes and circumstances of the riots and I am perfectly convinced that the persons

;

The Riots at Birmingham took place on the 14th of July and following days.

who were the most active in destroying and burning the chapels and houses, are not by any means the most criminal. The celebration of the French Revolution was entirely forgot in the rage of the people against the dissenters. Several of those who have most suffered, were not at the dinner, and had never entertained any thoughts of going thither and the only cry that was heard among the mob was, "Church and King for ever, and down with the Presbyterians!" I inclose Dr. Priestley's and another letter giving an account of the dinner, which may perhaps entertain you.

Pray have the charity to write to me soon, and send me good news of the health of your little girl, for Mr. Trail does not mention her so often as her mother.

I beg to be remembered very sincerely and affectionately to M. G-, to Mad'. D to Made. D, and to

I send you the conclusion of the letter on Lotteries', and another letter on Cruelty towards Animals. I believe I formerly read it to you; but I have since added to it, and I think improved it. It consists of scarcely any thing but description;

1 See note, p. 415.