command of the armed militia of Paris (thirty thousand in number, and
comprehending the French guards, who are five thousand regulars), and
his influence with the municipality, would secure their city: and though
the armed militia and municipalities of the other cities are in no wise
subordinate to those of Paris, yet they look up to them with respect,
and look particularly to the Marquis de la Fayette, as leading always to
the rights of the people. This turn of things is so probable, that I do
not think either section of the patriots will venture on any act, which
will place themselves in opposition to him.

This being the face of things, troubled as you will perceive, civil
war is much talked of and expected; and this talk and expectation has a
tendency to beget it. What are the events which may produce it? 1. The
want of bread, were it to produce a commencement of disorder, might ally
itself to more permanent causes of discontent, and thus continue the
effect beyond its first cause. The scarcity of bread, which continues
very great amidst a plenty of corn, is an enigma which can be
solved only by observing, that the furnishing the city is in the new
municipality, not yet masters of their trade. 2. A public bankruptcy.
Great numbers of the lower as well as higher classes of the citizens,
depend for subsistence on their property in the public funds. 3. The
absconding of the King from Versailles. This has for some time been
apprehended as possible. In consequence of this apprehension, a person,
whose information would have weight, wrote to the Count de Montmorin,
adjuring him to prevent it by every possible means, and assuring him
that the flight of the King would be the signal of a St. Barthelemi
against the aristocrats in Paris, and perhaps through the kingdom. M. de
Montmorin showed the letter to the Queen, who assured him solemnly that
no such thing was in contemplation. His showing it to the Queen, proves
he entertained the same mistrust with the public. It may be asked, What