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Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 3 by Thomas Jefferson
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he went about eleven o'clock, accompanied only by his brothers, to the
States General, and there read to them a speech, in which he asked their
interposition to re-establish order. Though this be couched in terms of
some caution, yet the manner in which it was delivered, made it evident
that it was meant as a surrender at discretion. He returned to the
_Chateau_ afoot, accompanied by the States. They sent off a deputation,
the Marquis de la Fayette at their head, to quiet Paris. He had, the
same morning, been named Commandant in Chief of the _Milice Bourgeoise_,
and Monsieur Bailly, former President of the States General, was called
for as _Prévôt des Marchands_. The demolition of the Bastile was now
ordered, and begun. A body of the Swiss guards of the regiment of
Ventimille, and the city horse-guards joined the people. The alarm
at Versailles increased instead of abating. They believed that the
aristocrats of Paris were under pillage and carnage, that one hundred
and fifty thousand men were in arms, coming to Versailles to massacre
the royal family, the court, the ministers, and all connected with
them, their practices, and principles. The aristocrats of the Nobles
and Clergy in the States General, vied with each other in declaring how
sincerely they were converted to the justice of voting by persons, and
how determined to go with the nation all its lengths. The foreign troops
were ordered off instantly. Every minister resigned. The King confirmed
Bailly as _Prévôt des Marchands_, wrote to Mr. Necker to recall him,
sent his letter open to the States General, to be forwarded by them, and
invited them to go with him to Paris the next day, to satisfy the city
of his dispositions: and that night and the next morning, the Count
d'Artois, and Monsieur de Montisson (a deputy connected with him),
Madame de Polignac, Madame de Guiche, and the Count de Vaudreuil,
favorites of the Queen, the Abbe de Vermont, her confessor, the Prince
of Conde, and Duke de Bourbon, all fled; we know not whither. The
King came to Paris, leaving the Queen in consternation for his return.
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