The French Revolution of 1789 as viewed in the light of republican institutions

Preface

. For some years the author of this work has been collecting materials for writing the history of the French Revolution. With this object in view he has visited Paris, wishing also to become familiar with the localities rendered immortal by the varied acts of this drama — the most memorable tragedy, perhaps, which has as yet been enacted upon the theatre of time. In addition to the aids which he has thus derived from a brief sojourn in Paris, he has also found the library of Bowdoin College peculiarly rich in all those works of religious and political philosophizings which preceded and ushered in these events, and in the narratives of those contemporary historians who recorded the scenes as they occurred, or which they themselves witnessed. Governor Bowdoin, whose library was the nucleus of the present college li brary, seems to have taken a special interest in collecting all the writings of the French philosophers and all the works of contemporary authors bearing upon the French Eevolution, including — the most important of all — full files of the Moniteur.

The writer would not take up his pen merely to repeat the story which has so often and so graphically been told before. But it is expecting too much of human nature to imagine that the struggles of an oppressed people to emancipate themselves from feudal despotism can be impartially narrated in the castles of nobles or in the courts of kings. It is inevitable that the judgment which is pronounced upon the events which such a struggle in volves will be biased by the political principles of the observer. Precisely the same transaction will by one be condemned and by another applauded. He who beheves in the divine right of kings to reign and in the divine obb gation of the people unquestioning to obey, must condemn a people who endeavor to break the shackles of despotic power, and must applaud kings and nobles who, with all the energies of bomb-shells, sabres, and iron hoofs, endeavor to crush the spirit of democratic freedom.

On the contrary, he who accepts the doctrine that sovereignty resides in the people must com mend the efforts of an inthralled nation to sever the chains of servitude, and must condemn the efforts of kings and nobles to rivet those chains anew. Thus precisely the same facts will be regarded with a very different judgment according as the historian is influenced by political principles in favor

PREFACE.

. VI of equality of rights or of aristocratic privilege. The author of this work views the scenes of the French Revolution from a republican stand-point. His sympathies are strongly with an oppressed people struggling for politi cal and religious liberty. All writers, all men profess to love liberty. "Despots," says De Tocqueville, "acknowledge that liberty is an excel lent thing. But they want it all for themselves, and maintain that the rest of the world is unworthy of it. Thus there is no difference of opinion in reference to liberty. We differ only in our appreciation of men."* To commence the history of the French Revolution with the opening of the States-General in 1789 is as unphilosophical as to commence the history of the American Revolution with the battle of Lexington. No man can comprehend this fearful drama who does not contemplate it in the light of those ages of oppression which ushered it in.

It is in the horrible despotism of the old monarchy of France that one is to see the efficient cause of the subsequent frantic struggles of the people. " The Revolution," says De Tocqueville, " will ever remain in darkness to those who do not look beyond it. Without a clear view of society in the olden time, of its laws, its faults, its prejudices, its sufferings, its greatness, it is impossible to understand the conduct of the French during the sixty years which have followed its fail."f There is often an impression that the Revolution was a sudden outbreak of blind unthinking passion — a tempest bursting from a serene sky ; or like a battle in the night — masses rushing blindly in all directions, and friends and foes in confusion and phrensy smiting each other. But, on the con trary, the Revolution was of slow growth, a storm which had been for cen turies accumulating.

The gathering of the clouds, the gleam of its embo somed fires, and the roar of its approaching thunders arrested the attention of the observing long before the storm in all its fury burst upon France. A careful historic narrative evolves order from the apparent chaos, and ex hibits, running through the tumultuous scene of terror and of blood, the operation of causes almost as resistless as the operation of physical laws. The writer has freely expressed his judgment of the transactions which he has narrated. " The impartiality of history," says Lamartine, " is not that of a mirror which merely reflects objects; it should be that of a judge who sees, listens, and decides.":]: The reader will not be surprised to find that some occurrences which historians caressed in regal courts and baronial halls have denounced as insolent and vulgar are here represented as heroic and noble.

Every generous heart will respond to the sentiment uttered, in this con- * The Old Regime and the Revolution, by Alexis de Tocqueville, Introduction, p. xi. t Ib., p. 253. t Lamartine, History of the Girondists, i., 10.

PREFACE.

. VII nection, by Thiers. " I have endeavored to stifle," he says, " within my own bosom every feeling of animosity. I alternately figured to myself that, born in a cottage, animated with a just ambition, I was resolved to acquire what the pride of the higher classes had unjustly refused me ; or that, bred in palaces, the heir to ancient privileges, it was painful to me to renounce a possession which I regarded as a legitimate property. Thenceforth I could no longer harbor enmity against either party. I pitied the combatants, and I indemnified myself by admiring generous deeds wherever I found them."* One simple moral this whole awful tragedy teaches. It is, that the laws must be so just as to command the assent of every enlightened Christian mind, and the masses of the people must be trained to such intelligence and virtue as to be able to appreciate good laws and to have the disposition to maintain them.

Here lies the only hope of our republic. The illustrations which embellish these pages are from the artistic pencil of Mr. C. E. Doepler, who went to Paris that he might with more historical accuracy delineate both costumes and localities. To the kindness of Messrs. Goupil & Co. we are indebted for the privilege of copying the exquisite en graving of Marie Antoinette at the Revolutionary tribunal, which forms the Frontispiece. John S. C. Abbott. Brunswick, Maine, Nov., 1858. * Thiers, French Revolution, Introduction. CONTENTS.

Chapter I. Origin Of The French Monarchy

Extent of France. — Character of its early Inhabitants. — Conquest of Gaul. — Barbarian Invasion. — The Franks. — Pharamond. — Clovis. — Introduction of Christianity. — Clotilda. — Merovingian Dynasty. — Fields of March. — Anecdote of Clovis. — The Parisii. — Strife with the Nobles. — Moorish Invasion. — Charles Martel. — Pepin. — Fields of May.* — Charlemagne. — His Policy. — Feudal System. — The Church. — Rolls. — Louis V. — Hugh Capet.* — Parliament established by Philip the Fair Page 17

Chapter II. The Houses Of Valois And Bourbon

The House of Valois. — Luxury of the Court and the Nobles. — Insurrection. — Jaques Bonhomme. — Henry III. — Henry IV., of Navarre. — Cardinal Richelieu.— French Academy. — Regency of Anne of Austria. — Palaces of France. — The Noble and the Ennobled. — Persecution of the Protestants. — Edict of Nantes. — Its Revocation. — Distress of the Protestants. — Death of Louis XIV 25

Chapter III. The Regency And Louis XV

State of France. — The Regency. — Financial Embarrassment. — Crimes of the Rulers. — Recoining the Currency. — Renewed Persecution of the Protestants. — Bishop Dubois. — Philosophy of Voltaire. — Anecdote of Franklin. — The King's Favorites. — Mademoiselle Poisson. — Her Ascendency. — Pare aux Cerfs. — Illustrative Anecdote. — Letter to the King. — Testimony of Chesterfield. — Anecdote of La Fayette. • — Death of Pompadour. — Mademoiselle Lange. — Power of Du Barry. — Death of Louis XV 34

Chapter IV. Despotism And Its Fruits

Assumptions of the Aristocracy. — Moliere. — Decay of the Nobility. — Decline of the Feudal System. — Difference between France and the United States. — Mortification of Men of Letters. — Voltaire, Montesquieu, Rousseau. — Corruption of the Church.— Diderot. — The Encyclopedists. Testimony of De Tocqueville. — Frederic II. of Prussia.* — Two Classes of Opponents of Christianity. — Enormity of Taxation. — Misery of the People. — " Good old Times of the Monarchy!" 45

Chapter V. The Bastille

Absolute Power of the King. — Lettres de Cachet. — The Bastille. — Cardinal Baluc. — Harancourt. —Charles of Armanac. — Constant de Renville.— Duke of Nemours.— Dungeons of the Bastille.— OaJ/iettes.— Dessault.— M. Massat.— M. Catalan.— Latude.— The Student.— Apostrophe of Michelet 53

Chapter VI. The Court And The Parliament

Death of Louis XV.— Education of Louis XVI.— Maurepas, Prime Minister.— Turgot; his Expulsion from Office.— Necker.— Franklin.— Sympathy with the Americans.— La Fayette.— Views of the Court.— Treaty with America.— Popularity of Voltaire.— Embarrassment of Necker.— Compte Rendu au Roi.— Necker driven into Exile.— Enslavement of France.— New Extravagance. — Calonne "' CONTENTS. X

Chapter VII. The Assembly Of The Notables

Measures of Brienne. — The Bed of Justice. — Remonstrance of Parliament. — Parliament Exiled. — Submission of Parliament. — Duke of Orleans. — Treasonable Plans of the Duke of Orleans. — Anxiety of the Queen. — The Diamond Necklace. — Monsieur, the King's Brother. — Bagatelle. — Desperation of Brienne. — Edict for abolishing the Parliaments. — Energy of the Court. — Arrest of D'Espremenil and Goislard. — Tumults in Grenoble. — Terrific Hail-storm. . Page 67

Chapter VIII. The Appeal To The People

Recall of Necker. — Reassembling the Notables. — Pamphlet of the Abbe' Sieyes. — Vote of the King's Brother. — His supposed Motive. — The Basis of Representation. — Arrangements for the Meeting of the States. — Statement of Grievances. — Mirabeau; his Menace. — Sympathy of the Curates with the People.— Remonstrance of the Nobles. — First Riot.— Meeting of the States-General. — New Effort of the privileged Classes 77

Chapter IX. Assembling Of The States-general

Opening of the States-General. — Sermon of the Bishop of Nancy. — Insult to the Deputies of the People. — Aspect of Mirabeau. — Boldness of the Third Estate.— Journal of Mirabeau. — Commencement of the Conflict. — First Appearance of Robespierre. — Decided Stand taken by the Commons. — Views of the Curates. — Dismay of the Nobles. — Excitement in Paris. — The National Assembly. — The Oath 85

Chapter X. The National Assembly

First Acts of the Assembly. — Confusion of the Court. — Hall of the Assembly closed. — Adjournment to the Tennis-court. — Cabinet Councils. — Despotic Measures. — The Tennis-court closed. — Exultation of the Court. — Union with the Clergy. — Peril of the Assembly. — The Royal Sitting. — Speech of the King 92

Chapter XI. Revolutionary Treasures

Speech of Mirabeau. — Approach of the Soldiers and Peril of the Assembly. — Elation of the Queen. — Triumph of Necker. — Embarrassment of the Bishops and the Nobles. — Letter of the King. — The Bishops and Nobles join the Assembly. — Desperate Resolve of the Nobles. — The Troops sympathizing with the People : 99

Chapter XII. The Tumult In Paris

Marshal Broglie. — Gatherings at the Palais Royal. — Disaffection of the Soldiers. — Imprisonment and Rescue. — Fraternization. — Petition to the Assembly. — Wishes of the Patriots. — Movement of the Troops. — Speech of Mirabeau. — New Menaces. — Declaration of Rights. — Dismissal of Necker. — Commotion in Paris. — Camille Desmoulins. — The French Guards join the People. — Terror in Paris. — Character of the King 103

Chapter XIII. Storming The Bastille

The Assembly petitions the King. — Resolves of the Assembly. — Narrative of M. Dumont. — Scenes in Paris. — The People organi__S"'fOr Self-defense. — The new Cockade. — The Abbe Lefebvre d'Ormesson. — Treachery of the' Mayor, Flesselles. — Character of De Launey, Governor of the Bastille. — Sacking the Invalides.— The Bastille Assailed. — Assassination of De Launey and of Flesselles 112

Chapter XIV. The King Recognizes The National Assembly

Rout of the Cavalry of Lambese.— Tidings of the Capture of the Bastille reach Versailles. Consternation of the Court. — Midnight Interview between the Duke of Liancourt and the CONTENTS. XI King.— New Delegation from the Assembly.— The King visits the Assembly. — The King escorted back to his Palace.— Fickleness of the Monarch. — Deputation sent to the Hotel de Ville. Address of La Fayette. — La Fayette appointed Commander of the National Guard.. .Page 122

Chapter XV. The King Visits Paris

Views of the Patriots. — Pardon of the French Guards. — Religious Ceremonies. — Recall of Necker. — The King visits Paris. — Action of the Clergy.— The King at the Hotel de Ville. — Return of the King to Versailles. — Count d'Artois, the Polignacs, and others leave France. — Insolence of the Servants. — Sufferings of the People. -— Persecution of the Corn-dealers. — Berthier of Toulon. — M. Foulon. — Their Assassination. — Humane Attempts of Necker. — Abolition of Feudal Rights 127

Chapter XVI. Forming The Constitution

Arming of the Peasants. — Destruction of Feudal Chanel's. — Sermon of the Abbe' Fauchet. — Three Classes in the Assembly. — Declaration of Rights. — The Three Assemblies. — The Power of the Press. — Efforts of William Pitt to sustain the Nobles. — Questions on the Constitution. — Two Chambers in one? — The Veto. — Famine in the City. — The King's Plate melted. — The Tax of a Quarter of each one's Income. — Statement of Jefferson 141

CHAPTER XVIL THE ROYAL FAMILY CARRIED TO PARIS.

Waning Popularity of La Fayette. — The King contemplates Flight. — Letter of Admiral d'Estaing. — The Flanders Regiment called to Versailles. — Fete in the Ball-room at Versailles. — Insurrection of the Women ; their March to Versailles. — Horrors of the Night of October 5th. — The Royal Family conveyed to Paris 155 CHARTER XVIII. FRANCE REGENERATED. Kind Feelings of the People. — Emigration receives a new Impulse. — The National Assembly transferred to Paris. — The Constituent Assembly. — Assassination of Francois.* — Anxiety of the Patriots. — Gloomy Winter. — Contrast between the Bishops and the laboring Clergy. — Church Funds seized by the Assembly.— The Church responsible for the Degradation of the People.— New Division of France.— The Right of Suffrage.— The Guillotine.— Rabaud de St. Etienne 165

CHAPTER XIX.

TnE KING ACCEPTS THE CONSTITUTION. The King visits the Assembly.— His Speech.— The Priests rouse the Populace.— The King's Salary. — Petition of Talma. — Views of Napoleon. — Condemnation and Execution of the Marquis of Favrus. — Spirit of the New Constitution.— National Jubilee.— The Queen sympathizes with the Popular Movement. — Writings of Edmund Burke 175

CHAPTER XX. FLIGHT OF THE KING.

Riot at Nancy.— Prosecution of Mirabeau.— Issue of Assignats.— Mirabeau's Interview with the Queen.— Four political Parties.— Bishops refuse to take the Oath to the Constitution.— Character of the Emigrants.— The King's Aunts attempt to leave France. —Debates upon Emigration.— Embarrassment of the Assembly.— Death of Mirabeau.— His Funeral.— The King prevented from visiting St. Cloud.— Duplicity of the King.— Conference of the Allies.— Their Plan of Invasion.— Measures for the Escape of the IkHig-— The Flight 188

CHAPTER XXI. ARREST OF THE ROYAL FUGITIVES.

Arrival at Varennes.— The Party arrested.— Personal Appearance of the King.— The Guards fraternize with the People.— Indignation of the Crowd.— The Captives compelled to return to Paris.— Dismay of M. de Bouille'.— Excitement in Paris.— The Mob ransack the Tuileries.— Acts of the Assembly.— Decisive Action of La Fayette.— Proclamation of the King.— The Jacobin Club.— Unanimity of France CONTENTS. XII

CHAPTER XXII. RETURN OF THE ROYAL FAMILY FROM VARENNES.

Proclamation of Marat. — Three Commissioners sent to meet the King. — Address to the Nation from the Assembly. — The slow and painful Return. — Conversation between Barnave and the Qaeen. — Brutality of Pe'tion.— Sufferings of the Royal Family. — Reception of the King in Paris. — Conduct of the Queen. — Noble Avowal of La Fayette. — Statement of the King. — Menace of Bouille Page 214

CHAPTER XXIII. COMMOTION IN PARIS.

The Remains of Voltaire removed to the Pantheon. — Decision of the Assembly on the Flight of the King. — Thomas Paine. — Views of the Constitutional Monarchists. — Message from La Fayette to the King of Austria. — The Jacobins summon the Populace to the Field of Mars. — Mandate of the Jacobins. — The Crowd on the Field of Mars dispersed by the Military. — Completion of the Constitution. — Remarkable Conversation of Napoleon. — The King formally accepts the Constitution. — Great, but transient, Popularity of the Royal Family 222

CHAPTER XXIV. THE APPROACH OF WAR.

Sentiments of the King and Queen upon the Constitution. — The Legislative Assembly. — Its democratic Spirit. — The King's Speech.— -Painful Scene. — The Queen plans Escape. — Riot in the Theatre. — Infatuation of the Aristocrats. — Insult to the Duke of Orleans. — Embarrassment of the Allies. — Replies to the King from the European Powers. — The Emigrants at Coblentz. — The King's Veto. — Letters of the King to his Brothers. — Their Replies. — Cruel Edicts. — Pe'tion chosen Mayor. — The King visits the Assembly. — Rise of the Republican Party — 230

CHAPTER XXV. AGITATION IN PARIS, AND COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES.

Death of Leopold. — Assassination of Gustavus. — Interview between Dumouriez and the Queen. — Discussion in the Assembly. — The Duke of Brunswick. — Interview of Barnave with the Queen. — Interview between Dumouriez and the King. — Dismissal of M. Roland. — The Palace invaded. — Fortitude of the King. — Pe'tion, the Mayor. — Affecting Interview of the Royal Family. — Remarks of Napoleon 246

CHAPTER XXVI. THE THRONE ASSAILED.

Angry Interview between the King and the Mayor. — Decisive Action of La Fayette. — Expectations of the Queen. — Movement of the Prussian Army. — Efforts of the Priests. — Secret Committee of Royalists. — Terror in the Palace. — The Queen's View of the King's Character. — Parties in France. — Energetic Action of the Assembly. — Speech of Vergniaud 262

CHAPTER XXVII. THE THRONE DEMOLISHED.

The Country proclaimed in Danger. — Plan of La Fayette for the Safety of the Royal Family. Measures of the Court. — Celebration of the Demolition of the Bastille. — Movement of the Allied Army. — Conflicting Plans of the People. — Letter of the Girondists to the King. —Manifesto of the Duke of Brunswick .—Unpopularity of La Fayette. — The Attack upon the Tuileries, Aug. 10th. — The Royal Family take Refuge in the Assembly 271

CHAPTER XXVIII.

, THE ROYAL FAMILY IMPRISONED. Tumult and Dismay in the Assembly. — Storming the Tuileries. — Aspect of the Royal Family. The Decree of Suspension. — Night in the Cloister.— The second Day in the Assembly. — The. Royal Family Prisoners. — Third Day in the Assembly. — The Temple. — The Royal Family transferred to the Temple 286

CHAPTER XXIX. THE MASSACRE OF THE ROYALISTS.

Supremacy of the Jacobins. — Their energetic Measures. — The Assembly threatened. — Commissioners sent to the Army. — Spirit of the Court Party in England. — Speech of Edmund Burke. CONTENTS. XIII — Triumphant March of the Allies.— The Nation summoned en masse to resist the Foe.— Murder of the Princess LambaUe.— Apology of the Assassins.— Robespierre and St. Just.— Views of Napoleon Page 295

CHAPTER XXX. THE KING LED TO

TRIA1. Assassination of Royalists at Versailles.— Jacobin Ascendancy. — The National Conbention.— Two Parties, the Girondists and the Jacobins.— Abolition of Royalty.— Madame Roland.— Battle of Jemappes— Mode of Life in the Temple.— Insults to the Royal Family.— New Acts of Rigor.— Trial of the King.— Separation of the Royal Family.— The Indictment.— The King begs for Bread 308

CHAPTER XXXI. EXECUTION OF LOUIS XVI.

Close of the Examination. — The King's Counsel. — Heroism of Malesherbes. — Preparations for Defense.— Gratitude of the King. — The Trial.— Protracted Vote. — The Result.— The King solicits the Delay of Execution for three Days. — Last Interview with his Family. — Preparation for Death. — The Execution 318

CHAPTER XXXII. THE REIGN OF TERROR.

Charges against the Girondists. — Danton. — The French Embassador ordered to leave England. — War declared against England.— Navy of England. — Internal War. — Plot to assassinate the Girondists. — Bold Words of Vergniaud. — Insurrection in La Vende'e. — Conflict between Dumouriez and the Assembly. — Flight of Dumouriez. — The Mob aroused and the Girondists arrested. — Charlotte Corday. — France rises en masse to repel the Allies. — The treasonable. Surrender of Toulon 331

CHAPTER XXXIII. EXECUTION OF MARIE ANTOINETTE AND MADAME ELIZABETH,

Marie Antoinette in the Temple. — Conspiracies for the Rescue of the Royal Family. — The young Dauphin torn from his Mother. — Phrensy of the Queen. — She is removed to the Conciergerie. — Indignities and Woes. — The Queen led to Trial. — Letter to her Sister. — The Execution of the Queen. — Madame Elizabeth led to Trial and Execution. — Fate of the Princess and the Dauphin 345

CHAPTER XXXIV. THE JACOBINS TRIUMPHANT.

Views of the Girondists. — Anecdote of Vergniaud. — The Girondists brought to Trial. — Suicide of Valaze'. — Anguish of Desmoulins. — Fonfrede and Ducos. — Last Supper of the Girondists. — Their Execution. — The Duke of Orleans ; his Execution. — Activity of the Guillotine. — Humane Legislation. — Testimony of Desodoards. — Anacharsis Cloots. — The New Era 353

CHAPTER XXXV. FAT.

T. OF THE HEBERTISTS AND OF THE DANTONISTS. Continued Persecution of the Girondists.-— Robespierre opposes the Atheists. — Danton, Souberbielle, and Camille Desmoulins. — The Vieux Cordelier. — The Hebertists executed. — Danton assailed. — Interview between Danton and Robespierre. — Danton warned of his Peril. — Cai mille Desmoulins and others arrested. — Lucile, the Wife of Desmoulins. — Letters. — Execution of the Dantonists. — Arrest and Execution of Lucile. — Toulon recovered by Bonaparte 361

CHAPTER XXXVI. FALL OF ROBESPIERRE.

Inexplicable Character of Robespierre.— Ce'cile Regnault.— Fete in honor of the Supreme Being. Increase of Victims. — The Triumvirate. — Suspicions of Robespierre. — Struggle between Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety.— Conspiracy against Robespierre.— Session of the 27th of July. — Robespierre and his Friends arrested.— Efforts to save Robespierre. — Peril of the Convention. — Execution of Robespierre and his Confederates CONTENTS. XIV

CHAPTER XXXVII. THE THERMIDORIANS AND THE JACOBINS.

The Reign of Committees. — The Jeunesse Doric — The Reaction. — Motion against Fouquier Tinville. — Apotheosis of Rousseau. — Battle of Fleurus. — Brutal Order of the Committee of Public Welfare. — Composition of the two Parties. — Speech of Billaud Varennes.— Speech of Le'gendre. — The Club-house of the Jacobins closed. — Victories of Pichegru. — Alliance between Holland and France. — Advance of Kleber. — Peace with Prussia. — Quiberon. — Riot in Lyons Page 389

CHAPTER XXXVIII. DISSOLUTION OF THE CONVENTION.

Famine in Paris. — Strife between the Jeunesse Dore'e and the Jacobins. — Riots. — Scene in the Convention. — War with the Allies. — A new Constitution. — Insurrection of the Sections. — Energy of General Bonaparte. — Discomfiture of the Sections. — Narrative of the Dnchess of Abrantes.— Clemency of the Convention. — Its final Acts and Dissolution, and Establishment of the Directory 398

CHAPTER XXXIX THE DIRECTORY.

Constitution of the Directory. — Distracted State of Public Affairs. — New Expedition to La Vende'e. — Death of the Dauphin. — Release of the Princess. — Pacification of La Vende'e. — Riots in London. — Execution of Charette. — Napoleon takes command of the Army of Italy. — The first Proclamation. — Triumphs in Italy. — Letter of General Hoche. — Peace with Spain. — Establishment of the Cispadane Republic. — Negotiations with England. — Contemplated Invasion * of Ireland. — Memorials of Wolfe Tone. — Deplorable State of Public Affairs. — Description of Napoleon. — Composition of the Directory 411

CHAPTER XL. THE OVERTHROW OF THE DIRECTORY AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE

CONSULATE. Proclamation of Napoleon. — March into Austria. — Letter to the Archduke Charles. — Preliminaries of Peace. — Union of Parties against the Directory. — Triumph of the Directory. — Agency of Napoleon. — Severe Measures of the Directory. — Indignation of Napoleon. — Dictatorship of the Directory. — Dismay of the Royalists. — Treaty of Campo Formio. — Napoleon's Address to the Cispadane Republic. — Remarks of Napoleon. — Plan for the Invasion of India. — Expedition to Egvpt. — New Coalition. — Rastadt 421 II JU G3 THE FBENCH REVOLUTION.

Chapter I. Origin Of The French Monarchy

Extent of France. — Character of its early Inhabitants. — Conquest of Gaul. — Barbarian Invasion. — The Franks. — Pharamond. — Clovis. — Introduction of Christianity. — Clotilda. — Merovingian Dynasty.— Fields of March. — Anecdote of Clovis.— The Parisii.— Strife with the Nobles. —Moorish Invasion. — Charles Martel. — Pepin. — Fields of May. — Charlemagne. — His Policy. — Feudal System.— The Church. — Rolls. — Louis V.— Hugh Capet. — Parliament established by Philip the Fair. •pOULD one have occupied some stand-point in the clouds fifty years before the birth of our Savior, and have looked down upon that portion of an cient Gaul which has since been called France, he would have seen an im mense undulating plain about six hundred and fifty miles square, bounded on the north by the Rhine, on the east by the craggy cliffs of the Alps, on the south by the almost impassable barriers of the Pyrenees, and on the west by the ocean.

This beautiful realm, most admirably adapted in its physical features, its climate, and its soil to be inhabited by man, was then mostly cov ered with forest. Vast rivers, with their innumerable branches flowing in every direction, beautified the landscape and rendered the soil exuberantly fertile. About twenty millions of people, divided into more than a hundred independent tribes, inhabited this fair land. Life was with them all a scene of constant battle. They ever lived with weapons of war in their hands, seeking to encroach upon the rights of others or to repel those who were crowding upon them. In this state of affairs imperial Rome cast a glance over the Alps upon Gaul, and resolved upon its conquest and annexation to the empire. Julius Cæsar, at the head of forty thousand men, descended through the defiles of the mountains and entered Gaul between the Lake of Geneva and Mount Jura.

After a series of campaigns extending through ten years, and after sweeping with his invincible legions nearly two millions of men from his path, he suc ceeded in the entire subjugation of the country. Roman governors were appointed over the several provinces, and fortresses were reared and garrisoned by twelve hundred Roman soldiers, who enforced the laws of the empire. The arts, the civilization, and the refinements of Rome were gradually extended over the semi-barbaric Gauls, and for nearly four hundred years the country enjoyed general peace and prosperity. The southern portion of the province became distinguished for its schools, its commerce, and its elegance. Toward the close of the third century the Roman Empire, enervated by luxury and vice, was visibly on the decline. Then commenced that mighty flood of invasion from the north which finally overran the whole of southern B Europe, sweeping before it almost every vestige of the power and grandeur of the Cæsars.

Army after army of skin-clad warriors, in aspect savage as wolves and equally merciless, crossed the Rhine, and in fierce and interminable battle fought their way over the plains of Gaul. For nearly four hundred years barbarian hordes from the shores of the North Sea, from the steppes of Tartary, even from far-off China, were pouring down upon southern Europe. Those in the rear crowded forward those in the advance. These clannish tribes, every where victorious, were slow to amalgamate. Each retained its distinctive laws, language, customs, and manners. For more than two centuries this cruel war continued, and all Gaul presented but a scene of tumult, terror, and carnage. Among the marshes of the Lower Rhine there dwelt a fierce tribe called Franks, or Freemen. Early in the fifth century, Pharamond, the sovereign chief of this tribe, a man of extraordinary energy and sagacity, formed a confederacy with several other adjacent tribes, crossed the Rhine at various points, and after a series of terrific conflicts, which were protracted through many years, overpowered the Gauls under their Roman leaders, and took possession of the country nearly as far as the River Somme.

Being the leading chief of the confederated tribes, he exerted a kind of supremacy OArer the rest, which may perhaps be considered as the first dawning of the French Tinonarchy. The successors of Pharamond retained his conquests, and gradually extended their dominions until they were in possession of all the country between the Rhine and the Loire. In the year 480 Clovis succeeded to the chieftainship of the confederation. Ambitious, unscrupulous, and energetic, he pushed his invading armies toward the Pyrenees, and for thirty years nearly all the south of France was a volcano of smoke and flame. His march, though attended with many reverses, was triumphant, and at the close of his career in the year 511 nearly all Gaul was partially subjected to his sway. Christianity had previously entered Gaul from Rome.

Clovis married Clotilda, the daughter of a Christian bishop. In the heat of one of his battles, as the tide of victory was setting against him, Clovis, raising his hands and eyes to heaven, exclaimed, ' ' 0 God of Clotilda ! if thou wilt interpose and grant me this victory, I will renounce idols forever and become a Christian." He gained the victory, and on the next Christmas-day Clovis was bap tized. But a man more thoroughly wicked never played the hypocrite. By treachery the most loathsome, he caused all the chiefs to be assassinated who could be regarded in the least degree as his rivals, and, placing chiefs subject to his will at the head of all the different tribes, he attained such a supremacy as has led historians to speak of Clovis as the first monarch of the conquered realm. The dynasty thus established has been called the Merovingian, from Merovius, the grandfather of Clovis.