Chapter XXXIV: The Critics Criticised

Not only does it seem to me sufficient to relate what I have seen; I desire also, as an eye-witness, to rectify history and to combat, on sure grounds, the mistake of historians.

In order to give a slight idea of the intense excitement of Republican France against the King, and more particularly against the Queen, I quote the following letter, the original of which was sent by the citizens of Counien to the municipal officers of Varennes:—

“27th of June, 2nd year of Liberty.

“GENTLEMEN,—

“Allow the patriotic women of the State, who have the honor of
being members of the Club of the Society of the Friends of the
Constitution, to present to you their best congratulations at
the capture in your city of the execrable traitors, Citizen and
Citizeness Capet, whose traitorous machinations have so long tried
to crush freedom in France. Our only prayer is that both may
speedily be humiliated. Vive la France! Vive la Liberté! A bas les
Capets!

“For the Citizenesses of Counien,
(Signed) “Citoyenne Marie Benoit.

“To the Municipal Officers of Varennes.”

After this specimen of the feeling of the women of France can it be wondered that the fate of the King and Queen seemed assured. Either they must die, or France must sink lower than ever. This, of course, was only my opinion; but events have proved whether I was right or wrong.