St. James's Square, June 26th, 1791.
MY DEAR BROTHER,
The King and Queen of France were stopped at Varennes, a small town
between St. Menchond and Luxemburg. The post-master at St.
Menchond, suspected them to be aristocrats making their escape, and
followed the carriage. Seeing it strike out from the great road, to
Verdun, he got before them by another road, to Varennes, and gave
the alarm. When they arrived, the National Guard was already drawn
out; and they were forced to stop, and go into the inn. There they
were known by a man of the town. They were prevailed upon, without
much resistance, as it appears, on their part, to turn their
horses' heads, and to go back to Chalons, where they slept that
night. They were to sleep at Epernay the Thursday night; and were
expected in Paris, Friday, or more probably, Saturday.
Commissioners have been named by the Assembly, at the head of whom
is Barnave, to _protect their return_ to Paris. The proclamation,
or manifesto, left behind him, by the King is curious, and in some
parts well drawn. I hope to be able to send it you by to-morrow's
post. Paris had remained pretty quiet; but there was some
disposition in the Poissardes and Faubourg St. Antoine to assemble,
in order to manifest their joy. Bouille appears to have been in the
plot, and is suspended from his command by the Assembly, who have
also given orders to arrest him; but I suppose he is too wise to
suffer himself to fall into their hands.
Monsieur and Madame are safely arrived at Mons; so that if the King
had taken that route, he might probably have escaped. I feel
sincerely for him; and still more for the Queen, who, I imagine,
must expect to suffer much.
Ever most affectionately yours,
G.