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Retrospective view of the affairs of France towards the close of the year 1789 (pg. 3). State of Paris (pg. 3). Sudden and frequent revolutions in the government and constitution of that metropolis (pg. 3). Body of electors appointed for the present, to supply the place of the former regal and municipal authorities (pg. 3). Laudable conduct of the electors, and great benefits derived from it, in preserving some degree of order and peace in that city (pg. 3-4). Incidents which led to their being exposed to imminent danger, through the caprice and the suspicious disposition of the people (pg. 4-5). Seemingly apprehensive of this change of temper, they had the fortune previously to secure a retreat, by inducing the people to elect 120 deputies, who were to be their temporary successors (pg. 5). The division of Paris into sixty districts, for the better conducting of the late elections for deputies to the states, productive of many consequences favourable to the revolution, as well as to the establishment of form and order (pg. 5). In each of these districts general assemblies were held, whose resolutions carried the effect of laws, and the most sovereign acts of authority for the government of the district, were dispensed by its own administration (pg. 5-6). Thus, Paris was rather to be considered as a confederacy, composed of sixty independent democratical republics, than as one commonwealth (pg. 6). A few demagogues assume the lead in all these districts, and being supported by the lower orders, soon oblige people of character to absent themselves from these assemblies (pg. 6). Instances of the noise, disorder, and tumult, which prevailed at these meetings (pg. 6-7). New republican clubs, who have their appendant societies in every town of France, soon become rulers of the mobs and demagogues of Paris, and at the same time dictators to the national assembly (pg. 7-8). Instances from a writer of credit, that falsehoods and forgeries were the great and constant resources of the cabals in Paris (pg. 8-9). Parisians noted for credulity, and at the same time for the extreme suspiciousness of their nature (pg. 9-10). Similar instances of credulity in the provinces (pg. 10). The excessive liberty and unbounded licentiousness of the press, a powerful instrument of the revolution (pg. 10). The literati of Paris estimated at 20,000, and these dictated to the rest of the nation (pg. 10-11). Unaccountable and indefensible supineness of the ministers, with respect to the press (pg. 11-12). Strange and fatal blindness of the two first orders of the state (pg. 12). Famine, as a cause of general discontent, another powerful instrument of the revolution (pg. 12-13). Real or imputed conduct of the duke of Orleans (pg. 13-15). National assembly seriously alarmed at the conflagrations and massacres which were spreading desolation and ruin through many parts of the kingdom, the nobility being hunted down like wild beasts in several of the provinces (pg. 15-17). This impression of terror, produces the extraordinary events of the 4th of August (pg. 17). The viscount Noailles, and the duke d'Aiguillon, make speeches in the assembly, in which they propose substantial redress and relief to the peasantry, by relinquishing and abolishing those parts of the feudal rights and duties, which lay the heaviest on, or were the most complained of by, that order of men (pg. 17-18). A sudden fit of enthusiasm spreads at once through the two first orders, and the only contest after seemed to be, who should sacrifice the most, and who should be the first to offer; while the commons seemed lost in astonishment and applause (pg. 18). It was in an instant decreed, that all imposts should be equally and equitably laid on; that all the feudal services should be redeemable at an equitable price; and that personal servitude should be abolished for ever, without any purchase (pg. 18). These are followed by a sacrifice of the exclusive rights of the chace, of fishing, of warren, and of dove-cotes (pg. 18-19). The parish priests make an offering of all their parochial perquisites, and the beneficiaries bind themselves never to hold a plurality (pg. 19). Various other resolutions passed on the same night, each of which was from that moment considered as an irrevocable decree, and afterwards made the foundation of a formal law (pg. 19-20). Assembly decree a medal to be struck, to commemorate the acts of this glorious night (pg. 20). They likewise confer on the king the title of Restorer of the Liberties of France (pg. 20). Solemn Te Deum celebrated, at which the king and the national assembly affair (pg. 20). Astonishment and dismay of the clergy, after the great sacrifices which they had voluntarily made, upon a motion for the sequestration of their tithes (pg. 20). Debates renewed with great violence on the following day (pg. 20). Cause of the clergy eloquently and ably defended by the Abbe Sieyes (pg. 20-22). In general they stand firmly in support of their rights (pg. 22). Debate, after much tumult, adjourned late at night (pg. 22). Means used during the remainder of the night, and the morning, to bring over the heads of the clergy to a consent (pg. 22-23). Archbishop of Paris, in the name of his brethren, surrenders all the tithes of the church into the hands of the nation (pg. 23). His short speech on that occasion (pg. 23). The old provincial names, distinctions, peculiar rights, and privileges, determined to be abolished, and the whole nation consolidated into one compact body, and under one equal form of government (pg. 23). Deputies of privileged towns and districts make a surrender of their charters and municipal documents (pg. 23-24). Provinces which possessed a right of taxing themselves, renounced that right and their states together; and the parliaments were annihilated as well as the provincial states (pg. 24). All fees and taxes to the court of Rome for ever abolished. Some observations on the precipitancy, with which sixteen laws of the utmost moment were hurried through in one night; as well as on the bad effect of passing laws by acclamation (pg. 24-25). Nobility and clergy in the provinces highly discontented with the conduct of their delegates on the 4th of August, in making such vast sacrifices without their consent (pg. 25). Several members of the assembly likewise repent their own concessions, and become equally dissatisfied (pg. 25). Landed proprietaries at length take up arms in their own defence, and repress the barbarous ravages of the peasantry (pg. 25). King appoints a new ministry, with the approbation of the assembly (pg. 25-26). Distressed state of the public, through the failure of the taxes (pg. 26). Loans attempted and fail (pg. 26-27). Scheme of patriotic contributions adopted (pg. 27).

New convention of Notables (pg. 201). Great questions relative to the organization of the States General, which agitate the whole kingdom of France (pg. 201-202). King resigns himself entirely to the advice of M. Neckar (pg. 202-203). That minister takes a decided part in favour of the double representation of the commons; but gives no opinion on other questions of great importance, which are left, in the event, to chance (pg. 203). Notables, as well as the parliament of Paris, strongly recommend, that the constitution of 1614 should be the model for the new convention of the states; with which the scheme of a double representation directly militates (pg. 203-204). Parliament of Paris endeavour to recover their popularity by issuing an arret, which, if adopted, might be considered as the Magna Charta of French liberty (pg. 204). Treated with the utmost contempt by the popular parties, as falling short of their views (pg. 204). Violent jealousies and dissentions between the three orders which were to compose the states (pg. 204-205). Nobles, odious in the extreme (pg. 205). Dukes and peers offer to contribute a due proportion to the public expences; and a similar disposition seems general among the nobles; but this disposition appears too late to afford satisfaction (pg. 205). Nobility, goaded by numberless attacks, publish a declaration of their rights, which renders them still more odious (pg. 205). Divisions and jealousies among themselves at this critical period (pg. 205-206). Dissentions in the parliaments (pg. 206-207). Clergy as little united as the nobles (pg. 207-208). Curates, or parish priests, disposed to side with the commons, or third estate (pg. 208). Commons wish that the three orders should sit in one chamber, deliberate in common, and vote by heads, instead of voting by orders, according to former practice (pg. 208). Strongly opposed by the nobles (pg. 208). In the provincial assembly of the states of Dauphiny, the nobles and clergy coalesce wich the commons, and thereby establish a precedent contrary to the general sense of their orders (pg. 208). Differences between the nobles and commons of Britany rise so high as to carry the appearance of a civil war (pg. 208-209). Count d'Artois with the princes of Conde, and Conti, (who are called the Triumvirate) present a memorial to the king, which increases the popular odium against them to the highest pitch (pg. 209). Measures pursued by the duke of Orleans to acquire popularity in Paris (pg. 209-210). M. Neckar blamed for not having used any means to reconcile the jarring factions, or to allay the national ferment, previous to the elections (pg. 210). He presents a memorial to the king, strongly urging the measures of double representation, and making himself responsible for its consequences (pg. 210). King accordingly issues a decree for that purpose; but leaves, undecided and open, the very important and critical questions, relative to the manner of voting, and to the sitting of the states in one, or in three chambers (pg. 210). Unfortunate and ruinous consequences of this omission of the minister's (pg. 210-211). Some well-intended schemes for amending the constitution, which were subsequently proposed, but rejected (pg. 211-212). Ancient practice and nature of the Cahiers, or instructions given by the electors to their deputies in the states (pg. 212-213). Nobles bound by oath not to sit or vote in one common assembly (pg. 213). Aphoristic statement of the views of the different parties (pg. 213). Some farther particulars relative to them (pg. 213). Most of the deputies to the states arrive at Versailles, but the delays caused by the elections in Paris prevent their opening the assembly (pg. 213-214). Some explanation of the terms Primary Assemblies, and Primary Elections, with the manner of their application (pg. 214-215). Violent riot in Paris, and much blood shed (pg. 215-216).

Excessive Tyranny of the French in Switzerland (pg. 101-102). The new Helvetic Constitution (pg. 102). The Citizens prevented from presenting Petitions in a corporate Capacity (pg. 102). Bold Remonstrance against this Act of Tyranny by a Society at Lausanne (pg. 102). The French Commissioner dictates his Orders to the new Helvetic Republic, and treats Switzerland as a conquered Country (pg. 102-103). These violent Measures rescinded, and the Commissioners recalled (pg. 103). Yet the French Party, in Switzerland, secretly set in Motion, by the French Directory, carries every Question (pg. 103). The Conduct of the French resented by the whole Swiss Nation (pg. 103-104). The Tyranny of the French, in Switzerland operates as a Warning to other Countries (pg. 104-105). Striking Proof of the Rigour exercised on the People of Switzerland (pg. 105). Alliance, offensive and defensive, between the French and the Helvetic Republic (pg. 105). Very advantageous to the French in both a commercial and military Light (pg. 105-106). The Country of the Grisons coveted both by the Austrians and French (pg. 106). Approach thereto of the French Army (pg. 106). The Grisons invite the Protection of the Emperor (pg. 104-105). Internal Vicissitudes of the Cisalpine Republic (pg. 106-107). Prudent Conduct of Buonaparte (pg. 106-107). His Greatness and Popularity become an Object of Jealousy (pg. 107-113). Treaties between the French and Cisalpine Republics (pg. 113-114). An Audience refused to the Cisalpine Envoy at the Court of Vienna (pg. 114). Which meditates War against both Republics (pg. 114). The Cisalpine Envoy ordered by the Directory, to quit Paris (pg. 114). Changes introduced into the Cisalpine Republic by the French Government (pg. 114-115). Pretexts for these (pg. 115-116). Loudly censured and reprobated by Lucien Buonaparte (pg. 116-117). Violent interferences of the French Republic in the Cisalpine (pg. 117). Unsettled State of the French Government lessens its Authority (pg. 117). March of the Imperial Troops into the Country of the Grisons (pg. 117). Conduct of the French towards the Cisalpine and Ligurian Republics (pg. 117-118).

Successes of the Arms of France in every Part of Europe (pg. 146). Most of the Powers, engaged in the Coalition, alarmed at the Backwardness of their People to push the War for the Restoration of the French Monarchy (pg. 146). General Partiality of the inferior Ranks, in all Nations, to the French Republic (pg. 146-147). Different Sentiments entertained of the French Republic, by different Powers of Europe (pg. 147). And of the necessary political Balance (pg. 147). Treaties between the French Republic and several Members of the Confederacy (pg. 147-148). Meeting of the British Parliament (pg. 148). Speech from the Throne, recommending a vigorous Prosecution of the War (pg. 148). Addresses, in Answer from both Houses (pg. 148). Debates thereon (pg. 148-151). Motion, by Mr. Sheridan, tending to the Repeal of the Suspension of the Habeas Corpus (pg. 151). Negatived (pg. 151-153). Motion, by Mr. Wilberforce, for negotiating a Peace with France (pg. 153-156). Negatived (pg. 156). Motion for a Repeal of the Act suspending that of Habeas Corpus (pg. 156-158). Negatived (pg. 158). Motion for continuing the Suspension-Act (pg. 158). Carried in both Houses (pg. 158-164).

County meetings, petitions, and associations (pg. 85). York leads the way (pg. 85). Great meeting at that city (pg. 85). Committee appointed (pg. 85-86). Some account of the petition from that county, which becomes a model to others (pg. 86-88). Sir George Saville presents the petition from the county of York (pg. 88-90). Debates on that subject (pg. 90-92). Jamaica petition presented (pg. 92-94). Mr. Burke's plan of economical reform (pg. 94-97). Bills brought in upon that system (pg. 97-100). Earl of Shelburne's motion (pursuant to the notice given before the recess) for a committee of both houses, to enquire into the public expenditure (pg. 100-102). Motion seconded by the Earl of Coventry (pg. 102-103). Opposed (pg. 103-104). Debates (pg. 104-105). Strictures with respect to the county meetings and petitions (pg. 105-111). Marquis of Carmarthen explains the causes of his resignation (pg. 111-112). Strictures on the conduct of a noble lord at the head of a great department (pg. 112-113). Motion rejected upon a division (pg. 113). Unusual strength shewn by the opposition on this division (pg. 113).

Exultation of the French at the Confederation (pg. 127-128). Satisfaction of the Assembly at the Applause it meets with from the Popular Clubs and Societies in England (pg. 128). Suspicions occasioned in France by the English Armaments against Spain (pg. 128). Jealousy entertained against the Emperor (pg. 128-129). Deliberations in the Assembly concerning an Alliance with Spain (pg. 129). Domestic Confusions (pg. 129-130). Continuation of Disturbances in the Colonies (pg. 130). Several Regulations for the Internal Government of the Kingdom (pg. 130). Disorders in the Navy (pg. 130-131). Discontents in the Army (pg. 131). Motion in the Assembly by Mr. Duval (pg. 131). Its Consequences (pg. 131-132). Critical Situation of the King (pg. 132). Designs imputed to the Heads of the Popular Party (pg. 132-133). Charges against the Duke of Orleans and Mr. Mirabeau (pg. 133). Both acquitted (pg. 133-134). Coalition of the Parliaments with the Noblesse against the Assembly (pg. 134). Resistance of the Parliament of Toulouse (pg. 134). Compelled to submit (pg. 134). Zeal of the Parisians for the New Constitution (pg. 134). Confirmation of the Decrees relating to the Civic Oath (pg. 134). Refractory Disposition of the Noblesse (pg. 134-135). Pecuniary Embarrassments (pg. 135). Fabrication of Assignats (pg. 135). Researches into the Civil and Religious Establishments in France (pg. 135-136). Number of Seminaries and Convents belonging to the English Roman Catholics in that Kingdom (pg. 136). Discovery of the Profusions under the late Government (pg. 136). Effects of the Court-Party to procure a Junction with Spain against England (pg. 136-137). Debility of that Party (pg. 137). Decrees in favour of the Descendants of French Protestant Refugees in Foreign Parts (pg. 137-138). Resolute Behaviour of the Adherents to the Noblesse and Clergy (pg. 138). Conspiracy at Lyons (pg. 138). Anxiety of the Court of Rome at the Transactions in France (pg. 138-139). Decree of the Assembly concerning Episcopal Elections (pg. 139). Opposition of the Court Clergy to this and other Decrees (pg. 139-140). Address of the University of Paris to the Assembly (pg. 140). Attachment of the French in Foreign Countries to the New Constitution (pg. 140). Zealous Perseverance of its Enemies in opposing it (pg. 140-141). Duel between Mr. Lameth and Mr. Castries (pg. 141). Other Quarrels and violent Proceedings (pg. 141-142). Reforms in the Administration of Justice (pg. 142). Public Revenues before and since the Revolution (pg. 142-143). Satisfaction of the Popular Party at the present Situation of Affairs (pg. 143).

King and queen send their gold and silver plate to the mint (pg. 28). Patriotic donations incapable of relieving the necessities of the state (pg. 28-29). Extraordinary tax decreed, under the name of a patriotic contribution, by which each man was to contribute one fourth of his annual revenue to the exigencies of the state (pg. 29). Loud complaints and violent animosities excited by this partial tax (pg. 29-30). Embarrassments and difficulties which the national assembly experienced in framing the new declaration of rights (pg. 30-31). Great debates upon the propriety or inexpedience of adopting the measure (pg. 31-33). Declaration at length passed and promulgated (pg. 33). Saying of Mirabeau upon the subject (pg. 33). Assembly divided into a number of sections or committees, to each of which is assigned some specified part of the new constitution, on which it is to make a report (pg. 33). Grand question arises, What share of authority it was fitting the king should possess in the new legislature? This operates like a touchstone in trying every man's principles, and compelling him to an open avowal of them (pg. 33). Assembly arranged, face to face, in two great hostile divisions, apparently equal in strength and numbers (pg. 33). Violent contests ensue, and are so long continued, that the people without, and at length the whole nation, become parties in them (pg. 33-34). State of the parties within and without, who thus divided the assembly and the nation (pg. 34-35). King's veto, or negative, with respect to the passing of laws, one of the subjects most violently and generally agitated (pg. 35-36). Populace of Paris interfere openly in the question of the veto; while the crowds in the galleries of the assembly become so daringly audacious, as by hootings and revilings to endeavour to drown the voices, and by insults and menaces to deter from giving their votes all those members who supported the rights of the crown (pg. 36). Long lists of members who were marked for proscription, and destined to be victims to the vengeance of the people, published in Paris, and distributed through every part of the kingdom (pg. 36). Popular fermentation in Paris risen nearly to its highest pitch (pg. 36). The notorious St. Huruge, attempts to have the king, the dauphin, and the national assembly, brought to Paris; but by the spirited exertions of La Fayette, Bailly, and the Hotel de Ville, the leaders are committed to prison, and the sedition quelled (pg. 36). Heavy complaints made to the assembly by several of its members of those treasonable attempts against the freedom of the king, as well as of that body itself; and likewise of the lists of proscription which were published, and of the incendiary letters by which they were continually menaced with destruction; but Mirabeau with his faction turn the whole complaint into ridicule (pg. 36-37). Numberless charges of supposed plots and conspiracies now made against the royalists; which effectually answer one purpose, in exciting a general alarm and ferment through the nation (pg. 37). The Parisians, in particular, become again dangerously outrageous, and every thing bears the same aspect as in the preceding months of June and July (pg. 37-38). In this state of affairs, the king, ever wishing to preserve or restore tranquillity, sends Neckar with a proposal to the assembly, declaring that he would be contented with a suspensive veto, whose operation should not last longer than one or two legislatures (pg. 38). This proposal received with satisfaction; and it was decreed, that the royal suspension should continue during two legislatures (pg. 38). Great debates on the question whether the national assembly should he composed of one or two chambers (pg. 38-39). Question at length carried for a single chamber by a prodigious majority (pg. 39). Members obliged to procure certificates how they had given their votes, to preserve their houses and families from destruction (pg. 39). Assembly decree, that the legislative body shall be renewed every two years by elections (pg. 39-40). Receive a letter from the king, containing his objections to certain parts of some of the new laws, which occasions much discontent in the assembly (pg. 40). King obliged to give his sanction simply, and without comment, to the laws in question (pg. 40). Things tending fast to an extraordinary crisis both in Paris and Versailles (pg. 40-42). Assembly, however, confirm the hereditary succession of the crown; and declare the king's person sacred and inviolable (pg. 42-43). Arrival of the regiment of Flanders at Versailles, the cause or pretence of the ensuing mischiefs (pg. 43-44). Entertainment given by the officers of the king's life guards to those of the new corps, productive of much licentiousness and folly (pg. 44-45). This banquet occasions a violent ferment both at Paris and Versailles (pg. 45-47). Numerous army of women, after plundering the town house, and supplying themselves with arms and artillery, march from Paris to Versailles (pg. 47-50). Are followed by unnumbered bands of ruffians (pg. 50-51). And not long after by La Fayette, at the head of a considerable army of the national guards (pg. 51-52). Events of the 5th and 6th of October (pg. 52-55). King and royal family led captive to Paris (pg. 55-60). Tumult in Paris, and the murder of a baker, soon after the arrival of the national assembly, occasion the great of alarm and apprehension in that body (pg. 60). Severe decree passed, by which the magistrates are empowered to proclaim martial law, and to proceed to the last extremities in repressing the future outrages of the mob (pg. 60-62). La Fayette procures the Duke of Orleans' departure to England (pg. 62).

Ineffectual attempts made by the French privileged orders, for procuring redress or succour from the neighbouring continental powers (pg. 132). State of political affairs in Europe, which, with other causes, tended to produce that indifference with respect to France which now appeared (pg. 132). Courts of Madrid and Turin (pg. 132-133). Rash and impetuous proceedings, along with the contemptuous language used by the national assembly, serves continually to create new enemies abroad as well as at home (pg. 133). Wrong offered to the German princes with respect to their possessions and rights in Alsace, embitters the whole empire against the new government, and implants deeply the feeds of future contention and war (pg. 133-135). West India colonies thrown into a state of the utmost disorder and confusion, and at length precipitated into the most dreadful scenes of desolation, conflagration, and massacre, which terminate in final destruction, by a series of ill-judged and precipitate measures, of impolitic, impracticable, or contradictory decrees (pg. 135-139). Great disorders in the army (pg. 139). Soldiers throw off all subordination and discipline (pg. 139-140). The people being now in possession of liberty, a desire of uncontrolled rule and sovereignty becomes the leading and general passion, a circumstance which serves greatly to unite them, and to strengthen the new system (pg. 140-141). The weak attempts of the royalists, and the continual reports of plots, conspiracies, and invasions, cause such a general alarm, that the provinces associate and arm; so that France seems covered with camps and armies (pg. 141-142). State of the aristocrates and parties adverse to government (pg. 142-143). Corsica annexed to France as part of the kingdom (pg. 143). Application from the court of Spain relative to the dispute with England, brings on a debate on the question, in whose hands the right of peace and war should be lodged (pg. 143-145). Second application from Spain brings on a change of the ministry (pg. 145). Mutiny of the fleet at Brest (pg. 145-148). Anacharsis Clootz introduces to the assembly his ambassadors from all mankind (pg. 148-149). Decree for abolishing all titles, and obliterating all memorials of nobility and family distinction, for ever in France (pg. 149-151). Grand national confederation at Paris (pg. 151-153). Bloody contest at Nancy (pg. 153-154). Mr. Neckar quits the kingdom, after various disgraces, and narrowly escaping the fury of the Parisians (pg. 154-155). Schism of the French clergy; the greater part of whom submit to the loss of their pensions, and to expulsion from their pastoral duties, rather than to take the newly-prescribed oaths (pg. 155-156).