Brissot continued his dictation, in which, however, Laclos no longer took part.
On the morrow, Saturday, M. Duplay and myself did not fail to be at the Jacobin club, where were assembled scarcely thirty persons.
They waited an hour; and at twelve there were assembled, perhaps, forty. The petition was read and applauded. All paid attention to the phrase introduced by M. Laclos, and it was decided that the petition should be taken in its present form to the Champ de Mars, there to be signed on the altar of the country.
A deputation was organized to carry the petition. M. Duplay had work to do at the Palais Royal. He advised me to follow the delegates, and then return to report to him what had passed.
We arrived at the Champ de Mars. As the report had spread about that the petition would be taken there, thousands of people had assembled.
The altar of the country was surmounted with an immense picture, representing the apotheosis of Voltaire.
The delegates mounted almost to the top of the altar, and commenced the reading; but they saw a group approaching, whom they recognised as members of the Cordeliers. They were received with acclamation, and, on their behalf, the reading was again commenced.
All went well till the phrase introduced by M. Laclos, “By all constitutional means.”
“Pardon,” said a voice; “would you mind reading that passage again?”
The reader continued, “By all constitutional means.”