“‘All persons disobeying these Orders, will be immediately carried before the Minister of Police.
“‘(Signed) Bonaparte.
“‘The Minister of Police, Fouché.’
“‘Proclamation.
“‘To the French Soldiers.
“‘Soldiers! Bonaparte has led you to the Shores, and the Capital of this proud island. He promised to reward his brave companions in arms. He promised to give up the Capital of the British Empire to pillage. Brave Comrades, take your reward. London, the second Carthage, is given up to pillage for three days.
“‘(Signed) Bonaparte.
“‘The Minister of War, par interim, Angereau.’
“The acclamations of the French Soldiery—Vive Bonaparte—le Héros—le Pacificateur—le Magnanime—resound through every street.
“12th, 13th, 14th Thermidor.
“London Pillaged! The doors of private houses forced. Bands of drunken soldiers dragging wives, and daughters, from the hands of husbands and fathers. Many husbands, who had the temerity to resist, butchered in the presence of their Children. Flames seen in a hundred different places, bursting from houses which had been set fire to, by the vivacity of the troops. Churches broken open, and the Church plate plundered—the pews and altars converted into Stabling. Four Bishops murdered, who had taken refuge in Westminster Abbey—the screams of women and of children mix with the cries of the Soldiers—Vive la Republique! Vive Bonaparte!
“St. Martin’s Church converted into a depôt for the property acquired by the pillage of the Soldiery.
“15 Thermidor.