The people walked home as they came, without crowding; and in little more than an hour the place was cleared.
A repast for the deputies was served up at the Chateau de la Muette. Each battalion of Parisian guards undertook to be entertainers of their provincial brethren, who all partook of the repast with the utmost order.
Thirty thousand persons dined in the gardens, and wine and provisions were distributed to more than one hundred thousand. The people were so temperate, that I cannot learn that any of the troops were seen at night reeling about the streets, in a state of intoxication.
The day concluded with dances in all places near the Champ de Mars. In the evening a superb fire-work was exhibited in the square of the Hotel de Ville; and at night there was a general illumination.
This is the most accurate account that I have been able to obtain of the proceedings of the king and the people.
As it is thought there were more people collected together upon this occasion then ever met at one time and place in the world, and as some people are desirous of having a particular description of the transactions of the day; it is hoped the reader will excuse the author for being more than usually copious in the incidents treated of throughout this chapter.
CHAP. VI.
Inquiry is made whether the Doctor had Recommendations, &c.—His Advice to Gentlemen and Ladies.—He is visited by a Physician to the Court of Spain.—Views the Place where the Bastille stood.—How that Place was taken, and the Governor and other Officers executed.
Paris, July 17.