[257] Charles Louis Huguet, Marquis de Sémonville (1754-1839), had been sent to Constantinople as Ambassador by the Republic, was arrested by the Austrian Government on his way to his embassy (1793) and was, in 1795, exchanged, together with other members of the Convention, against the daughter of Louis XVI. He declared for Bonaparte and was employed by him; and, in 1814, was appointed Grand Referendary by Louis XVIII. Sémonville retained the functions under Charles X. and also under Louis-Philippe, resigning them in 1834, when he had completed his eightieth year.—T.
[258] Hyacinthe de Quélen, Archbishop of Paris (1778-1839), a member of the French Academy, had received his see in 1821. Monseigneur de Quélen was a man of saintly and charitable life, refused to acknowledge the Government of July, and suffered through the furious riot of 1831, when the Archbishop's Palace was wrecked.—T.
[259] Chateaubriand was a Knight Commander of the Holy Ghost and a Knight Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour; Villèle a Knight Commander of the Holy Ghost and a Knight Grand Cross of St. Louis.—T.
[260] Adalbéron, Archbishop of Rheims (d. 988) and Chancellor of France under Lothair and Louis V., officiated at the coronation of Hugh Capet, in 987, and was raised by him to the position of Lord High Chancellor.—T.
[261] Jean Du Tillet, Bishop of Meaux (d. 1570), author of the Chronicon de regibus Francorum (1545).—T.
[BOOK X][262]
I collect my former adversaries around myself—My public charges—Extract from my polemics after my fall—Visit to Lausanne—Return to Paris—The Jesuits—Letter from M. de Montlosier and my reply—Continuation of my polemics—Letter from General Sébastiani—Death of General Foy—The Law of Justice and Love—Letter from M. Étienne—Letter from M. Benjamin Constant—I attain the highest pitch of my political importance—Article on the King's saint's-day—Withdrawal of the law on the police of the press—Paris illuminated—Note from M. Michaud—M. de Villèle's irritation—Charles X. proposes to review the National Guard on the Champ de Mars—I write to him: my letter—The review—The National Guard disbanded—The Elective Chamber is dissolved—The new Chamber—Refusals to co-operate—Fall of the Villèle Ministry—I contribute towards forming the new ministry and accept the Roman Embassy—Examination of a reproach.
Paris had seen its last festivals: the period of indulgence, reconciliation and favours was past; the sad truth alone remained before us.