7529. REVOLUTION (French), National Assembly.—
The National Assembly (for that is the name they take), having shown
through every stage of these transactions a
coolness, wisdom, and resolution to set fire to
the four corners of the kingdom and to perish
with it themselves, rather than to relinquish
an iota from their plan of a total change of government,
are now in complete and undisputed
possession of the sovereignty. The executive
and aristocracy are at their feet; the mass of
the nation, the mass of the clergy, and the army
are with them. They have prostrated the old
government, and are now beginning to build
one from the foundation.—
To Thomas Paine. Washington ed. iii, 69.
(P.
July. 1789)
