ird-Estate; when
the liberal minority of the noblesse came and took their seats in the
hall of the Communes, he had already been there eight days, and, for
thirty months, he "invariably seated himself on the side of the 'Left.'"
Senior major-general, and ordered by the Legislative Assembly to
suppress the outbreak of the 6,000 insurgents at Noyon, "he kept his
rigorous orders in his pocket for ten days"; he endured their insults;
he risked his life "to save those of his misguided fellow-citizens, and
he had the good fortune not to spill a drop of blood." Exhausted by so
much labor and effort, almost dying, ordered into the country by his
physicians, "he devoted his income to the relief of poverty"; he planted
on his own domain the first liberty tree that was erected; he furnished
the volunteers with clothes and arms; "instead of a fifth, he yielded
up a third of his revenue under the forced system of taxation." His
children live with him on the property, which has been in the family
four hundred years, and the peasantry call him "their father." No one
could lead a more tranquil or, indeed, a more meritorious existence.
But, being a noble, he is suspected, and a delegate from the Paris
Commune denounces him at Compiegne as having in his house two cannon and
five hundred and fifty muskets. There is at once a domiciliary visit.
Eight hundred men, infantry and cavalry, appear before the chateau
d'Arcy in battle array. He meets them at the door and tenders them the
keys. After a search of six hours, they find twelve fowling pieces and
thirteen rusty pistols, which he has already declared. His disappointed
visitors grumble, break, eat and drink to the extent of 2,000 crowns
damage.[3274] Nevertheless, urged by their leaders they finally retire.
But M. de Gouy has 60,000 francs in rentals which would be so much gain
to the nation if he would emigrate; this must be effected, by expelling
him, and, moreover during his expulsion, they may fill their pockets.
For eight days this matter is discussed in the Compiegne club, in the
bars, in the barracks, and, on the ninth day, 150 volunteers issue from
the town, declaring that they are going to kill M. de Gouy and all who
belong to him. Informed of this, he departs with his family, leaving the
doors of his house wide open. There is a general pillage for five hours;
the mob drink the costly wines, steal the plate, demand horses to
carry their booty away, and promise to return soon and ta