e found in the aforesaid province of
Languedoc without such certificates be regarded as fanatics and rebels,
and that they be prosecuted as such, and punished with death, and that
they be brought for this purpose before the aforesaid Sieur de Baville
or the officers whom he may choose.

"(Signed) (Countersigned)

"LOUIS PHILIPPEAU

"Given at Versailles the 25th day, of the month of February 1703."

M. de Montrevel obeyed this proclamation to the letter. For instance,
one day--the 1st of April 1703--as he was seated at dinner it was
reported to him that about one hundred and fifty Reformers were
assembled in a mill at Carmes, outside Nimes, singing psalms. Although
he was told at the same time that the gathering was composed entirely of
old people and children, he was none the less furious, and rising from
the table, gave orders that the call to horse should be sounded. Putting
himself at the head of his dragoons, he advanced on the mill, and
before the Huguenots knew that they were about to be attacked they
were surrounded on every side. It was no combat which ensued, for the
Huguenots were incapable of resistance, it was simply a massacre; a
certain number of the dragoons entered the mill sword in hand, stabbing
all whom they could reach, whilst the rest of the force stationed
outside before the windows received those who jumped out on the points
of their swords. But soon this butchery tired the butchers, and to get
over the business more quickly, the marshal, who was anxious to return
to his dinner, gave orders that the mill should be set on fire. This
being done, the dragoons, the marshal still at their head, no longer
exerted themselves so violently, but were satisfied with pushing back
into the flames the few unfortunates who, scorched and burnt, rushed
out, begging only for a less cruel death.

Only one victim escaped. A beautiful young girl of sixteen was saved by
the marshal's valet: both were taken and condemned to death; the young
girl was hanged, and the valet was on the point of being executed when
some Sisters of Mercy from the town threw themselves at the marshal's
feet end begged for his life: after long supplication, he granted their
prayer, but he banished the valet not only from his service, but from
Nimes.

The very same evening at supper word was brought to the marshal that
another gathering had been discovered in a garden near the still smoking
mill. The indefatigable marshal again rose from