the frequent reports which
he addressed to the government in Paris.

But the news of the almost magical return of General Bonaparte and the
events of the 18th Brumaire were soon current in the air. The military
commanders of the West understood then the silence of the ministers.
Nevertheless, they were only the more impatient to be released from
the responsibility that weighed upon them; and they were in every way
desirous of knowing what measures the new government was likely to take.
When it was known to these soldiers that General Bonaparte was appointed
First Consul of the Republic their joy was great; they saw, for the
first time, one of their own profession called to the management of the
nation. France, which had made an idol of this young hero, quivered with
hope. The vigor and energy of the nation revived. Paris, weary of its
long gloom, gave itself up to fetes and pleasures of which it had been
so long deprived. The first acts of the Consulate did not diminish any
hopes, and Liberty felt no alarm. The First Consul issued a proclamation
to the inhabitants of the West. The eloquent allocutions addressed to
the masses which Bonaparte had, as it were, invented, produced effects
in those days of patriotism and miracle that were absolutely startling.
His voice echoed through the world like the voice of a prophet, for none
of his proclamations had, as yet, been belied by defeat.

INHABITANTS:

An impious war again inflames the West.

The makers of these troubles are traitors sold to the English, or
brigands who seek in civil war opportunity and license for
misdeeds.

To such men the government owes no forbearance, nor any
declaration of its principles.

But there are citizens, dear to France, who have been misled by
their wiles. It is so such that truth and light are due.

Unjust laws have been promulgated and executed; arbitrary acts
have threatened the safety of citizens and the liberty of
consciences; mistaken entries on the list of _emigres_ imperil
citizens; the great principles of social order have been violated.

The Consuls declare that liberty of worship having been guaranteed
by the Constitution, the law of 11 Prairial, year III., which
gives the use of edifices built for religious worship to all
citizens, shall be executed.

The government will pardon; it will be merciful to repentance; its
mercy will be complete and absolute; but it will punish whosoever,