Letter from Nantes to unknown recipient
18 July 1789
Since Thursday, we have been in a state of incredible turmoil here over the news of M. Necker’s dismissal. All business has been suspended. The citizens have taken up arms. A guard of 300 men has been established, which both married men and young men take turns manning day and night. A picket was also immediately set up at all the royal treasuries to prevent money from being taken out, with orders to the collectors not to embezzle any funds. The Provost’s, the Domains, the Capitation Tax, the Hearth Tax, the Inspection, and everything else are all under guard. A guard has been posted at the city’s powder keg, and a detachment has been sent to seize the one in Paimbœuf. Everyone has signed up for the Citizen Guard, regardless of social status. All the rifles found in the city’s various stores have been confiscated.
A delegation of the Young Men of Rennes came here to inform us that there were 8,000 men in their city ready to set out, and that the three regiments stationed there had promised not to fight against the people. Based on the head-count done so far, we are pleased to see that we can count on more than 30,000 men of good will who are fit to bear arms.
We have established a guard of 150 horsemen, which patrols the streets day and night to stop and search everyone entering the city. Yesterday, a rumor spread that troops were approaching; our patrols went out four leagues to ask them about their intentions; and if they do not explain themselves clearly, we must prevent them from entering the city, set up cannon batteries along the roads, and block their path with barricades while the citizen militia assembles to oppose their entry.
It was decided to seize the castle as a precautionary measure; the royal coffers were seized in Rennes, Laval, Le Mans, and Angers; this was the only means to subdue the aristocrats. I believe the same was done in Bordeaux. A meeting has been called here for 10 p.m.
By the will of the nation.
