detail.  Suffice it to say, that I saw cars, loaded with the dead and dying, and driven by their yet ensanguined murderers; one of whom, in a tone of exultation, cried, ’Here is a glorious day for France!’ I endeavoured to assent, though with a faultering voice, and, as soon as they were passed escaped to my room.  You may imagine I shall not easily recover the shock I received.—­At this moment they say, the enemy are retreating from Verdun.  At any other time this would have been desirable, but at present one knows not what to wish for.  Most probably, the report is only spread with the humane hope of appeasing the mob.  They have already twice attacked the Temple; and I tremble lest this asylum of fallen majesty should ere morning, be violated.

“Adieu—­I know not if the courier will be permitted to depart; but, as I believe the streets are not more unsafe than the houses, I shall make an attempt to send this.  I will write again in a few days.  If to-morrow should prove calm, I shall be engaged in enquiring after the fate of my friends.--I beg my respects to Mons. And Mad. de ____; and entreat you all to be as tranquil as such circumstances will permit.—­You may be certain of hearing any news that can give you pleasure immediately.  I have the honour to be,” &c. &c.

Arras, September, 1792.

You will in future, I believe, find me but a dull correspondent.  The natural timidity of my disposition, added to the dread which a native of England has of any violation of domestic security, renders me unfit for the scenes I am engaged in.  I am become stupid and melancholy, and my letters will partake of the oppression of my mind.

At Paris, the massacres at the prisons are now over, but those in the streets and in private houses still continue.  Scarcely a post arrives that does not inform M. de ____ of some friend or acquaintance being sacrificed.  Heaven knows where this is to end!

We had, for two days, notice that, pursuant to a decree of the Assembly, commissioners were expected here at night, and that the tocsin would be rung for every body to deliver up their arms.  We did not dare go to bed on either of these nights, but merely lay down in our robes de chambre, without attempting to sleep.  This dreaded business is, however, past.  Parties of the Jacobins paraded the streets yesterday morning, and disarmed all they thought proper.  I observed they had lists in their hands, and only went to such houses as have an external appearance of property.  Mr. de ____, who has been in the service thirty years, delivered his arms to a boy, who behaved to him with the utmost insolence, whilst we sat trembling and almost senseless with fear the whole time they remained in the house; and could I give you an idea of their appearance, you would think my terror very justifiable.  It is, indeed, strange and alarming, that all who have property should be deprived of the means of defending either that or their lives, at a moment when Paris is giving an example of tumult and assassination to every other part of the kingdom.  Knowing no good reason for such procedure, it is very natural to suspect a bad one.—­I think, on many accounts, we are more exposed here than at ____, and as soon as we can procure horses we shall depart.—­The following is the translation of our last letter from Mr. P____.