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As we came to the corner of the Rue Pigalle, we saw at a hundred paces
from us, in the deserted streets which cross it, soldiers gliding all
along the houses, bending their steps towards the Rue Blanche.
At three o'clock the members of the Left rejoined each other in the Rue
de la Cérisaie. But the alarm had been given, and the inhabitants of
these lonely streets stationed themselves at the windows to see the
Representatives pass. The place of meeting, situated and hemmed in at the
bottom of a back yard, was badly chosen in the event of being surrounded:
all these disadvantages were at once perceived, and the meeting only
lasted a few seconds. It was presided over by Joly; Xavier Durrieu and
Jules Gouache, who were editors of the Révolution, also took part, as
well as several Italian exiles, amongst others Colonel Carini and
Montanelli, ex-Minister of the Grand Duke of Tuscany. I liked Montanelli,
a gentle and dauntless spirit.
Madier de Montjau brought news from the outskirts. Colonel Forestier,
without losing and without taking away hope, told them of the obstacles
which he had encountered in his attempts to call together the 6th Legion.
He pressed me to sign his appointment as Colonel, as well as Michel de
Bourges; but Michel de Bourges was absent, and besides, neither Michel de
Bourges nor I had yet at drat time the authority from the Left.
Nevertheless, under this reservation I signed his appointment. The
perplexities were becoming more and more numerous. The Proclamation was
not yet printed, and the evening was closing in. Schoelcher explained the
difficulties: all the printing offices closed and guarded; an order
placarded that whoever should print an appeal to arms world be
immediately shot; the workmen terrified; no money. A hat was sent round,
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