The minister of marine, Bertrand de Molleville, wrote, by the king’s orders, to the commandants of the ports a letter, signed by the king:—­“I am informed,” he said, in this circular, “that emigrations in the navy are fast increasing.  How is it that the officers of a service always so dear to me, and which has invariably given me proofs of its attachment, are so mistaken at what is due to their country, to me, and to themselves!  This extreme step would have seemed to me less surprising some time since, when anarchy was at its height, and when its termination was unseen; but now, when the nation desires to return to order and submission to the laws, is it possible that generous and faithful sailors can think of separating from their king?  Tell them to remain where their country calls them.  The precise execution of the constitution is to-day the surest means of appreciating its advantages, and of ascertaining what is wanting to make it perfect.  It is your king who desires you to remain at your posts as he remains at his.  You would have considered it a crime to resist his orders, you will not refuse his prayers.”

He wrote to general officers, and to commandants of the land forces:—­“In accepting the constitution, I have promised to maintain it within, and defend it against enemies without; this solemn act should banish all uncertainty.  The law and the king are henceforth identified.  The enemy of the law becomes that of the king.  I cannot consider those sincerely devoted to my person who abandon their country at the moment when it has the greatest need of their services.  Those only are attached to me who follow my example and unite with me for the public weal, and remain inseparable from the destiny of the empire!”

Finally, he ordered M. de Lessart, the minister for foreign affairs, to publish the following proclamation, addressed to the French emigrants:—­“The king,” thus it ran, “informed that a great number of French emigrants are withdrawing to foreign lands, cannot see without much grief such an emigration.  Although the law permits to all citizens a free power to quit the kingdom, the king is anxious to enlighten them as to their duties, and the distress they are preparing for themselves.  If they think, by such means, to give me a proof of their affection, let them be undeceived; my real friends are those who unite with me in order to put the laws in execution, and re-establish order and peace in the kingdom.  When I accepted the constitution, I was desirous of putting an end to civil discord—­I believed that all Frenchmen would second my intentions.  However, it is at this moment that emigration is increasing:  some depart because of the disturbances which have threatened their lives and property.  Ought we not to pardon the circumstances?  Have not I too my sorrows?  And when I forget mine, can any one remember his perils?  How can order be again established if those interested in it abandon it by abandoning themselves?  Return, then, to the bosom of your country:  come and give to the laws the support of good citizens.  Think of the grief your obstinacy will give to the king’s heart; they would be the most painful he could experience.”