It was the moment when the bonnet rouge, the symbol of extreme opinion, a species of livery worn by the demagogues and flatterers of the people, had been almost unanimously adopted by the Jacobins.  This emblem, like many similar ones received by the revolutions from the hand of chance, was a mystery even to those who wore it.  It had been adopted for the first time on the day of the triumph of the soldiers of Chateauvieux.  Some said it was the coiffure of the galley-slaves, once infamous, but glorious since it had covered the brows of these martyrs of the insurrection; and they added that the people wished to purify this head-dress from every stain by wearing it themselves.  Others only saw in it the Phrygian bonnet, a symbol of freedom for slaves.

The bonnet rouge had from its first appearance been the subject of dispute and dissension amongst the Jacobins; the exaltes wore it, whilst the moderes yet abstained from adopting it.  Dumouriez did not hesitate, but mounted the tribune, placed this sign of patriotism on his head, and at once assumed the emblem of the most prominent party, whilst this mute yet significant eloquence awakened a burst of enthusiasm on every side of the Salle.  “Brothers and friends,” said Dumouriez, “every instant of my life shall be devoted to carrying out the wishes of the people, and to justifying the king’s choice.  I will employ in all negotiations the force of a free people, and before long these negotiations will produce a lasting peace or a decisive war. (Applause.) If we have this war I will abandon my political post, and I will assume my rank in the army to triumph, or perish a free man with my brethren.  A heavy weight presses on me, aid me to bear it; I require your counsels, transmit them to me through your journals.  Tell me truth, even the most unpalatable; but repel calumny, and do not repulse a citizen whom you know to be sincere and intrepid, and who devotes himself to the cause of the Revolution and the nation.”

The president replied to the minister that the society gloried in counting him amongst its brethren.  These words occasioned some murmurs, which were stifled by the acclamations that followed Dumouriez to his place.  It was proposed that the two speeches should be printed.  Legendre opposed the motion from economical motives, but was hissed by the tribunes.  “Why these unusual honours, and this reply of the president to the minister?” said Collot d’Herbois.  “If he comes here as a minister, there is no reply to make him.  If he comes here as an associate and a brother, he does no more than his duty; he only raises himself to the level of our opinions.  There is but one answer to be made,—­let him act as he has spoken.”  Dumouriez raised his hand, and gesticulated to Collot d’Herbois.