1050739 STACK ANNEX // NARRATIVE OF DECHAUMEREIX, WHO ESCAPED FROM THE 3SACRES OF AURAI AND VANNES, . Ell- DITIOX OF QUIBEROX. N P UBLIC OPINION IN IUUTTANY. TO WHICH IS ADDED A PROSPECTUS FOR PASIGRAPHY, O R, FIRST ELEMENTS ART OF PRINTIXG AND WRITING i ALL 'AGES ,ATiON 'ROM THE PRINTING-OFFICE OF T. I! A YLIS, G KEVILLE-ST at DEER El adillyj RICHARl Coruh: .:iul S.HIGHLL\', Street, and "SVALLIS, Lud ct. 3. .' : NARRATIVE O F M, DE CH AUMERElX, INTRODUCTION. 1 F the recital of the dangers from which I have had the happiness of escaping was not connected, with the disasters of the French Revolution, I should not have had an idea of occupying the public attention. And in delineating them, far be it from me to expect that interest which be- longs to more unfortunate victims. Nobler mo- tives animate me. and I cede to a superior view. Great crimes have followed an easy victory ; but shall I accuse my country, or its tyrants ? The public opinion^ still uncertain, will shortly decide. B France, [ 2 1 France, for three years past, seems but to offef tyrants and slaves, executioners and victims. Li- beral and generous minds turn their attention from the afflicting picture, and hearts of sensi- bility tremble to pause at it. I repose on other images where the tenderest humanity shines with all the noble and courageous virtues that ac- company it. The massacres of Vannes were ordered by the party then in power in the Convention. The army revolted at the idea, and they have excited universal indignation. The French name will not be sullied by this crime, for it should be added to that immense list, by means o-f which the Con- vention perpetuated its- sanguinary tyranny. A capitulation was made it has been violated < cruelty invoked perfidy. Escaped, I may say, almost solely from these massacres, it became a sacred duty for me to make its authors known. Who can separate him- self from the glory of his country ? But gentler sentiments have led me on I was impatient to pay an homage of love and gratitude to those ge- nerous benefactors who braved so many dangers to snatch me from death. Oh ! my friends I this- r 3 ] this homage comes from a foreign country, it is true, but where virtue is honoured and misfor- tune respected. I wish to present your names to every feeling heart, but am forced to hide them for alas, there are still tyrants in my native land. And you, affecting victims of honour and fi- delity ! I have seen your sublime sacrifices ! I faithfully depict them you are no more, but your blood has flowed for your King It has been shed in those noble countries where his sacred name is so often invoked. Yet a while, and the day shall come when even there your avengers shall arise ! You merited to conquer in the fields of la Vendee ! Console yourselves, illustrious shades ! You are associated in the glory of its heros ! This relation is entirely foreign to the expedi- tion of Quiberon, which has too much divided the opinions and soured the minds of men to ad- mit that the moment is yet arrived to treat of that event. It commences with the capture of the Fort, including a space of two months, from July 1st to the 21st of September. I have di- vided it into different epochs, each of which form the subject of a separate chapter. B 3 I shall I shall conclude by some observations which I either made on the spot, or gathered from the conversation of men of all parties. I do not pre- tend to draw from thence a conclusion for the rest of France. They are centered in a small circle and I must moreover remark, that U;e department of Morbihan is the most famous for the progress of royalty. CHAP. t 5 J CHAP. I. CAPTURE OF THE FORT CAPITULATION. JULY 21, at five o'clock in the morning, the general beat. The corps not on duty at Fort-Pen-r thievre were in cantonments; the regiment of Hec- tor instantly assembled, and M.Soulange put hinir self at our head, although he had been grievously wounded at the affair of the 1 6th. We directed our march to the little mill, where M. de Som- breuil was already in order of battle with his di- vision. We were ignorant of the capture of Fort-Penthievre, imagining it had only been at- tacked. M. de Sombreuil had scarcely given orders, before we perceived the republicans, marching in three columns: directing their at-r tention both right and left on the sea-side, with a view of surrounding us ; the center composed of grenadiers and chasseurs advanced towards our front, preceded by some tirailleurs*, who incommoded us very much. When the enemy was within musket shot, a great number of oui? * Tirailleurs are troops which the French have much em- ployed lately, their business is to fire irregularly, and irvlis- ^riminately to annoy and harass their energy. T. soldiers soldiers ran on their side, crying, we are Repub- licans ! but I did not notice any of M. cle Som- breuil's division, nor pf the regiment of He&or. M. de Sombreuil ordered us to advance to Fort- Neuf, and there to rally. On our way several of the soldiers likewise left us to re-embark. Mul- titudes of old men, women and children, who had sought an asylum at Quiberon, were already at the sea-side, and in their too eager precipita- tion for embarking in the sloops, perished before our eyes. It was indeed a dreadful spectacle \ Little occupied at our own personal misfortunes, we could not refrain from dropping tears at the fate of so many viciims. When we arrive^ at Fort -Neuf, M. de Sorn- breuil united the remains of the different corps. The English cutter, Lark, anchored near the land, and canonnaded the enemy's central column. The two others still manoeuvred to surround us. In this position M. de Sornbreuil advanced alone towards the enemy, ma^iag signs with his> hand. The column stopped, an.d General Hochcj who commanded, approached a few steps, fol- lowed by t w o staff-officers : when the following conversation took place. M. de Sombreuih . The men whom I command are determined to perish \mder the ruins of t^e Fort. But if you [ 7 ] you will allow them to re -embark, you will spare French blood. General Hocbe. I cannot permit a re-embarkation : but if you will lay down your arms, you shall be treated as prisoners of war. M. de SvmbreuiL Are the emigrants included in the capitu- lation ? General Hocbe. All who lay down their arms. After having agreed on the terms of capita lation, General Hoche demanded M. de Som- breuirs name, and being informed, exclaimed ! " For yourself, Sir, I cannot undertake to pro^ imise any thing." M. de Sombreuil. Indeed it it is not for myself that I wish to capitulate. I shall die content, if I do but save my brave companions in arms. Believe me, I am far from wishing to survive so unfortunate a day. M. de Sombreuil returned to the Fort and ad- dressed us thus : " Gentlemen, I have obtained " as favorable conditions as circumstances would f admit. -4 have promised you shall lay down " your r s i f< your arms; therefore lay them down, and sen<4 " notice for the English cutter to cease canon- " nading." He hid from us his devoted fate. Some persons who spoke English went to the shore and desired the sloops not to approach, as the troops had capitulated. The Lark still con- tinued her fire, until M. Gery, an officer of the marine, swam to the cutter and desired the firing to cease. Faithful to the terms of capitulation he returned among us, to find, alas ! that death from which he might so easily have escaped ! His memory will be ever rendered dear by this sublime trait! Some moments after, three republican officers and a number of soldiers entered the Fort. M. d'Entrechaux, my comrade and friend, never quitted me during this cruel day, I proposed t approach one of the officers, whose appear- ance inspired me with confidence : " You see, " Sir, said I, how unfortunate we are : 1 hope " you will avoid all outrage, which would be " more dreadful to us than death itself." The pfficer, leaning on his horse's neck, replied: " And " how can I be otherwise than afflicted at your " distress ? I who have served the same cause, " and who cherish it perhaps as much. But I " found no other protection against tyranny, for " myself and family, than entering the republi-* " can [ 9 1 * can armies. However, I beseech you to em- " bark, if it is possible." We told him the sloops were sent away, and that " we had capitulated. He then engaged us to follow him. We left the Fort just as Tallieri entered it on horseback ; his pleasing and agreeable coun- tenance indicated nothing insulting. " This is " a day very little expected," said I " Yes, " Sir," answered he with modesty, at the same time approaching and addressing M. de Som-- f breuil, in a stile of commiseration, " Oh, how " unfortunate your family is !".- " I would have * f revenged it,'* said M. de Sombreuil ; " but at " least I know how to bear my misfortunes like " my "family." Shortly after, Tallien ordered the prisoners to be conducted to Ste. Barbe, the head quarters of the army. The republican officers conducted us by a different route. We passed through the army without even hear- ing an injurious or disagreeable word : we every where perceived an interest mixed with pity. Arriving at one .of the posts, our new friend called the officer, and said to' him : " take care * of these gentlemen, they have used all their " efforts to spare republican blood." He gave us a friendly adieu and parted. No doubt he had a particular station, for we never saw him. Again. May this humane and generous man one C day t 10 1 day Iiavfc an opportunity of perusing these lines> and he will there read the profound impression he left in our hearts. The officer he recom- mended us to intreatcd us to enter his tent, and offered us some very black bread ; he apologised for its quality and quantity. " Our ration/' said " lie, is little; however I am happy to partake " it with you :" adding in a lo\v voice, " The " republic is a fine thing, biit we die with hunger " and are naked. !" Indeed the army was in want of every thing. " But,- said I, we shall have " more to complain of than you." " Unde- " ceive yourselves, answered he, for you have " here two very powerful recommendations j tf you are unfortunate and royalists. You will " see with what eagerness you will be succoured. " You are in a friendly and hospitable land. " You do not know how much you have been " desired here, I have just been over the pro- " vince. Mourning was every where we went. u Mothers, in shewing us to their children, cried,. *' those are the supporters of that horrible Con- " mention. It is but too certain you have lost a " very favourable opportunity. If you had had " the smallest success, the standards of the re- " public would have been abandoned. Tallien " knew it well, and used every exertion, to " oblige the troops to attack the Fort/' r H i We endeavoured to prolong the conversation with this amiable man, when seveial republican of- ficers entered the tent, some led by curiosity, and others by interest in our affairs. Their de- meanour was decent and polite. Many of them had been imprisoned daring the tyranny of Robes- pierre. They had experienced misfortune, were feeling, and knew how to respect it. They used every effort to chear us, and said, " the army " had heard with joy of our capitulation, and * f that no one dare violate it." This conversa- tion enlivened a hope in our minds, and the at- tention the soldiers paid us kept the animating spark alive : for if they found an officer of the same province or town with themselves, they approached them with eagerness. Not a single trace could be perceived of those ancient preju- dices and hatreds, which have caused so many crimes and calamities. At four o'clock in the afternoon^ the general beat the prisoners were ordered to assemble, gnd prepare themselves for Aurai, CHAP. [ 13 1 C II A R II. ARRIVAL AND STAY AT AURAT. THE republican officer conducted us to the place of rendezvous, and recommended us to one of his friends. He promised to inform us of every thing" that should pass. " But, added " he, be not uneasy ; the public opinion is too '' firmly pronounced." All the army had the same confidence. So little was Tallien's perfidy suspected. At five o'clock, we were placed between two ranks of soldiers, and set off for Aurai. Before our departure, the officer who commanded the 'escort, told M. de Scmbreuil we should be treated .with the regard due to prisoners of war, hoping no one would endeavour to escape. The escort was weak, and overcome with fatigue. The bad roads continually forced us to break the ranks, and make our way through the fields. The evening was very dark, and being obliged to stop, the column passed on without me. Two soldiers, who heard me hailing them at a distance, came back and conducted me to the detachment. On our arrival at Aurai, not a single person was missing. However, [ '3 ] However, the prisoners no longer dissimulated the dangers we ran ; but regarding life as no-. thing, and honour as every thing, they offered the example of an heroic and religious fidelity to their parole. Before we arrived at Aurai, the officer com- manding the escort informed me, we should be confined in the church, and engaged me to enter first, that I might seat myself on a stone bench near the pillar. We arrived at Aurai at half past nine o'clock. All the women were at their windows with lights. I noticed them attentively, and I perceived an expression of the tenderest pity ; tears -dropped from their eyes. They all surveyed us with grief and fear seemingly afraid to discover a son, a father, or a friend. The prisoners marched in profound silence, and the night lent her aid to render the picture more august and moving. We were conducted to the church, and I seate^ myself on the stone bench. At the same time I perceived M. de Sombreuil standing and looking for a seat. I offered him part of mine. He ac- cepted it, and this was the cause of our acquaint- ance. He continually talked of the sad event of the day, and freely opened his mind but made no allusion to the fate that awaited him. Inaccessible to fear, his young and elevated raifrd poignantly r 14 ] poignantly regretted glory alone. Stopped in the first outset of a brilliant career he felt a sincere af- fliction at not being able to fulfil his promised destiny. This sentiment was frequently tempered with the most affecting remembrances, for- he Jiad been torn from the object of his affection be- fore he had attained the endearing name of hus- band. Overwhelmed with fatigue we fell asleep, I first awoke and could not without emotion re- flect on the manly beauty, youth and forlorn foopes of the gallant Sombreuil, * At eight o'clock in the morning the municipal officers entered the church to take a list of the officers, and separate them from the soldiers; the noble volunteers of Beon and Damas were excep- ted. Our number was 575 we were conducted to a house of arrest and placed in seven apart- ments. At four o'clock in the afternoon a detachment came and conducted us on the road to 1'Orient, where 3,000 men were under arms, In passing through th6 town we perceived the marks of the greatest grief. The inhabitants fully believed ye were going to be sacrificed. Indeed many * I cannot miss the occasion of confirming the authenti- city of M. de Sombreuil's letter to Sir John Warren. He read it to me. He intended likewise to write to the King of Bnglan.d, amongst L is j amongst ourselves became convinced of our faff, We were much affected by the spectacle, for I have often felt that the mind fortified by outrages "is the most susceptible of pity. The soldiers en- deavoured to soften the barbarity of this military march. At eight o'clock we re-entered the town to the sounds of music which were drowned by the joy- ful cries of the inhabitants, who brought wine and fruits, faithfully delivered to us by the sol- diers. The 23rd, at eight o'clock in the morning, came in our prison a number of women belonging to the requisition for the service of the place ; the requisition appeared to be merely nominal, for it required great credit to be chosen. It was an affecting picture, to see so many fine young women lending, with tender solicitude, assistance to the most toilsome works, with a grace truly charming. A common sentiment of humanity and benevolence seemed to unite the highest-and lowest in care and attention towards us. I perceived in a farther corner of the prison a young person who seemed to be steadily occu- pied. Her figure was pleasing, and her looks marked with timidity and sensibility. I know not what secret movement prompted me to ap- proach lier, for I was far from suspecting the services t 16 ] services she afterwards rendered me. " You appear " concerned at our misfortunes," said I. " On ." one see them without being affected!" replied .she in a most tender tone, at the same time shed- ding tears and adding, " I have a brother emi- " grated whom I dearly love I am ignorant of " his fate." I knew him well and dissipated her fears. She quitted me after these words, not without observing my clothes, and soon returned with a complete suit, saying, " my aunt has " charged me to take care of you and your tc friends I will come and see you every day " Believe me^ your situation is continually in my e mind." Her goodness affected me ; I tenderly closed her hands in mine -nor could I refrain front admiring the happy emotions which nature, at the view of misfortune, imperceptibly and ner- vously awakens in sensible minds. I felt that if the elevated conceptions of genius are in want of solitude, the great and noble affections of the heart discover themselves most in adversity. I no longer doubted there existed connexions, un-- perceived it is true in the ordinary concerns of life, which certain situations rapidly develop. I had been acquainted with Sophia only an hour, yet she Was already my friend --already had she done for me every thing that courageous, active friendship could inspire. From the first mo- ment E '7 ] ment she never ceased to watch over my fate. The least danger terrified her her tender anxie- ties became mh:ed with the softest consolations, and she comforted me with that pure voluptuous- ness which Heaven seems to have placed in the heart of a feeling and virtuous woman. The following days the prison was filled with the inhabitants, who brought us provisions o every kind. The soldiers frequently said to them, t( You had nothing for us, but now your dear fc royalists are here, you can find every thing." " Ah, citizens,, said they, must we not assist '" the distressed ?" On the 2/th, I read General Hoche's account to the Convention. His last sentence was, tbe emigrants, placed between fire and water, bad no other resource but to surrender. He made no mention of the capitulation ; this perfidy alarmed me. I sent notice for Sophia to ap- pear at the lobby ; for, after the 2(Jrh, no wo- men were allo-.ved to enter tiie prison. She came .directly. I desired her to get information about our fate, and to inform me without disguise. " If '' it should be fatal, said she, I never can tell you ked a replied, he was thirty. One of his judges, touched by a movement of sensibility, cried, " impossible, " Sir, you do not appear to be twenty." " I will " not redeem my life with a lie," answered M. de Coatudavel. August 12th, seventy were condemned to be shot together, and the clay after, forty more. We heard the discharge of the musquetry. At the fatal report we were all seized with horror. A priest, who was with us, recited in a loud voice the prayers- for the, dead. In retracing these barbarous executions, my heart still shudders. Never were immolated at once go many interesting victims. In a moment pe- rished every thing that inspired respecl, admira- tion and love. Nothing was spared not even venerable age, nor eminent services, the greatest talents, the most splendid virtue, or the tenderest youth. The royal navy lost one hundred officers.,* * In the number of officers which I could cite. Mess, de Soulange and de Froger, ought to be. distinguished 3 one by bia many of them the ornaments and hopes of that service. Alas ! my unfortunate companions ! I have survived, always to regret you Fain would 4 consecrate your loyal names but can I ever, honour them enough ? Another homage awaits your memory, and I do but conceive the happy presage. A day will come, when entering our deserted arsenals, Frenchmen, terrified at the solitude that reigns around, will demand of us where are gone those officers that supported the glory of their country in two worlds. We will tell them : " those men, whom time and the " sword of the enemy had spared, perished by - thusiasm. I went through the appartment where my fellow prisoners were, and begged of them notr [ 31 ] not to seem to know me. M. d'Entrechaux pas-? sed for my servant. At twelve o'clock the com- mission broke up, every one being examined, At one o'clock, Sophia came, with one of her friends to enquire for me. She pronounced in a loud voice the name of Chaumereix this might have proved fatal I instantly approached the window, and said : " The citizen whom you ask " for is not here : go to the house of arrest to- " night, and citizen * * * will give you news " about him." She was so affected, that she did not understand the meaning of my words ; but her friend did and took her away. From twelve o'clock till four, I was with all those who had been examined. In approaching death they became more calm. M. de Payen, a young gentleman of the navy, who was only six months too old for the delay of sentence, declared his age, although his appearance was extremely young. The president of the tribunal insisted in vain for him he cquld not save him. At four o'clock the detachment charged with the execution arrived. The recorder called over the names of the condemned. The name of M. le N having been wrong transcribed on the register, that gentleman made no answer. officer passed on to the others, and was go- L 32 J ing, when M. le N said, " Certainly it was (e my name you pronounced ! " and followed his companions. When the summons was made^ a corporal bound their hands behind them. And to add to the horror of the spectacle, they were pre- ceded by their grave-diggers, , Twenty-eight xvas the number destined for death. Twelve ob- tained a respite ; M. d'Entrechaux and myself, were included in the latter. When our unfortu- nate friends turned towarcls.us for their final adieu, gaying, Do not forget us, we are happy to see you saved-, instead .of feeling any happiness at our situation, new sentiments arose in our minds, and we were ready to betray ourselves, and de- mand to go with them. Distradted by remorse, and torn by grief, we felt torments still more cruel than that death from which we had escaped. In half an hour after we heard the fatal discharge *, * From the different accounts of the spectators who wit- nessed these horrible executions,, it should seero, that amidst the courage and composure of the victims, it was hardly pos- sible to select one more heroic than another., But the firm- 1 ness of M. de Kergaviou-Loemaria, a very distinguished of- ficer, astonished even his companions. His brother, major of the regiment du Dresnay, had already peris'hrd in the affair of the Itith. His nephew, M. de Lage de Volude, a very agreeable young genticirun, was shot at three times before he was killed. What adds to the inconceivable barbarity of these atrocious massacres is, the situation of those who were wounded not being able to walk to the place of exe- flUion, they were shot on their mattresses. [ 33 J rind almost at the same instant, we saw the bleed- ing remains of our friends pass under our eyes I swooned away. Dreadful fantoms surrounded me, and it was in vain that I endeavoured to gain repose. At length, after a long agitation, I heard a voice that calmed my wandering senses. It was Sophia who entered the Hotel, and whom I did not before perceive. Those who had obtained a respite from the different commissions, were transferred the next day to the Tower of Vannes. We were 108. *{" CHAP. VI. MY CONFINEMENT IN THE TOWER OF VANNES, AND ESCAPE. MY two friends came to see me in the Tower. I will not attempt to describe their joy, suf- fice it to say, they were happier than myself, As they were obliged to depart from Vannes on the following day, they gave me their company most of the day. How pleasing the time we spent together, and how affecting was our se- f Several names in this chapter have been marked with asterisks, in order to prevent any disagreeable consequences happening to the respective families. M. de Chaumereix Ttielonged to the Royal Navy of France. T. F paration J L 34 ] paration ! Tender and generous friends ^ You have left in my heart a long remembrance. Led by a different fate, we fought not under the same standard, but you thought you served your country Dreadful illusion, which glory seems but to prolong, and which has too long served your able tyrants ! But amidst so many crimes, you have remained virtuous and pure ! If I fought against the Revolution, you softened its misfortunes ! The 6th, a republican soldier to whom M. d'Entrechaux had given his purse at the capture of the Fort, learning he had not perished, came and returned it to him. Every thing -remained quiet until the l6th, when some Chouan chiefs contrived to send fcotice to the prisoners, that if they would revolt, they would advance in the night and second them. Two thousand prisoners were then in the v town, and only six hundred soldiers to guard them. The plot was discovered by two soldiers of the regiment of Hervilly. Cannon were instantly placed at the doors, and seven of the Chouan chiefs were shot on the spot. The next day General le Moine came to the Tower, and gave notice, that on the least move- ment he would fire grape-shot amongst us. The language r 35 ] language of this ferocious man filled the soldiers with indignation. The 1 8th, the' representative Blad arrived at Vannes. He permitted the inhabitants to enter as before, from eight till twelve in the morning, and from two till eight in the afternoon. He was eager in comforting all those who had aiy relations amongst us, and seemed to have no un~ easiness about our fate. I believe he really thought so. We already were indebted to him for the respite, besides, he did every thing to meliorate our situation. General le Moine had encamped the soldiers, who were prisoners, on the public walk, opposite to us. We could even be known by those of our regiment. We began to consider on means of escaping. It was necessary to find a house in the town where we could be received. The land- lady of one indicated to us, waited for us eight days : she slept on a mattrass behind the street door for that purpose. Two centinels were stationed very near us, and under our windows. One of the public days one of them said to his comrade, " I will lay a wager " I know the patriots from the royalists ;" and seeing a woman pass by whose appearance was noble, cried,