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Memoirs of the Court of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, Volume 6

by Mme. Campan (1752–1822)

  • Free to read
  • 2 hours to read
  • 4 chapters
  • Reading level: 8th & 9th grade

"Memoirs of the Court of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, Volume 6" by Mme. Campan is a historical account written during the early 19th century. This volume recounts the unfolding events and intrigues surrounding Queen Marie Antoinette, particularly focusing on the lead-up to the royal family's attempt to escape Paris amidst the turbulent atmosphere of revolutionary France. With firsthand observations, the author provides insights into the personal lives, challenges, and tactical decisions faced by the royal family during this tumultuous time. The opening of the memoir discusses pivotal moments in the spring of 1791, beginning with King Louis XVI's frustration with their confinement at the Tuileries and his plans to return to St. Cloud, which were thwarted by a mutinous guard. As preparations for their departure intensify, Queen Marie Antoinette, despite risks, is determined to assemble a wardrobe and jewelry for their presumed escape to Brussels. Madame Campan, the Queen's first lady-in-waiting, is tasked with executing secret orders for this escape, highlighting both the urgency and underlying peril of their situation. The narrative portrays the tension felt by Campan as she navigates the royal family's actions and the threats posed by the increasingly watchful revolutionary populace.

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  • France · Court and courtiers
  • Marie Antoinette, Queen, consort of Louis XVI, King of France, 1755-1793

Read the opening

Chapter V

In the beginning of the spring of 1791, the King, tired of remaining at the Tuileries, wished to return to St. Cloud. His whole household had already gone, and his dinner was prepared there. He got into his carriage at one; the guard mutinied, shut the gates, and declared they would not let him pass. This event certainly proceeded from some suspicion of a plan to escape. Two persons who drew near the King's carriage were very ill treated. My father-in-law was violently laid hold of by the guards, who took his sword from him. The King and his family were obliged to alight and return to their apartments.

They did not much regret this outrage in their hearts; they saw in it a justification, even in the eyes of the people, of their intention to leave Paris.

So early as the month of March in the same year, the Queen began to busy herself in preparing for her departure. I spent that month with her, and executed a great number of secret orders which she gave me respecting the intended event. It was with uneasiness that I saw her occupied with cares which seemed to me useless, and even dangerous, and I remarked to her that the Queen of France would find linen and gowns everywhere. My observations were made in vain; she determined to have a complete wardrobe with her at Brussels, as well for her children as herself. I went out alone and almost disguised to purchase the articles necessary and have them made up.

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Contents

  1. Volume 6
  2. Chapter V
  3. Chapter VI
  4. Chapter VII
  5. Chapter VIII

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About this edition

This free edition of Memoirs of the Court of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, Volume 6 by Mme. Campan comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #3889, released 2004-12-04. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Biographies, History - European, History - Modern (1750+), History - Royalty.

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