rupted by them again, they had not patience to hear me, but I entreated them to let me say one word more; and I made a solemn appeal to them, to the intent that they should well consider, before deciding against resistance, how many thousands of souls would probably be lost. The poor creatures unable to bear the sufferings inflicted by their cruel persecutors, would be almost sure to yield and abjure their faith, but if we could put arms in their hands, they would willingly shed their blood, and sacrifice their lives, in defence of the truth.
The meeting was not disposed to heed my counsel; I was rather considered to be an impetuous, headstrong youth, and we separated, without deciding upon any line of action.
When the dragoons made their appearance in our province, they were for a time kept away from the sea-coast. They had orders to overrun all the other districts first, and hence a rumor became current that sailors were to be spared.
The Intendant of Rochefort sent a letter to Royan, recommending the people to change without dragoons. A large meeting was held to deliberate upon the preparation of a suitable answer to this smooth letter. My voice was raised, as you may suppose, in favor of resistance. I said I was convinced that we could rally around us a party strong enough to possess ourselves of Rochefort and Brouage, in less than a week.
They would not listen to me; and I verily believe that nothing short of the feeling of regard for myself individually, and the respect for my family generally entertained throughout the neighborhood, would have prevented some who heard me from giving information, and handing me over to justice.
They concocted a reply to the letter, without my aid; the tenor of it was, that they would obey the King in all things
