References. Clapham, Causes of the War of 1792, 76–82; Lecky, England in the Eighteenth Century, V, 556–558 (French Revolution, 326–328, 569); Von Sybel, French Revolution, 361–368: Cambridge Modern History, VIII, 398–399; Sorel, L’Europe et la révolution française, II, 252–264.
His Majesty, the Emperor, and his Majesty, the King of Prussia, having given attention to the wishes and representations of Monsieur (the brother of the King of France), and of M. le Comte d’Artois, jointly declare that they regard the present situation of His Majesty the King of France, as a matter of common interest to all the sovereigns of Europe. They trust that this interest will not fail to be recognized by the powers, whose aid is solicited, and that in consequence they will not refuse to employ, in conjunction with their said majesties, the most efficient means in proportion to their resources to place the King of France in a position to establish, with the most absolute freedom, the foundations of a monarchical form of government, which shall at once be in harmony with the rights of sovereigns and promote the welfare of the French nation. In that case [Alors et dans ce cas] their said majesties the Emperor and the King of Prussia are resolved to act promptly and in common accord with the forces necessary to obtain the desired common end.
In the meantime they will give such orders to their troops as are necessary in order that these may be in a position to be called into active service.
Pilnitz, August 27, 1791.
15. Constitution of 1791.
September 3, 1791. Duvergier, Lois, III, 239–255.
This constitution represents a large part of the labors of the Constituent Assembly. Many of its provisions had already been put into operation by separate decrees. It was given its final shape during the ten weeks following the return of the king to Paris and shows many traces of the conservative reaction of that period. A careful study of it will throw light upon many features of the revolution.
References. Lavisse and Rambaud, Histoire générale, VIII, 73–79; Cambridge Modern History, VIII, 176–183, 186–189, 200–210. Of contemporary estimates the most famous are Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France (a strongly adverse view), and Mackintosh's reply, Vindiciae Gallicae, or Defence of the French Revolution.
