The room was hung with carbines, horse pistols, daggers and a pike--proper symbols of his trade. I mentioned that as I had a lady with me, I had taken the liberty of asking the officer to present my letter of introduction at an early hour, hoping, from the known politeness of the French, she might have experienced the indulgence always conceded to her sex. MENGOUD. The orders of the Government make no distinction of sex. MYSELF. I am aware a law is general, but I flattered myself there might be some discretionary power in the person entrusted with its execution. MENGOUD. There is no power vested in any hands but those of the Government of France. MYSELF. I recollect an instance of the same kind which occurred while I was in the garrison at Douvi, a fortified town. MENGOUD. Examples drawn from the ancient Tyranny cannot apply to the Republic. MYSELF. Will this regulation continue? MENGOUD. It is all the same to me. MYSELF. Shall I experience any difficulties on my route to Paris? MENGOUD. None. MYSELF. When may I depart? MENGOUD. Now, if you choose. Here he called his secretary, ordered him to bring up my passport, which he instantly signed, and after having desired me to proceed to the Municipality for countersignment, with a profound bow gave me leave to depart. As soon as I had despatched my business at the Municipality I returned to the “Lion d’Argent,” and found I had another ceremony to go through at the Custom House, our portmanteaux had not been visited. Accordingly I hastened thither, and after a most rigid search had been made, and I had chastised one of the officers for strutting about wearing my cocked hat for the amusement of his fellows, my things were removed to the inn. While our property was being repacked, and the horses sent for, I paid a visit to a respectable merchant I had known some years before, and who had survived the havoc of the Revolution. The information I received from him will form the subject of my next letter. II CHARACTER OF THE CITIZENS OF CALAIS Calais is one of the very few French towns which escaped the horrors of the Revolution. This circumstance is the more remarkable because from its vicinity to England and the attachment borne by its inhabitants to our countrymen, it became an object of suspicion to the Committee of Public Safety. To the firmness and humanity of one man who filled the office of mayor, and to the unblemished character of the persons who composed the Municipality, do the citizens of Calais owe the preservation of their lives and properties.