“London was ordered to be illuminated, and detachments of French Dragoons paraded the principal streets, and squares, all night. “_11 Thermidor._ “BONAPARTE, at five o’clock in the morning, reviewed the French troops on the Esplanade at the Horse Guards. A Council was afterwards held, at which the following Proclamations were drawn up, and ordered to be posted in every part of the City: “‘BY ORDER OF THE FIRST CONSUL. “‘PROCLAMATION. “‘_St. James’s Palace._ “‘Inhabitants of London, be tranquil. The Hero, the Pacificator, is come among you. His moderation, and his mercy, are too well known to you. He delights in restoring peace and liberty to all mankind. Banish all alarms. Pursue your usual occupations. Put on the habit of joy and gladness. “‘The FIRST CONSUL orders, “‘That all the Inhabitants of London and Westminster remain in their own houses for three days. “‘That no molestation shall be offered to the measures which the French Soldiers will be required to execute. “‘All persons disobeying these Orders, will be immediately carried before the Minister of Police. “‘(_Signed_) BONAPARTE. “‘The Minister of Police, FOUCHÉ.’ “‘Proclamation. “‘_To the French Soldiers._ “‘Soldiers! BONAPARTE has led you to the Shores, and the Capital of this proud island. He promised to reward his brave companions in arms. He promised to give up the Capital of the British Empire to pillage. Brave Comrades, take your reward. London, the second Carthage, is given up to pillage for three days. “‘(_Signed_) BONAPARTE. “‘The Minister of War, par interim, ANGEREAU.’ * * * * * “The acclamations of the French Soldiery—_Vive Bonaparte_—_le Héros_—_le Pacificateur_—_le Magnanime_—resound through every street. “12th, 13th, 14th _Thermidor_. “LONDON PILLAGED! The doors of private houses forced. Bands of drunken soldiers dragging wives, and daughters, from the hands of husbands and fathers. Many husbands, who had the _temerity_ to resist, butchered in the presence of their Children. Flames seen in a hundred different places, bursting from houses which had been set fire to, by the _vivacity_ of the troops. Churches broken open, and the Church plate plundered—the pews and altars converted into Stabling. Four Bishops murdered, who had taken refuge in Westminster Abbey—the screams of women and of children mix with the cries of the Soldiers—_Vive la Republique! Vive Bonaparte!_ “St. Martin’s Church converted into a _depôt_ for the property acquired by the pillage of the Soldiery. “_15 Thermidor_. “A proclamation published by the FIRST CONSUL, promising _protection_ to the inhabitants. “The houses of the principal Nobility and Gentry appropriated to the use of the French Generals. Every house is required to furnish so many rations of bread and meat for the troops.