M.Necker, offended by the statements of his successor, who questioned the truthfulness of the Report, addressed explanatory notes to the several committees of the Assembly.

He had already, in 1784, published an important work in explanation and support of his financial system; the success of the book had been immense; in spite of the prohibition issued, at first, against the sale, but soon tacitly withdrawn, the three volumes had sold, it was said, to the extent of eighty thousand copies.

In 1787, the late director-general asked leave to appear before the Assembly of notables to refute the statements of M.
de Calonne; permission was refused.

"I am satisfied with your services," the king sent word to him, "and I command you to keep silence." A pamphlet, without any title, was however sent to the notables.

"I served the king for five years," said M.Necker, "with a zeal which knew no limits the duties I had taken upon myself were the only object of my solicitude.