This emblem, like many similar ones received by the revolutions from the hand of chance, was a mystery even to those who wore it.

It had been adopted for the first time on the day of the triumph of the soldiers of Chateauvieux.

Some said it was the _coiffure_ of the galley-slaves, once infamous, but glorious since it had covered the brows of these martyrs of the insurrection; and they added that the people wished to purify this head-dress from every stain by wearing it themselves.

Others only saw in it the Phrygian bonnet, a symbol of freedom for slaves.
The _bonnet rouge_ had from its first appearance been the subject of dispute and dissension amongst the Jacobins; the _exaltes_ wore it, whilst the _moderes_ yet abstained from adopting it.

Dumouriez did not hesitate, but mounted the tribune, placed this sign of patriotism on his head, and at once assumed the emblem of the most prominent party, whilst this mute yet significant eloquence awakened a burst of enthusiasm on every side of the _Salle_.