On the 31st of July, a rumor is spread that the brigands are coming.

On the 1st of August the peasants arm themselves.

"They amuse themselves by drinking, awaiting the arrival of the brigands; the excitement increases to such an extent as to make them believe that M.le Comte d'Espinchal had arrived in disguise the evening before at Massiac, that he was the author of the troubles disturbing the province at this time, and that he was concealed in his chateau." On the strength of this shots are fired into the windows, and there are searches, etc.] [Footnote 1331: "Archives Nationales," D, XXIX, I, Letter of Etienne Fermier, Naveinne, September 18th (it is possible that the author, for the sake of caution, took a fictitious name) .-- The manuscript correspondence of M.Boulle, deputy of Pontivy, to his constituents, is a type of this declamatory and incendiary writing .-- Letter of the consuls, priests, and merchants of Puy-en-Velay, September 16th.--" The Ancient Regime," p.

396.] [Footnote 1332: "Archives Nationales," D.XXIX.1.

Letter of M.
Despretz-Montpezat, a former artillery officer, July 24th (with several other signatures).