The firing began at ten o'clock in the morning, and at four o'clock in the afternoon it was going on with unabated fury.
At four o'clock, however, a servant carrying a flag of truce appeared; he brought a letter from Descombiez, Fremont, and Folacher, who styled themselves "Captains commanding the towers of the Castle." It was couched in the following words:-- "To the Commandant of the troops of the line, with the request that the contents be communicated to the militia stationed in the Esplanade.
"SIR,--We have just been informed that you are anxious for peace.

We also desire it, and have never done anything to break it.

If those who have caused the frightful confusion which at present prevails in the city are willing to bring it to an end, we offer to forget the past and to live with them as brothers.
"We remain, with all the frankness and loyalty of patriots and Frenchmen, your humble servants, "The Captains of the Legion of Nimes, in command of the towers of the Castle, "FROMENT, DESCOMBIEZ, FOLACHER NIMES, the 14th June 1790, 4.00 P.M." On the receipt of this letter, the city herald was sent to the towers to offer the rebels terms of capitulation.

The three "captains in command" came out to discuss the terms with the commissioners of the electoral body; they were armed and followed by a great number of adherents.
However, as the negotiators desired peace before all things, they proposed that the three chiefs should surrender and place themselves in the hands of the Electoral Assembly.

This offer being refused, the electoral commissioners withdrew, and the rebels retired behind their fortifications.