_Te Deum_ was then sung by a choir of more than three hundred voices, accompanied by three hundred drums, and all the military musical instruments.
The ceremony being over, the king went away almost immediately.
The procession moved off in the order in which it entered.
The people walked home as they came, without crowding; and in little more than an hour the place was cleared.
A repast for the deputies was served up at the _Chateau de la Muette_. Each battalion of Parisian guards undertook to be entertainers of their provincial brethren, who all partook of the repast with the utmost order.
Thirty thousand persons dined in the gardens, and wine and provisions were distributed to more than one hundred thousand. The people were so temperate, that I cannot learn that any of the troops were seen at night reeling about the streets, in a state of intoxication.
The day concluded with dances in all places near the _Champ de Mars_. In the evening a superb fire-work was exhibited in the square of the _Hotel de Ville_; and at night there was a general illumination.
This is the most accurate account that I have been able to obtain of the proceedings of the king and the people.
As it is thought there were more people collected together upon this occasion then ever met at one time and place in the world, and as some people are desirous of having a particular description of the transactions of the day; it is hoped the reader will excuse the author for being more than usually copious in the incidents treated of throughout this chapter.
_Inquiry is made whether the_ Doctor _had Recommendations, &c.--His Advice to Gentlemen and Ladies.--He is visited by a Physician to the Court of Spain.--Views the Place where the Bastille stood.--How that Place was taken, and the Governor and other Officers executed._
This morning the gentleman who had put up at the hotel with me, asked if I had any letters of recommendation from any gentlemen in London, to any in Paris? I told him I had not: that I had had the offer of some, but for the want of time did not go to receive them: That as I could not tarry long, and had money enough to bear my expences, I believed that _that_ would be recommendation enough, if I behaved well. I had though, by the way, a general recommendation from some gentlemen of my acquaintance, but it was not directed to any body in particular in Paris; and I also had a diploma in my pocket, which was a sufficient recommendation, in any quarter of the globe; but I did not let the inquirer know I had any such thing with me. He seemed to think I would cut but a poor figure without recommendations; but as it happened I had no need of shewing any--though I would not advise any gentleman or lady to travel without; because a recommendation may be of great service sometimes, and especially in a time of war.