MURAT AN OFFICER.

309

phy, or a knowledge of the social science. He inclined toviolence (which is not republican) and arbitrary measures,which no feeling of retaliation can really justify. But hisfears like those of many other well meaning men, were ex-cited for the safety of the new institutions which were thenassailed on every side by foreign interference and perfidiouscourt intrigue. Brave, frank, and explicit, he was, how-ever, equally benevolent, and an enemy to political persecu-tion. No blood was ever shed by him but in the field ofbattle.

In consequence of some speech delivered by Murat at ameeting of a club in Paris , he was denounced to the“ Committee of Public Safety ” as a dangerous character,llei’e again his friend Cavaignac, then a member of theConvention, stepped forth to aid him. The denunciationwas erased from out the registers, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel of the 21st. light-horse, and Aide-de-camp toGeneral Ilurre.

And now arrived the moment that decided on his futuredestinies. When the ‘■‘sections” of Paris rose up in armsagainst the supreme authority (the Convention), Murat withhis regiment, happened to be at Paris. Napoleon Buona-parte having been chosen as the defender of the totteringrepublic, despatched Murat with two hundred of hiscavalry to the Sablons, for the purpose of bringing intoParis during the night of the 12th Vendemial, twentypieces of cannon which were there deposited. The orderwas promptly executed, but as Murat was re-entering Paris ,he was met by the army of revolters, which was on its wayto the Sablons, for the very purpose that had been justeffected by Murat, who, notwithstanding all their efforts,kept possession of his prizes. Next day these guns spreadconsternation and death amongst the attackers of the go-vernment ; the authority of the Convention was restored, the