Letter from Robespierre to Buissart

from Paris, 30 November 1791

(translation by Kate Hendry)

Dear Friend,

I arrived in Paris the day before yesterday. I have been to the evening Jacobin meeting where I was welcomed with such profound display of kindness that I was surprised, despite all the evidence of the affection of the people of Paris and the Jacobins to which I have grown accustomed. I supped that same evening at Petion’s residence. With what joy we saw each other again! With what delight we embraced! Petion is in the haughty hotel where the Cronés and the Lenoirs are staying; but his mind remains unaffected and pure: such a choice of abode only suffered because of the Revolution. The burden he has to bear is immense; but I do not doubt that the love of the people and his virtues will give him the necessary means to bear it. I shall supp with him this evening. This is the only time we can see each other as family and talk at liberty.

Public opinion seems to me to have made rapid progress here, at least the ministerial party has been unveiled, and the D’Andrés, the Barnaves and the Duports crushed by public contempt. The name Feuillans no longer incites anything but ridicule. The veto helped a lot, they say, to revive public spirit; and the proclamation has not been sufficient to justify it to the judgment of public opinion. It is not that the good citizens are no longer concerned about the enemy’s plans for freedom; but I am led to believe that it will succeed in it new efforts; I find great resources in the current National Assembly which I see, contrary to most people’s opinion, as highly superior to that which preceded it.

Thus I think for the present; time will reveal everything; it changes nothing in the friendship that I devote to you; when I say you, I speak of course of Madame and Monsieur. My heart does not separate that which God has united. I embrace you in Arras as best as I can from Paris, and the distance seems infinite to me at this moment. Remember me to your good neighbours, and send them my affections.

ROBESPIERRE