Meeiing of the Estates-General, 1780. 115 
Besides planning violence against the deputies, the court 
cabal was still suspected of plotting the downfall of Necker, in 
spite of the fact that on June 23 the king requested him not to 
retire and that he was, in a greater degree than ever before, the 
object of popular adoration." The sentiment of the people was 
evidently his’chief support. Although many deputies paid their 
respects to Necker during the demonstration on the evening of 
June 23 and although his letter to the assembly the next day 
had been enthusiastically received, contemporary accounts state 
that the national assembly was not seriously disturbed over 
his prospective retirement. Jefferson, who visited Versailles 
June 25, wrote to John Jay on his return: ‘‘The mass of the 
common chamber are absolutely indifferent to his remaining 
in office. They consider his head as unequal to the planning a 
good constitution and his fortitude [unequal] to a co-operation 
in the effecting it. His dismission is more credited today than 
it was yesterday. If it takes place, he will retain his popularity 
with the nation, as the members of the states will not think it 
important to set themselves against it, but, on the contrary, 
will be willing that he should continue on their side, on his 
retirement. The members of the states admit that Mr. Necker’s 
departure out of office will occasion a stoppage of public pay- 
ments. But they expect to prevent any very ill effect, by 
assuring the public against any loss, and by taking immediate 
measured for continuing payment.’’” 
The same day, Young observed in Paris: ‘‘The criticisms that 
are made on Mons. Necker’s conduct, even by his friends, if 
above the level of the people, are severe. It is positively asserted 
projet était formé de faire arréter trente députés et de disperser le reste.” 
Biauzat (II, 146) refers to the “‘ projet de faire arréter dix 4 douze d’entre 
nous, comme un grand comte l’avait proposé,”’ probably meaning the Comte 
d’Artois. 
1 Bulletins d'un agent secret, La rév. frangaise, XXIV, 70, 72, 74, 76. This 
witness of scenes in Paris refers time and again to the attitude of the Parisian 
crowd toward Necker. June 26 he wrote: ‘‘ M. Necker est consideré comme 
le saveur de la patrie, on ne parle que de lui, on prononce son nom avec at- 
tendrissement, jamais ministre n’a joui plus complétement de l’estime et de 
la reconnaissance de la nation.” 
12 Jefferson, II, 487. 
229 
