To Benjamin Mosley October 1, 1792

1792

Oct. 1, 1 Year of the Republic.

PARIS,

You have before this time heard that the National Convention met punctual to the day appointed. The Members verified their powers on the 20th and met in Convention the 21st ult. The first business done was to abolish the bagatelle of Royalty which was decreed unanimously. This day the Convention will appoint a Committee of Constitution to consist of nine Members, who are to bring in a plan of the new Constitution. Affairs are turning round fast, the Prussion Army with Frederic and Brunswick at its head are about fourteen miles from Verdun, on the road towards Chilons. They are now very nearly in the condition that Burgoyne was in, in America. The King of Prussia has proposed to negotiate. It is I believe over with him as to any further operations. He says that he has been deceived by the Emigrants, expresses his astonishment at the vast Armies that surrounded him, and I believe, would think himself well off to get back again. Show this to our friend Fitzgerald.

THOMAS PAINE.