Page:The Rebellion in the Cevennes (Volume 1).djvu/16

Rh to it, moveable columns were formed, which marched from a given point in every direction, upon which again detachments were ordered to remain as a reserve, to succour those who might make head against the enemy in the open field. Those, who were made prisoners with arms in their hands, were either killed on the spot, or hanged, or broken on the wheel in Alais, Nismes, and St. Hippolyte. Villars succeeded so far, that already on the 10th of May, Cavalier gave up the cause of the Camisards as lost, and concluded a treaty, wherein he promised to surrender with his party on condition that they should obtain liberty of conscience and the right to assemble privately without the towns for the service of God, that the prisoners should be set free, the emigrated recalled, and the confiscated estates and privileges restored. On the 22nd the confirmation of the treaty arrived from Paris, and at the same time permission for Cavalier to form a regiment in the King's pay. In the meanwhile, however, the affair rapidly took another turn, particularly in consequence of the activity of Dutch emissaries, who brought money and weapons, and promised the support of their republic. Cavalier had gone to Anglade to superintend the organization of this regiment, when the wild peasantry, excited by his lieutenant and inspired by their prophets, set out and marched into the neighbouring woods, declaring firmly, the King should restore the edict of Nantes, without which there was no security for them. At length, however, Villars succeeded by his personal influence and by cutting off from them all means of subsistence, to bring them under subjection. Many of them fled and entered into the