The boulevards were like all the other streets, brilliantly illuminated, with immense
             numbers of people walking up and down on this late February evening. Men, women, and
             children were rejoicing, as the terrible struggles of the day had ceased. Near the Hotel des
             Capucines there was a heavy force of military troops, who’’s main purpose seemed to be
             directing traffic. All was tranquil for some time; presently a column of unarmed students
             and artisans marched down the boulevard singing. Suddenly a shot echoed throughout the
             city, an entire squadron of troops charged the crowd with muskets blazing and swords
             drawn. Percy B. St John was an eyewitness to the events herein described; the following
             was taken from his notes compiled at the time. ““The sight was awful. Husbands were
             seen dragging their fainting wives from the massacre; fathers snatching up their children,
             with pale faces and clenched teeth, hurried away to put their young ones in safety, and
             then to come out in arms against the monarchy. Women clung to railings, trees, or to a
             wall, or fell fainting on the stones…… Afterwards Utter strangers would be seen shaking
             hands and congratulating one another on their escape.””1 Shortly after the deputy
             General, commanding the National Guard was on the spot making inquiries into the cause
             of this most tragic and atrocious event. The Deputy addressed the Colonel, who
             commanded the squadron with this remark...””you have committed an action, unworthy
             of a French soldier.”” The Colonel, overwhelmed with shame, replied that the order to
             fire was a mistake. Apparently a soldiers gun had gone off, accidentally striking his
             horse’’s leg in the process. The Colonel, thinking he was under attack, gave the order to
             discharge. At this the Deputy replied, ““you are soldier, I believe in your good faith; but
             ...