This part of Paris is now completely changed: but at the time I speak
of, it was an extensive open place, where every species of fun was carried
on, as at fairs: there were gambling, rope-dancing, wild beasts, and
shows; booths for the sale of cakes, gingerbread, fruit, and lemonade;
and every species of attraction that pleases the multitude; but that
space has now been built upon, and these sports have all migrated to
the barriers.

During the time our troops remained, we had only one man found dead
in the streets: it was said that he had been murdered; but of that there
was considerable doubt, for no signs of violence were found. This was
strongly in contrast to what occurred to the Prussian soldiers. It was
asserted, and, indeed, proved beyond a doubt, that numbers of them were
assassinated; and in some parts of France it was not unusual to find
in the morning, in deep wells or cellars, several bodies of soldiers
of that nation who had been killed during the night; so strong was the
hatred borne against them by the French.


COACHING AND RACING IN 1815


Stage-coaches, or four-in-hand teams, were introduced in Paris in 1815
by Captain Bacon, of the 10th Hussars (afterwards a general in the Portuguese
service), Sir Charles Smith, Mr. Roles, the brewer, and Arnold, of
the 10th. They used to meet opposite Demidoff's house, afterwards the
Cafe de Paris, and drive to the Boulevard Beaumarchais, and then back
again, proceeding to the then unfinished Arc du Triomphe. Crowds assembled
to witness the departure of the teams; and it created no little amusement
to the Parisian to see perched upon Sir C. Smith's coach one or two