The king, from a religious scruple, had for too long suspended the execution of the decree of reunion.

Trembling to infringe upon the domain of the church, he deferred his decision, and his impolitic delays gave time for crimes.
France was represented in Avignon by mediators.

The provisional authority of these mediators was supported by a detachment of troops of the line.

The power, entirely municipal, was confided to the dictatorship of the municipality.

The populace, excited and agitated, was divided into the French or revolutionary party, and the party opposed to the reunion by France and the Revolution.