Dumouriez insisted as much as the Girondists in obtaining this sanction.

The king was inflexible.

In vain did Dumouriez represent to him that by refusing legal measures against the nonjuring priests he exposed the priests to massacre, and thus made himself responsible for all the blood that might be shed.

In vain did they represent to him that this refusal would render the ministry unpopular, and thus deprive them of all hope of saving the monarchy.

In vain did they appeal to the queen, and implore her, by her feelings as a mother, to bend the king to their wishes.