In this volume, as in those preceding it and in those to come, there will be found only the history of Public Authorities.

Others will write that of diplomacy, of war, of the finances, of the Church; my subject is a limited one.

To my great regret, however, this new part fills an entire volume; and the last part, on the revolutionary government, will be as long.
I have again to regret the dissatisfaction I foresee this work will cause to many of my countrymen.

My excuse is, that almost all of them, more fortunate than myself, have political principles which serve them in forming their judgments of the past.

I had none; if indeed, I had any motive in undertaking this work, it was to seek for political principles.