(About the Author)

Hans Axel von Fersen (1755-1810) was a Swedish-French soldier and diplomatic agent who became a close friend of Queen Marie Antoinette, during the early 1780s and went on to work for the counter-revolutionary movement after 1789. After Antoinette's execution in 1793, von Fersen wrote about her every year on the anniversary of her death until his own death in 1810. Many scholars have concluded that he must have been in love with her. His diary recounts his political movements during this time and provides us with valuable historical insight into the political climate in France at the end of the 18th century.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

(TITLE PAGE)

The Diary of Hans von Axel Fersen

Thanks to the fine scholarship of Melissa St. John at the University of Michigan, this significant historical document has been uncovered and translated into English.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

(PAGE 75) Chapter 3: The Revolution

June 3, 1791 -- The trouble in France continues to mount. The revolutionaries have forced the King and Queen to return to the Tuileries in Paris, where they are living like virtual prisoners. I am working with the counter-revolutionaries to help the royal couple escape to England.

June 18, 1791 -- Everything is arranged! False passports, a carriage, disguises! Just after midnight on Tuesday, the King and Queen, dressed as servants, will slip out of the city by coach. I will be their driver. I have instructed Marie to bring her jewels with her. If they are stopped, she may be able to bargain with the revolutionaries, her diamonds for her life. I can have no peace until I know that she is safe beyond the treachery of the Revolution.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

(PAGE 76) Chapter 3: The Revolution

June 27, 1791 -- Alas! What a cursed night! I had not expected that Commander Le Boeuf, Marie's most outspoken enemy, would be present at the check point in Vareenes. Marie tried to negotiate, but that scoundrel took her jewels and threw her at the mercy of his revolutionary apes, anyway! I was helpless to stop him. She and Louis were escorted back to Paris like common criminals. The situation is grim indeed.

July 1, 1791 -- I still cannot speak to the Queen, as she is kept under fulltime surveillance. I am awaiting orders from Vienna as to what to do next, but I fear that it may be too late to save Marie or her husband. The thought of her suffering destroys me.