The Fate of the Marquis de Favras

The year 1790 marked a pivotal and tragic moment in the French Revolution, a period of immense upheaval that saw the dismantling of the old order and the rise of new political ideologies. Amidst this maelstrom, the figure of Thomas de Mahy, the Marquis de Favras, emerged as a symbol of royalist resistance and a victim of the revolutionary fervour. His story, though perhaps lesser-known than some of the revolution's more prominent figures, offers a compelling glimpse into the paranoia, intrigue, and ultimate ruthlessness that characterised this transformative era. This article delves into the life, alleged conspiracy, trial, and execution of the Marquis de Favras, shedding light on his significant, albeit brief, role in the events of 1790.

Early Life and Career

Born on March 26, 1744, near Blois, Thomas de Mahy hailed from an ancient but impoverished noble family. From a young age, he displayed a military inclination, becoming a captain of dragoons at seventeen and gaining some experience during the concluding campaigns of the Seven Years' War. His military career continued when, in 1772, he secured a position as a first lieutenant in the Swiss Guards, serving Louis XVI's younger brother, the Comte de Provence. However, the significant expenses associated with his rank, equivalent to that of a colonel in the army, proved too burdensome, leading to his retirement in 1775.

In 1776, Favras married Victoria Hedwig Karoline, Princess of Anhalt-Bernburg-Schaumburg. Following her husband's desertion in 1749, her mother had sought refuge with her daughter at the home of Charles de Rohan, prince de Soubise. After his marriage, Favras embarked on a journey to Vienna with the aim of restoring his wife's rightful inheritance. He also spent time in Warsaw. A notable undertaking occurred in 1787 when he received authorisation to raise a "patriotic legion" to support the Dutch Republic in its conflict against the Stadtholder William V and his Prussian allies. This venture, however, did not alter his ultimate fate.

Involvement in Royalist Plots

Upon his return to Paris in 1789, the Marquis de Favras became deeply entrenched in the clandestine activities of royalists. His former employer, the Comte de Provence, was orchestrating plans aimed at preserving the monarchy and quelling the burgeoning French Revolution. To finance these ambitious endeavours, Provence, acting through his trusted gentleman, the Comte de la Châtre, commissioned Favras to secure a substantial loan of 2,000,000 French francs from Parisian bankers Schaumel and Sartorius. This financial arrangement was intended to fuel the royalist cause, but it inadvertently placed Favras at the centre of a dangerous web of conspiracy.

The Alleged Conspiracy and Arrest

The precarious situation for Favras escalated dramatically on December 23, 1789. A leaflet began circulating throughout Paris, alleging that Favras had been hired by the Comte de Provence to orchestrate a comprehensive plot against the French populace. The leaflet detailed a daring plan: the King, Queen, and their children were to be extracted from the Tuileries Palace and spirited out of the country. Subsequently, the Comte de Provence would be proclaimed regent with absolute authority. In tandem with this royal escape, a formidable force of 30,000 soldiers was reportedly tasked with encircling Paris. The alleged objective was to sow chaos, leading to the assassination of three prominent liberal leaders: Jacques Necker, the popular Finance Minister; Jean Sylvain Bailly, the Mayor of Paris; and the Marquis de La Fayette, commander of the city's National Guard. Following these decisive actions, the revolutionary capital was to be subdued through a crippling blockade of its food supplies.

The dissemination of this leaflet had immediate and severe consequences for Favras and his wife. They were arrested the very next day and confined to the Abbaye Prison. The gravity of the situation did not escape the Comte de Provence, who, fearing repercussions, swiftly moved to publicly disavow Favras. He delivered a speech before the Commune of Paris and penned a letter to the National Constituent Assembly, distancing himself from Favras's alleged actions. This disavowal, however, did little to save Favras from the unfolding legal proceedings.

Trial and Sentencing

Two weeks after their arrest, Favras and his wife were separated. Favras was subsequently transferred to the Grand Châtelet, a notorious prison and courthouse. His trial, which commenced shortly thereafter, proved to be a drawn-out affair, lasting nearly two months. The proceedings were marked by a distinct lack of clarity and a significant divergence in witness testimonies. Crucially, the evidence presented against Favras was widely considered to be insufficient. Even Sylvain Maréchal, the anarchist editor of the republican newspaper "Révolutions de Paris," conceded that the case against Favras lacked the necessary substantiation.

Adding to the volatile atmosphere was an attempted jailbreak on January 26. A group of royalists attempted to liberate Favras, but their efforts were thwarted by La Fayette and his National Guard. This incident, while unsuccessful, fuelled the suspicions of the Parisian populace and undoubtedly influenced the subsequent judicial outcome. Despite a compelling defence presented on his behalf, the Marquis de Favras was sentenced to be hanged on February 18, 1790.

Execution and Last Words

Following his sentencing, Favras was presented with an opportunity to provide further details about the conspiracy and its participants, particularly implicating the Comte d'Antraigues, in exchange for a reprieve. However, his request was denied, and he subsequently refused to divulge any further information. His sentence was carried out the following day in the Place de Grève. The execution was met with considerable enthusiasm by many Parisians, as it represented the first instance where the method of execution was applied equally to both nobles and commoners, signifying a break from the traditional privileges of the aristocracy.

In a moment that has been immortalised in historical accounts, as his death warrant was read aloud, the Marquis de Favras is reported to have calmly remarked, "I see that you have made three spelling mistakes." These final words, delivered with a touch of defiance and perhaps intellectual disdain, have cemented his place in the annals of the Revolution, highlighting a peculiar blend of courage and wit in the face of death.

Legacy

The Marquis de Favras was largely perceived as a martyr to the royalist cause, primarily due to his steadfast refusal to implicate the Comte de Provence. This loyalty did not go entirely unrewarded; Madame de Favras was granted a pension by Louis XVI. She eventually left France, and their son, Charles de Favras, went on to serve in the Habsburg and Imperial Russian armies. During the Bourbon Restoration, Charles received a stipend from Louis XVIII. Their daughter, Caroline, married Rudiger, Freiherr von Stillfried und Rathenitz, in 1805.

The official records pertaining to Favras's trial for high treason against the nation mysteriously vanished from the Châtelet. However, the essence of the proceedings and the evidence presented have been preserved through the papers of a court clerk, ensuring that the story of the Marquis de Favras continues to be accessible to historians and enthusiasts of this tumultuous period.

Key Figures and Events in 1790

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who was the Marquis de Favras?
A1: Thomas de Mahy, Marquis de Favras, was a French aristocrat and military officer who became involved in royalist plots during the French Revolution. He was executed in 1790.

Q2: What was the alleged plot Favras was involved in?
A2: The alleged plot involved rescuing the King and Queen, declaring the Comte de Provence regent, assassinating key revolutionary leaders, and starving Paris into submission.

Q3: Why was Favras executed?
A3: He was convicted of plotting against the people of France, specifically for his involvement in the royalist conspiracy aimed at overthrowing the revolutionary government.

Q4: What were the Marquis de Favras's last words?
A4: Upon hearing his death sentence, he is reported to have said, "I see that you have made three spelling mistakes."

Q5: How is the Marquis de Favras remembered?
A5: He is often remembered as a martyr to the royalist cause for his loyalty and refusal to betray the Comte de Provence.

The story of the Marquis de Favras serves as a potent reminder of the intense political climate and the high stakes involved during the French Revolution. His execution in 1790, a consequence of alleged treasonous activities, highlights the revolutionary government's determination to eliminate perceived threats to its authority. While the specifics of the plot remain debated among historians, Favras's fate underscores the dangers faced by those who opposed the revolution or were perceived to be associated with the old regime.