[*] /Chauffeurs/.This name applies to royalists who robbed the mail-coaches conveying government funds, and levied tribute on those who bought the confiscated property of /emigres/ at the West.When the Thermidorian reaction began, after the fall of Robespierre, other companies of royalists, chiefly young nobles who had not emigrated, were formed at the South and East under various names, such as "The Avengers," and "The Company of Jehu," who stopped the diligences containing government money, which they transmitted to Brittany and La Vendee for the support of the royalist troops.
They regarded this as legitimate warfare, and were scrupulous not to touch private property.When captured, however, they were tried and executed as highwaymen.--TR.
"Between Mortagne and Rennes, and even beyond, as far as the banks of the Loire, nocturnal expeditions were organized, which attacked, especially in Normandy, the holders of property bought from the National domain.[*] These armed bands sent terror throughout those regions.I am not misleading you when I ask you to observe that in certain departments the action of the laws was for a long time paralyzed.
[*] The National domain was the name given to the confiscated property of the /emigres/, which was sold from time to time at auction to the highest bidder.--TR.