In the spring of 1832, despite three months of cholera that had halted people's spirits and cast a grim pall over their fervent emotions, Paris remained in a state of long-standing tension ready to erupt at any moment.
This great city was like a cannon, with gunpowder loaded, just waiting for a spark to ignite it. In June 1832, that spark fell as expected—General Lamarck died.
General Lamarck was a distinguished and accomplished man. He exhibited the courage needed during both the Imperial Era and the Bourbon Restoration: bravery on the battlefield and courage on the podium. His eloquent speech was as sharp as his youthful valor; people felt his words were like a sword. Like his predecessor, Foy, after raising the flag of command, he also raised the banner of freedom.
His death was anticipated. The people feared his death as a loss, and the government feared it as a crisis. This death brought grief. Like any suffering, grief could transform into rebellion.
