Liberty Day History Display from 2010--pt. 12

The Faithful Remnant

Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.

And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. (Ezra 9:7-8 KJV)

Just as God preserved a remnant in Israel, so He did in the chaos of the French Revolution. The region of La Vendee revolted when her ministers and bishops were required to be licensed and approved by the state. They were also concerned about being drafted for the Revolutionary army. The Vendeans began an armed counter-revolution against the revolutionaries. Several battles were fought until the Vendean counter-revolution was at last brutally crushed. One Revolutionary general boasted of the slaughter not only of Vendean fighting men, but also of women, children, and those who surrendered. While Vendee was pacified, another group known as the Chouans (Tawny Owls) continued the fight. Though the region was now disarmed, their dauntless spirit had not been quenched. During Napoleon’s last bid at power, known as the “Hundred Days,” Vendeans refused to support him and Napoleon sent an army to fight them while he marched to Waterloo.

For an account of the War in the Vendee see No Surrender! by G. A. Henty.

This badge would be worn by a loyal Vendean, either an officer or a foot-soldier. “Dieu le Roi” translates to “God the King”