Kingston High School 1965 Yearbook (Kingston, NY) - Full Access

154 September 27, 1789 Dear Diary, I guess that is what I should call this, although it is merely a by– product of our little revolution over here. You see, many secret so– cities have cropped up, as much for protection as for anything else. This diary, or journal, as I now prefer to call it, will be my own per– sonal account of an initiation into a particular fraternity of peasants. I was a journalist before the fall of the Bastille, but my shop was con– fiscated by the Revolutionists and is now turning out much of their literature-! was fortunate enough to escape with my life. My present lack of income forces me to be "disguised" as a peasant, and my fear of being recognized and tried for opposing the Revolutionists' cause has led me to my decision to join this clandestine club, both to en– hance my status as a "loyal" peasant, and to preserve my precious life. My life is precious right now, you know. I have taken it upon myself to record this period in the history of France as accurately as possible. I am also greatly in love with a young Parisian Madame who herself has fallen a class or two. We have had a hard time trying to enjoy life since the start of the turmoil. We have made plans, though, which now must wait until later. Now, about this fraternity. First off, they call themselves the "Holy Brothers." I do not know where precisely they meet, but I be– lieve it is in a deserted home in the suburbs near the Rue de Mont– marte. We (meaning the candidates for initiation) are met in ob– scure cafes within the city, but I think they take us out of town and walk us through some fields and swamps before hoisting us onto horses and leading us back into the outskirts. I must compliment myself for having the foresight to print up false papers during the time leading up to the start of all this. The examining committee has asked for my personal documents, and my skill as a pririter has fooled even the highest officials. I did not lose my confidence even when they singled me out and questioned me aside from the others. They had a great quarrel over my eligibility, but I came through with flying colors. We took an oath of allegiance tonight, and tomorrow night we receive our initiation instructions. The only information we were given tonight was that the highest virtue of this brotherhood is courage, and that the initiation will test us in that area.