“ The population of Paris is said to have been increased by hundreds of thousands, many of whom were glad to take shelter in garrets, kitchens, and stables. But the Regent Orleans had meanwhile caused the paper circulation of the national bank to be increased as the Mississippi scheme stock rose in value, and paper currency to the face value of 2,700,000,000 livres flooded the country. The result was that many wary speculators, foreseeing a crisis, secretly converted their paper and shares into gold, which they transmitted to England or Belgium for security. ”

“ The public enthusiasm became absolute frenzy, and while confidence lasted, a fictitious impulse was given to trade in Paris; the value of manufactures was increased fourfold, and the demand far exceeded the supply. ”