The arrival of King Louis XVIII in Paris, known in Nismes on April 13, 1814, initially brought widespread joy, which Protestants shared, hoping for improved commerce after the war. However, this optimism quickly dissolved as figures like M. Froment returned, leading to a rapid resurgence of intense religious intolerance, reminiscent of the 16th century.

A clear line of distinction was immediately drawn between people based on their religious beliefs. Being Protestant became a mark of suspicion, overriding other factors and determining an individual's "esteem and safety." This division affected daily life, causing Catholic domestics to treat Protestant employers with reluctance.

Protestants faced escalating hostility in public. Their absence from official events was deemed proof of disloyalty. The Protestant mayor, M. Castletan, was publicly attacked with potatoes and demands for his resignation, amidst cries of "Vive le Roi!" mingled with "Down with the mayor."

The atmosphere became saturated with threats and violence. Mobs seized Protestants, singing chilling verses about washing their hands in Protestant blood. People of rank openly called for the killing of all Huguenots, including children. Protestants were chased from public areas and explicitly told legal protections like the charter would be useless. Daily intimidation included stones thrown at windows, gibbets drawn on doors, and Catholics displaying soaped cords and gallows models. Even a regiment protecting Protestants was publicly insulted. This period saw Protestants feeling like they were "as sheep destined for the slaughter."

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