I believe a heavy gale
of wind would have disconnected all these warriors from their chargers.
I fully recognise the fact that the leaders of the ouvriers talk a great
deal of nonsense, and that they are actuated as much by personal
ambition as by patriotism; but it is certain that the individual working
man is the only reality in this population of corrupt and emasculated
humbugs; everyone else is a windbag and a sham.

A decree has been issued, informing all who have no means of subsistence
that they will receive a certain amount of bread per diem upon
application at their respective mairies. We are also told that if we
wish to make puddings of the blood of oxen, we must mix pigs' blood with
it, otherwise it will be unwholesome.

It has been showery to-day, and I never have witnessed a more dismal
Sunday in Paris. A pigeon from. Gambetta's balloon has returned, but
this foolish bird lost _en route_ the message which was attached to its
neck.

CHAPTER VI.

_October 10th._

It is very curious how close, under certain conditions of wind and
temperature, the cannonade appears to be, even in the centre of the
town. This morning I was returning home at about two o'clock, when I
heard a succession of detonations so distinctly, that I literally went
into the next street, as I imagined that a house must be falling down
there. It is said that the palace of St. Cloud has been destroyed.

As well as I can learn, General Burnside came into Paris mainly to
discuss with Mr. Washburne the possibility of the American families who
are still here being allowed to pass the Prussian lines. He saw Jules
Favre, but, if he attempted any species of negotiation, it could have
led to nothing, as we are so absolutely confident that the Army of the
Loire will in a few days cut off the Prussian supplies, and we are so
proud of our attitude, that I really believe if Jules Favre were to
consent to pay a war indemnity as a condition of peace, he and his
friends would be driven from power the next day.

Having nothing particularly to boast of to-day, the newspapers request
the world to be good enough to turn its eyes upon Gambetta traversing
space in a balloon. A nation whose Minister is capable of this heroic
feat must eventually drive the enemy from its soil. The _Figaro_, in
fact, hints that in all probability peace will be signed at Berlin at no
very distant date. The _Gaulois_, a comparatively sensible newspaper,
thus deals with