elves. Although the whole thing was little more than a
reconnaissance, its effect has been electrical. The battalions of the
National Guard sing the Marseillaise as of old, and everyone is full of
confidence. Some of the officers who were engaged tell me that the
Mobiles really did show coolness under fire, and that they fought well
with the bayonet in the village of Bagneux. Between carrying an advanced
post and forcing the Prussian army to raise the siege, there is of
course a slight difference, but I see no reason why these strong,
healthy peasants should not become excellent troops. What they want are
commanders who are old soldiers, and would force them to submit to
regular discipline. The _Official Gazette_ contains the following
decree: "Every officer of the National Guard whose antecedents are of a
nature to compromise the dignity of the epaulette, and the consideration
of the corps in which he has been elected, can be revoked. The same
punishment may be inflicted upon those officers who render themselves
guilty of continuous bad conduct, or of acts wanting in delicacy. The
revocation will be pronounced by the Government upon a report of the
Minister of War." If the Government has enough determination to carry
out this decree, the National Guard will greatly profit by it.

Yesterday evening at the Folies Bergeres a demonstration was made
against the Princes of the Orleans family, who are said to be in command
of an army at Rouen. It was determined to send a deputation to the
Government on the subject. This move is important, as the Folies
Bergeres is rather the rendezvous of the Moderate Republicans than of
the Ultras.

A letter from Havre, dated October 4, has been received, in which it is
stated that the ex-Emperor has issued an address to the nation. I do not
know what his chances of restoration are in the provinces, but here
they are absolutely hopeless. The Napoleonic legend was founded upon
victories. Since the name of Napoleon has been coupled with the
capitulation of Sedan, it is loathed as much as it once was adulated.
Apart from his personal following, Napoleon III. has not 100 adherents
in Paris.

_October 15th._

Colonel Loyd Lindsay arrived here yesterday morning with L20,000 for the
ambulances, and leaves to-morrow with the Comte de Flavigny, the
President of the Ambulance Internationale. Mr. Herbert is getting
anxious respecting the future of the destitute English still here; and
with all d