[57] It is most amusing to hear D'Aurelles chaffing Trochu without perceiving that he is just as ridiculous. In his evidence (_Enquete sur le 4 Septembre_, vol. iii. p. 201) he says: "I did not deposit either a plan or a testament at a lawyer's; I confined myself to writing to the Bishop of Orleans: Monsignor, the army of the Loire to-day sets out on its march to meet the army of General Ducrot. Pray, Monsignor, for the salvation of France." [58] And what other name is merited by the general who abandoned his post in the field to go and negotiate with the sovereign whom France had expelled? [59] _Enquete sur le 4 Septembre_, Rolland, vol. iii. p. 456. [60] Ibid., Dalloz, vol. iv. p. 398. [61] If General Boyer, who saw the letter, is to be believed, the Delegation of Tours on the 24th October made officious advances to the Empress, and then gave the order to the charge-d'affaires at London to go and thank her for the patriotism that she had shown in refusing to treat with Bismarck, who trifled with her as well as with Bazaine. See _Enquete sur le 4 Septembre_, vol. iv. p. 258. [62] _Enquete sur le 4 Septembre_, Admiral Jaureguiberry, vol. iii. p. 297. CHAPTER I. "Le chef du pouvoir executif, pas plus que l'Assemblee Nationale, s'appuyant l'un sur l'autre et se fortifiant l'un par l'autre, n'avaient en aucune maniere provoque l'insurrection parisienne."--_Discours de M. Dufaure contre l'Amnistie_, _Seance du 18 Mai 1876._ FIRST ATTACKS OF THE COALITION AGAINST PARIS--THE BATTALIONS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD FEDERALISE AND SEIZE THEIR CANNON--THE PRUSSIANS ENTER PARIS. The invasion has brought back the "Chambre introuvable" of 1816. After having dreamt of a regenerated France soaring towards the light, to feel oneself hurled back half a century, under the yoke of the Jesuits of the Congregation, of the brutal rurals! There were men who lost heart. Many spoke of expatriating themselves. The thoughtless said, "The Chamber will only last a day, since it has no mandate but to decide on peace and war." Those, however, who had watched the progress of the conspiracy and the leading part taken in it by the clergy, knew beforehand that these men would not allow France to escape their clutches before they crushed her.