Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/114

 columns of the Commune, which were effecting a movement toward Courbevoie. At the same time Mont Valerien sent at them a few shell and boite-á-mitraille (grape-shot). About nine o'clock the action became general along the line of the insurgents, when the mitrailleuses were brought forward, and a few well-directed discharges threw confusion into their ranks. Their retreat commenced in the greatest disorder, soon becoming a total route. The mounted gendarmes charged in pursuit, engulfing one portion of the insurgents in the ravines of Malmaison, and driving the other toward the city in the wildest confusion. After entering the city the fugitives described the battle as a great success, and the official organ of the Commune, in its issue of the 4th April, says: "Generals Bergeret and Flourens have effected their junction. They are marching on Versailles. Success is certain." And again at 2 the following official announcement was issued:

"Towards four this morning the columns of General Duval and Colonel Flourens made their junction at the rond-point of Courbevoie. Just as they had arrived they sustained a heavy fire from Mont Valérien. The troops sheltered themselves behind walls and houses. Thus protected, the commanders were able to organize a movement which completely succeeded, and the two columns passed the lines and resumed their march on Versailles. General Bergeret, who led them on with shouts of Vive la République! had two horses killed under him. The fire of the Versailles army has not caused us any appreciable loss."

Notwithstanding these official reports, there was an air about the conquerors who had returned that did not savor strongly of victory.

At 3 o'clock a courier passed by the Arc de Triomphe