Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/154

 M. Rossel, chief of the insurgent staff, published the following military report:

"April 13th.

"The fighting has continued all day at Neuilly. The troops of the Commune have preserved an offensive attitude, and the town is attacked and defended foot by foot. At Asnières the struggle is less obstinate.

"On the side of the southern forts, the day has passed without any remarkable incident. General Eudes is making active dispositions for the night, as the movements of the enemy seem to presage an attack. Reinforcements have been sent to the points already assailed. The morale of the troops is excellent.

"The progress of organization admits of a gradual diminution of the excessive fatigue imposed on the troops."

General Cluseret's report, the same day, addressed to the Commune, says:

"I return from an inspection of the southern forts, and of the general line of defence from Montrouge to La Muette, and my impression is most favorable.

"The attacks of Tuesday and Wednesday, made with a great number of men on the enemy's side, were repulsed with so much ease and so little loss that they ought to inspire an entire confidence in the future.

"The battery of 24, on the Trocadéro, has sent balls into the barracks of Mont Valérien. That range was all we wished to obtain for the moment.

"I invite the attention of the Commune to the manly aspect of the troops, and the exceptional order prevailing at the Point du Jour. Both men and materials are in good order, and denote energy, activity, and competence on the part of the commander. Vanves and Montrouge are in good condition. On the side of the enemy there is the same disposition of artillery as in the time of the