Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/194

 Tour-des-Anglais, Clamart, and Meudon. Fort Montrouge, although not yet reduced to silence, was very near that extremity. It was already seriously damaged by the Prussian bombardment, and the batteries of the regular army were completing the ruin. The insurgents, however, continued to hold out, although the position was scarcely tenable, as they knew that its fall would inevitably lead to that of Vanves and Issy.

The Versailles Government had in position on the Terrasse de Meudon, Chatillon, at the station Meudon, Bellevue, and vicinity, 150 guns of large calibre. These different batteries were placed under the charge of General Berckheim, an artillery officer of the first rank, and served by artillerymen of the 2d corps. On the night of the 26th and 27th, while a fearful cannonade was going on, General Faron, with four companies of the 35th infantry and 300 men of the 100th and 110th Marine Fusiliers, carried the station and village of Les Moulineaux in a most brilliant manner. This important position immediately to the west of Issy, and just under the fort, was one of the highest importance; as it stood not over 900 yards distant from the walls and from the Moulineaux, it was possible to reach the Park of Issy, which inclined towards the Seine, and escape the fire of the fort. The regulars had already occupied Bas Meudon and Bellevue; and from this new position musketry fire could be brought to bear on the garrison of the fort. Hitherto the position had been held by two battalions of insurgents, and with two pieces of field artillery they were able to cause considerable annoyance to the troops.

The insurgents made an abortive attempt during the day on Choisy-le-Roi. They advanced under cover of a fire from Fort Bicêtre, but were received with mitrailleuses and musketry from the soldiers under General Barrail.

The attack on Neuilly was again resumed with increas