Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/223

 *ister of War, only appeared in the Paris journals July 19th, although written on the 19th of March. It throws a new light on the character of the Generalissimo of the Commune, who, during the reign of that body, and long after his capture by the Versailles Government, was considered as a deserter.

", March 19, 1871.

"À M. le General Ministre de la Guerre à Versailles:

":—I have the honor to inform you that I am going to Paris to place myself at the disposition of the Government forces which may be constituted there. Instructed by a despatch of Versailles, rendered public to-*day, that there are two parties at war in the country, I place myself without hesitation on the side of those who have signed no peace, and who do not count in their ranks generals guilty of capitulation.

"In taking such a grave and sorrowful resolution, I have the regret to leave suspended the engineer service of the Camp of Nevers, confided to me by the Government of the 4th of September. I have placed this service, which consists at present only of orders for expenses and remittances of accounts, in the hands of Mr. Finat, auxiliary commandant of engineering, an honest and experienced man, who remained under my orders by command of General Vergne, in virtue of your despatch of the 5th of present month.

"I inform you summarily, by a letter addressed to the bureau of war-materials, of the state in which I leave the service.

"I have the honor to remain, General, your devoted and obedient servant,

""

General Rossel received notification of his appointment,