Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/227

 The new Delegate of War sent the subjoined letter to several Paris journals, the publication of which raised him considerably in the estimation of the populace:

"I read with great regret the complicated fable which you had received relative to the retaking of Fort Issy. General Cluseret first entered it, accompanied by General Cécilia and Colonels Robart and Wetzel, conducting there the 137th battalion, about three hundred strong, and which had lost a dozen men during the march. I must also formally deny the assertion that my predecessor attempted to excite some corps against the Commune. The General, who has always been friendly towards me, was absolutely incapable of doing anything of the sort, or even of thinking of it.

"I feel bound not to make myself, by my silence, an accomplice in the malevolent rumors to which General Cluseret may be exposed in the unfortunate position in which he is placed, until the justice of the Commune has pronounced on his acts.

"Accept, etc., etc.,

"."

The bearer of Rossel's noted reply to the summons to surrender Fort Issy was a young man—an officer in the insurgent forces.

"Do you know what this letter contains?" asked Colonel Leperche.

"No."

"Well, it is an order to have you shot."

"How is that?" exclaimed the other.

"Read. According to Rossel, the bearer of an insolent letter is to be shot, and if ever one merited that qualification, it certainly is this. Therefore—"

The unfortunate officer protested that he was ignorant of the contents; but he was taken to General de Cissy,