Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/490

 fort of Vincennes, the only point yet untaken, was surrendered on Monday morning, May 29th, at the first demonstration made against it by a brigade of the army of General Vinoy.

The Chief of the Executive Power issued the following circulars, announcing the triumph of the Government:

"May 28th, 1871—2:15

"Our troops, charged with the operations on the right bank, were last evening drawn up in a circle round the Buttes Chaumont and the heights of Belleville. During the night they overcame all obstacles. General Ladmirault crossed the valley of La Villette, proceeded beyond the slaughter-houses, and ascended the Buttes Chaumont as well as the Belleville heights.

"The young Davoust, so worthy of the name he bears, carried the barricades, and by daybreak General Ladmirault's corps had reached the summit of the heights. General Douay, starting from the Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, also attacked the insurgents' positions at Belleville. During the same time, General Vinoy's men climbed the ascent of the Cemetery Père-Lachaise, and carried the Mairie of the 20th Arrondissement and the prison of La Roquette. The sailors have everywhere displayed their usual bravery.

"In entering La Roquette, we had the consolation of saving the lives of one hundred and sixty-nine hostages, who were about to be shot. But, alas! the wretches from whom we are obliged to tear Paris in flames and covered with blood, had had time to shoot sixty-four, among whom, we have the grief to announce, were the Archbishop of Paris, the Abbé Duguerry (the best of men), President Bonjean, and a number of other worthy men. After having murdered, during these last days, the generous Chaudey, a heart full of goodness, and a sincere Republican, whom could they spare?