The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-08-19
PGRTES STREET,
RARIG Sanf 90 I-n

war Detweeh western nations brings an
involuntary shudder.
The letter Is here given in full:
8 RUE DIES PGRTEs STREET.
PARIS, Sept. %, 10.
Dear Mr.. j send YOU these few words
per balloon post Bismarck's armed lambs
surrounding US by land and wafer, air is the
only medium left for the conveyance of our
correspondence, which, by order, must BE- of
the scantest, weight and space being a great
consideration in the last fashionable style Of
letter carrier.
| have joined the Volunteer Artillery of the
National Guard, but il has not been my luck to
have a pop at the Prusslans-nOt yet-but l
expect 10 every moment. Already TWO or three
times at night / have hastily turned out to bugle
sound, but only to false alarms. The Marine
Artillery, who occupy the forts in advance of
us (wbO occupy the for iica ions of Paris prop
err, Invariably dlsmount all the guns of the
enemy as soon as they get into position, so that
we have come TO no harm as yet. Some of the
fellows in our Marine Artillery are wonderful
marksmen. One of them dismOunted FORTY
seven Of the Prussian guns in fOrty-seven Shots
for which he has got the cross of bonor-and
well he deserves it.
long TO try my skill and see what can do
for our dear friends. feel as If / could shoot
me very bloodlhirsty, but 1 am alas not more
so than needs be. Remember, we all fight for
our llves-there are no towards here. The few
that were have been shot. Man, woman and
child all are prepared for the worst and to do
the worst. Since my arrival here 400 600
National Guards have been armed. We have
powder. shot and SHE'LL and plenty OF provs-
ions. FTenchmen are wonderfully quick at
learning military duties, drill. etc. and men
who few weeks ago hardly knew a chassepot
from an elephant now drill like old troops, and
what Is better, keep admirably STEADY under
fire and against odds.
The mobiles ana volunteers are our Quickest
troops. Those from Bril- ANY nave earned quite
reputation. Before going into action they all
kneel, and the priest that has come up with
them from their home gives them his blessing
AFTER a snort drawer. Then forward 10
literally wall Of steel, never giving way an
inch. Whatever be the odds these good Bre.
tons are bravery itself. and though they are
rather thick-headed as barrack soldiers they
are splendid fellows at guerrilla warfare and
pot the uhans 10 rights
Sept. 29-I have Just received the news that
we 10 be sent forward with field pieces
The enemy found IL so hot the only time he
attempted 10 attack that lie keeps very quiet.
~ Is our iot 70 60 out ana wake him up. shall
tnen nave the opportunity OF seeing the Prus-
sian helmets al close quarters. Well, hurrah !!
and may be happy enough TO see you all again.
You must not think that all the horrors of
war with which we are ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
and dead men, burning woods and houses the
SOUND OF cannon-affect in the least degree the
appearance OF the boulevards. II It were not
int every man you meet reminds one by his
military gait OF 1.-THE business of the hour" you
would never dream that Paris is Invested The
streets are full OF women and children; The
cafes full OF men caIelessy Joking, smoking
and playing domnoes just as II the PTussians
were thousand miles of and never thong hit
OF coming. Only II drum beats you see them
cheerlully drop the joke, The smoke. the play,
shoulder the rifle, drop into their ranks ana
march on without more ado at the eternal
words: Forward To the 'front.'"
AS yet we have only lost about $50 men.
The enemy must at least have lost 10000. The
odds seem long, but are accounted for by our
gunners potting them from under cover. How
ever, we expect before very long something hot.
but we are quite ready
don't apologize Tor this untidy scribble.
Volunteer gunners have little time for ''cOm-
pADy manners"
JULES l.. MEssURIER.
+. S.-Piease don't let my mother know that
L may be in the thckest of Il. The bugle
sounds for US.