CHAPTER VI

THE BESIEGED RESIDENT

(September, 1870-February, 1871)

He replaces Mr. Crawford as correspondent--Mrs. Crawford's impressions of him--Chaos at the Post Office--Immediate events leading up to the siege--His account of how the news of Sedan was received in Paris--The Prussians at Versailles--How he got his letters to London--Ennui--Letter to his mother--Theatrical behaviour of the Parisians--Further letters to his mother--His wardrobe--His hat--The _Gaulois_--New Year's address to the Prussians--His opinion of French journalists--His estimate of General Trochu--Meals during the siege--Castor and Pollux--Another letter to his mother--The leg of mutton and the sentimental Prussian soldier--His departure from Paris--How he behaved when under fire