Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish
Sir: I came out from Paris yesterday, and can see no change in the situation. The National Assembly is not concerning itself with anything which has relation with the state of things in Paris. Large numbers of troops are coming in, but the government seem to have no confidence in them, and is apparently awaiting the arrival of those who have been prisoners in Germany, upon whom they think they can rely. Some of the military men are anxious to take the offensive with the troops already in hand. I attended a reception of M. Thiers last night at the prefecture, which is now his official residence. It is a new and beautiful palace which was occupied by King William while he was at Versailles. I found quite a number of gentlemen there, and the conversation between them and the president of the executive powers in regard to the crisis was very earnest. I had but few words with M. Thiers, and found that he differed with me very materially as to the condition of matters in Paris, and he was far more hopeful of a favorable solution of affairs than I supposed any man could be with a full knowledge of passing events. Although the trains on the railroad by the right bank of the river, from Paris to Versailles, were stopped yesterday, and many of the gates of the city were closed, I found the one at the Point du Jour open as I came out in my carriage. I had no occasion to use the pass given me by the commune. This place is becoming more and more crowded, and people are flocking out from Paris in great numbers. I sleep on a cot in my legation, and consider myself wonderfully well off; but when it comes to the question of getting something to eat, hic est opus hic labor est. The scramble in the restaurants would put a western steamboat in the shade in emigration times. After a brisk skirmish of an hour I succeeded in obtaining a plate of soup, a slice of cold veal, and a piece of bread for my dinner. The worst of it is, one does not know how long this thing is to last; but I know of no other way than to take it as it comes, and to make the best of it.
I have, &c.,