Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish
Sir: I regret to say that I can see nothing very encouraging in the present situation here. To be sure they are getting in a good many troops, and the morale of the Versailles army has greatly increased since the fighting began, but yet they do not seem to be ready to attack. Marshal MacMahon has taken command of the whole army. Large preparations are being made, and it certainly cannot be a long time before active operations will be commenced. It is my opinion that the insurgents are gaining strength every day. It is currently reported here to-day that the government troops were worsted yesterday at Neuilly. I fear it will be a long time and a bloody time before these terrible troubles in Paris are ended.
I have, &c.,