Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish
Sir: There has been but very little change of situation in Paris since I had the honor of addressing you my last dispatch. The Versailles troops have been vigorously bombarding the forts of Issy and Vanves for the past two or three days, but they have not yet taken possession of either of them. Constant fighting has been going on at Asnieres and the surrounding villages since Wednesday, but I can hear of no results. The applications for passes by the Alsatians and Lorrainers continue to be made in large numbers. I have already given more than fifteen hundred. Yesterday I ascertained that the authorities of the commune had, from a day or two before, been requiring a visa from the prefecture of police for all the laissez-passers I had given, and a fee of two francs for each visa. I immediately sent to the prefect to make a remonstrance, and he very promptly agreed to waive the formality which requires the holder of a pass to appear at the prefecture and pay the fee, and to put the stamp of the prefect upon such blank laissez-passers as I might send him. In my No. 427 I spoke of the interview of Mr. Malet and myself with Mr. Paschal Grousset, in regard to the protection of the apartments, of foreigners. The Journal Officiel of the commune yesterday contained a notice on this subject from Mr. Grousset, a copy of which I inclose herewith, and which you will perceive goes as far as any one could ask.
We are yet in the dark as to the design of the Versailles government, so far as regards the reduction of Paris—whether an attempt will be made to take it by assault or whether it will be besieged. It will be six weeks to-morrow since the insurrection broke out, and the prospect of its suppression seems as remote as ever.
I propose to go to Versailles to-morrow, and to return on Monday. While there, I shall endeavor to present my letter of credence to Mr. Thiers.
I have, &c.,