The affair was reported
to Chanzy, who thereupon wrote an indignant letter to the German general
commanding at Vendome. It was carried thither by a certain M. de Vezian, a
civil engineer attached to Chanzy's staff, who brought back the following
reply:
"Recu une lettre du General Chanzy. Un general prussien ne sachant pas
ecrire une lettre de tel genre, ne saurait y faire une reponse par ecrit.
"Au quartier-general a Vendome, 28 Decembre 1870."
Signature (_illegible_).
It was, perhaps, a pity that Chanzy ever wrote his letter of protest.
French generals were too much given to expressing their feelings in
writing daring that war. Deeds and not words were wanted.
Meantime, the army was being slowly recruited. On December 13, Gambetta
had issued--none too soon--a decree authorising the billeting of the men
"during the winter campaign." Nevertheless, when Gougeard's troops
returned to Yvree l'Eveque, they were ordered to sleep under canvas, like
many other divisions of the army. It was a great mistake. In that severe
weather--the winter was one of the coldest of the nineteenth century--the
men's sufferings were very great. They were in need, too, of many things,
new shoes, linen, great-coats, and other garments, and there was much
delay in providing for their more urgent requirements.
Pages:
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358