He strongly urged him to accept the armistice, but in vain.

"What do you expect will occur?
You must know that the position is hopeless," said my friend.

"I will not sign a capitulation," was all he could get from Trochu.

This worthy man is as obstinate as only weak men can be; his colleagues, as self-seeking as only French politicians can be.

The news that the armistice had been rejected, fell like a thunderclap upon the population.