The only battalion of the National Guards engaged was that from Belleville, and it very speedily fell back.

I have always had my doubts about the valour of the Parisians.

I found it difficult to believe in men who hunt for pretexts to avoid military service--who are so very fond of marching behind drums and vivandieres inside a town, and who, in some way or other, manage either to avoid going out of it, or when forced out, avoid all danger.
The population is in profound ignorance of the real state of affairs outside.

It still believes that the Prussian lines have been forced, and that the siege will be over in a few days.

I presume that Trochu will make a second sortie in force.