Shells were falling into it from the Prussian batteries, and, as well as I could make out, our forts were shelling it too.

Our artillery was on a slight rise to the right of Le Bourget, in advance of Drancy; and in the fields between Drancy and this rise, heavy masses of troops were drawn up in support.

Officers assured me that Le Bourget was still in our possession, and that if I felt inclined to go there, there was nothing to prevent me.

I confess I am not one of those persons who snuff up the battle from afar, and feel an irresistible desire to rush into the middle of it.

To be knocked on the head by a shell, merely to gratify one's curiosity, appears to me to be the utmost height of absurdity.