CHAPTER III.
_September 27th,_ 8 A.M.
I have sent you numerous letters, but I am not aware whether you have received them.

As very probably they are now either in the clouds or in the moon, I write a short resume of what has passed since we have been cut off from the outer world, as I believe that I have a very good chance this morning to communicate with you.
When the town was first invested the greatest disorder existed.

For a few days officers, even generals, were shot at by regiments outside the fortifications; the National Guards performed their service on the ramparts very reluctantly, and, when possible, shirked it.

The Mobiles were little better than an armed mob of peasants.

The troops of the line were utterly demoralised.