WAR OF 1870. Ernest FABIGNON (1835-1915) solicitor. 62 L.A.S - Lot 188

WAR OF 1870. Ernest FABIGNON (1835-1915) solicitor. 62 L.A.S., Paris then Versailles August 29, 1870-April 4, 1871, to his wife Marie in Avignon; approx. 140 pages mostly in-8 or in-12, numerous addresses with stamps (some cut out) and postmarks (some letters split, small holes or tears); plus one telegram. Substantial, almost daily correspondence during the Siege of Paris and the Commune, partly sent by balloon. Fabignon was a court solicitor (several letters bear his letterhead or seal); his wife Marie née Goudareau (married 1855) took refuge with her father Emile Goudareau in Avignon, along with daughter Louise (born 1864). Ernest gave his wife a veritable diary of events: the advance of the Prussians, military exercises, defense and fortification work, the fall of the Emperor and proclamation of the Republic, the start of the siege, the mood of the population, watchtowers, military operations (he was appointed lieutenant) and sorties. Let's quote the letter of September 24 ("arrived by the 1st balloon on October 18", noted Madame Fabignon): "The siege has definitely begun. Yesterday saw a very important engagement in which our sortie army, powerfully aided by the artillery of the forts, scored a huge success [ ] So far, our enemies have failed in their attempts. [ ] Paris is far from thinking of capitulating and all the inhabitants are ready to sustain an energetic and desperate struggle. [ ] See you tomorrow, my good friend, or rather to the first balloon, since this is the route by which dispatches now go out" September 28: "The postal administration now sends out balloons every day as far as possible [ ] but only very small, short letters are needed" The letter of October 1 "arrived on the balloon bringing Minister Gambetta to Tours". October 8, "we're starting to ration meat" A letter is written in the margin of no. 4 (November 13) of Le Ballon Poste, Journal du Siège de Paris; two, dated November 27 and January 20, 1871, are written on the blank page of nos. 6 (November 15) and 25 (January 20) of Dépêche-Ballon, Journal des événements du Siège; two others, dated December 29 and January 6, on nos. 20 and 23 (Dec. 28 and January 5) of the Lettre-Journal de l'Hôtel. and January 5) of the Lettre-Journal de Paris, Gazette des Absents; the January 20 letter "arrived by the last balloon on January 29". On January 30, 1871, Fabignon announces the signing of the armistice and the resumption of correspondence "by unsealed letters". He hoped to be able to pick up his family soon and bring them back to Paris. On March 25, he arrived at Vierzon station. The last four letters, from March 27 to April 4, 1871, were written from Versailles, as he was unable to return to Paris because "the rioters [of the Commune] are masters of the whole of Paris". Let's quote the last one: "The day before yesterday and yesterday we were very worried here, because there was a lot of fighting going on around Paris. Finally last night at around 5 p.m. we saw a large number of insurgent prisoners arrive, followed by the troops, who were very excited and had fought very well. It was a tough game, it seems, for these monsters, who had not wanted to march against the Prussians, were relentless against our soldiers. They were taught a severe lesson, it is said, as many of them were killed and wounded. But the rascals who lead all these poor strays in fear have not said their last word, and this morning large numbers of new insurgents came to occupy the Châtillon heights. [ ] Our troops are in good spirits, and we can now consider the situation saved. There will certainly be several more battles, but success is assured. [ ] The famous Flourens has been killed and brought back to us dead. We are determined to act with the utmost rigor.