LETTER PROM FRANCE.
Thf, following extract from a private letter, dated 29tb November, 1870, will be read with interest. We are indebted to the Rev. J. B. Petit Jean for it : — • This melancholy news has reached us in the midst of our terrible misfortunes. France is ravaged by the Prussians, Saxons, Bavarians, Badens, and Wirtemburghers, &c. Strasbuvg resisted with energy before surrendering, but Bazaine shamefully betrayed France, gave up Metz, with 150/100 disciplined troops. Already the capitulation ot Sedan had taken from us au entire army. Very few veteran soldiers remain. Immense levies arc maie, and sent immediately against the enemy. Paris has for the last two months bi j en making a most vigorous defence, General Trochu, a brave Catholic Breton, seconded by his friend, General Ducrot, resist the efforts of three hundred thousand besiegers who surround the fortificaticus. Outside General d'Aurel'es de Paludines at the head of thb new army of the Loire, gained a great victory over the Prussians near Orleans ; k is the first advantage we . have gained since the commencement of the war. The battalions of Oathelineau, composed of Vendeens, took possession of Orleans, with their rosaries on their arms. Ah ! incredulous and material Fiance, without fears of the future, this severe chastisement is merited ; but if only a few just men could have preserved Sodom, let us hope for our beloved country. There are still many devout believers. Prayer is made unceasingly in the cilies, towns, and villages. God will have pity on us ! Will the enemy come to Lyons? It is doubtful. If so, our countiy districts will be reduced to the gieatest misery. These Vandals, these hordes of Attila, pillago and sack everything ; they destroy the furniture they cannot take away ; they break open the casks of wine, give- for litters to their horses the umbrashed corn, sieal the clothing of men, women, and chil dren, massacring without pity the inhabitants who try to resist their fury — it exceeds belief. Never since the invasion of the Barbarians, the times evil of John 11., Charles the VI., and Charles VII., have our fathers experienced such unparalleled reverses. The King of Prussia is indeed the " Scourge of God," but when our chastisement is over. God will destroy the instrument of His vengeance. We have not yet expiated the crimes of '93 — the barbarous assassination of Louis XVI., the best and most unfortunate of kings, is not sufficiently avenged. We are profoundly perverse. The admirers of Voltaire have raised a statue to him, and carry with impunity the standard of impiety If there is not a sincere return to God our evils are not finished. Lyons is prepared for a siege, immense batteries are made, they speak of fortifying Montaguy — the new troops occupy the. house of the Brothers at St. Gems ; in Lyons, they have the houses ofCommunities, churches, great seminary, &c. The Theologians are in possession of Mont Brison, St. Godard, &c. The aspirants to the ecclesiastical state those in minor orders enrol themselves in the regiment, at the voice of their bishops. In these few words you can judge of our situation. Pray much for us for thy family may entirely disappear in this tremendous disaster.
LETTER PROM FRANCE.
Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3111, 31 January 1871, Page 3
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