III.
Paris,
January 3, 1867.
M. le Lieutenant-Colonel!
(That looks exceedingly well.)
... I am sending this letter through the Foreign Office. It will reach you slower than by the ordinary post, but more surely.[162] “Chi va piano, va sano; chi va sano, va lontano.”[163] This is a proverb, and proverbs are the wisdom of nations.
You asked me in your last letter to tell you exactly the kind of rifle the Emperor wanted a specimen of. His Majesty has no choice. He wants a specimen of a rifle which might be adopted by the Prussian army; or to know the state of perfection to which the old rifle has been brought—supposing that steps have been taken to modify it. In a word, His Majesty wishes to be au courant of the armament of the Prussian army. You need not, then, concern yourself with the various specimens which may be offered [to the military authorities], but only with the rifle which might be adopted....
* * * * *
The cost of the army will be diminished rather than increased, but you will find that the patriotism of our speakers will consider the expense still too heavy, and that they will do their best to create the belief that the French people are governed by buveurs de sang.[164] What fun the Prussians will make of us and the esprit militaire of the valiant French nation!...
... The Emperor continues in excellent health.... His Majesty directs me to put the four following questions to you:
1. What is the weight of the Prussian knapsack? What does it contain?
2. What is the weight of the Prussian cavalry saddle, and what weight does the horse carry beyond the weight of the rider?
3. How is the Prussian soldier shod? Does he wear boots, or shoes and gaiters?
4. Is the uniform of the Landwehr provided by the State, or paid for by the man who wears it?