I went to Claye’s to correct last proofs of the French edition of Les Chatiments which will appear on Tuesday. Dr. Emile Allix brought me a Prussian cannon-ball which he had picked up behind a barricade, near Montrouge, where it had just killed two horses. The cannon-ball weighs 25 pounds. Georges, in playing with it, pinched his fingers under it, which made him cry a good deal.
To-day is the anniversary of Jena!
October 16.—There is no more butter. There is no more cheese. Very little milk is left, and eggs are nearly all gone.
The report that my name has been given to the Boulevard Haussmann is confirmed. I have not been to see it for myself.
October 17.—To-morrow a postal balloon named the “Victor Hugo” is to be sent up in the Place de la Concorde. I am sending a letter to London by this balloon.
October 18.—I have paid a visit to Les Feuillantines. The house and garden of my boyhood have disappeared.
A street now passes over the site.
October 19.—Louis Blanc came to dine with me. He brought a declaration by ex-Representatives for me to sign. I said that I would not sign it unless it were drawn up in a different manner.
October 20.—Visit from the Gens de Lettres committee. To-day the first postage stamps of the Republic of 1870 were put in circulation.
Les Châtiments (French edition) appeared in Paris this morning.