I bought for 19 francs at the Magasins du Louvre a soldier’s cape with hood, to wear on the ramparts.
My house continues to be crowded with visitors. To-day a painter named Le Genissel called. He reminded me that I saved him from the galleys in 1848. He was one of the insurgents of June.
Heavy cannonade during the night. A battle is in preparation.
December 24.—It is freezing. Ice floes are floating down the Seine.
Paris only eats brown bread now.
December 25.—Heavy cannonade all night.
An item of news of present-day Paris: A basket of oysters has just reached the city. It sold for 750 francs.
At a bazar in aid of the poor at which Alice and Mme. Meurice acted as vendors, a young turkey fetched 250 francs.
The Seine is freezing over.
December 26.—Louis Blanc called, then M. Floquet. They urge me to summon the Government to do something or resign. Again I refuse.