A Life in Paris – February 29, 1848

Photography print available at Found View Gallery.

As I omitted to record at the proper moment an incident of transient interest, but which threatened serious consequences at the time, it is as well, whilst one can still speak feelingly on the subject, to mention that during these past days this luxurious capital was in imminent danger of starvation. The daily supplies of a large capital, like London or Paris, are generally so beautifully and wonderfully balanced, that each day leaves but a small surplus beyond the regular consumption. The barricades had completely impeded the free circulation towards the outskirts; and the frightful reports of the state of anarchy in the town deterred all those who usually supplied the city with provisions from attempting to reach its centre. My own cook made a most doleful report of his prospects for the morrow, as he announced the larder to be completely empty. We were also told there was no flour in the town; and that the bakers had ceased to distribute bread. Lamartine’s timely exertions, therefore, in causing the barricades to be removed, saved us from dangers quite as serious, though of a less ostensible description than massacre.

There is nothing that has surprised me more in the wonderful changes of the last few days than the utter destruction of all conventional value attached to articles of luxury or display. Pictures, statues, plate, jewels, shawls, furs, laces, all one is accustomed to consider property, become as useless lumber. Ladies anxious to realise a small sum, in order to seek safety in flight, have in vain endeavoured to raise a pittance upon the most costly jewels. What signified it that they were “rich and rare,” when no one would or could buy them?

Lord Normanby

Notes:
• From A year of revolution. From a journal kept in Paris in 1848
• Lord Normanby was a British politician and was ambassador to Paris from 1846 to 1852.

A Life in Paris – February 26, 1848

Photography print available at Found View Gallery.

This morning a considerable agitation exists throughout Paris, fed from time to time by the accounts which arrive from the provinces, and the reports spread every half-hour by exaggerated alarmists. At the same time there is no doubt that this must be a most anxious day : already last night there were rumours that an attempt would be made on the part of the Communists to overthrow the existing government. There are at this moment, I am told, six thousand men, well disposed and determined to defend the cause of order, assembled round the Hotel-de-Ville, and if this day passes without reverse, I trust the town may be considered safe from the dreadful scenes which were anticipated last night.

Lord Normanby

Notes:
• From A year of revolution. From a journal kept in Paris in 1848
• Lord Normanby was a British politician and was ambassador to Paris from 1846 to 1852.

A Life in Paris – February 25, 1848

There was a general report yesterday evening, that the Duchess of Montpensier was missing, having been forgotten in the precipitate flight of the rest of the Royal Family from the Tuileries…

Photography print available at Found View Gallery.

There was a general report yesterday evening, that the Duchess of Montpensier was missing, having been forgotten in the precipitate flight of the rest of the Royal Family from the Tuileries. This was so far confirmed to me, that a person told me soon after the departure of the King, he could hardly believe his eyes when he saw the young Princess quite alone, wandering bewildered on the outskirts of the crowd near the Palace. In answer to my very natural question why he did not at once offer his assistance, this person replied, that his first impulse was to do so, though he was perfectly unknown to Her Royal Highness, but that in the then temper of the mob he did not like the responsibility of attracting attention to her, and he thought her best chance of safety was in being not only unrecognised but unsuspected.

I am happy to say that for the present I am reassured as to her safety. One could not help an inward reflection upon the contrast between the arrival of the Duchesse de Montpensier in the land of her adoption not much more than a year since, and the way in which she was now about to quit it, perhaps for ever.

Lord Normanby

Notes:
• From A year of revolution. From a journal kept in Paris in 1848
• Lord Normanby was a British politician and was ambassador to Paris from 1846 to 1852.

Thoughts on Paris – February 23, 1848

Affairs wore a much more serious aspect this afternoon. The 3rd Legion of the National Guard have assembled, but have refused to act, uttering general cries of “Vive la Reforme”…

Photography print available at Found View Gallery.

Affairs wore a much more serious aspect this afternoon. The 3rd Legion of the National Guard have assembled, but have refused to act, uttering general cries of “Vive la Reforme” They have announced that they are ready as usual to protect property, should it be attacked, but that they will not lend their assistance to put down any popular demonstration against a Government which they detest. During the night, I understand that those who had assembled acted with great vigour in the protection of property, and fired upon bands of people whom they found engaged in pillage, and killed several. This morning, however, when the 3rd Legion were assembled, they acted as I have described. Their example has since been followed by the 2nd Legion, and I understand they have both marched to the Tuileries, and sent in the commanding officers, who were charged with the expressions of their desire for an immediate change of ministry. It is understood that all the different legions of the National Guard will follow their example to-morrow, should the King’s answer not be favorable.

Lord Normanby

Notes:
• From A year of revolution. From a journal kept in Paris in 1848
• Lord Normanby was a British politician and was ambassador to Paris from 1846 to 1852.

Thoughts on Paris – February 19, 1848

The alarm, which unfortunately prevails here in every social circle, may shape itself into exaggerated reports of the dreaded danger. I believe, therefore, in the success of the strenuous efforts of all engaged in what they consider a necessary constitutional demonstration to prevent any breach of the peace…

Photography print available at Found View Gallery.

The alarm, which unfortunately prevails here in every social circle, may shape itself into exaggerated reports of the dreaded danger.

I believe, therefore, in the success of the strenuous efforts of all engaged in what they consider a necessary constitutional demonstration to prevent any breach of the peace. I am not disposed to attribute any fixed design even to the Republicans to engage in any conflict of physical force; but in any speculations, as to the probable conduct of such a population as that of Paris, one must never forget the powerful influence on the event, which at any moment may be excited by the unforeseen chances of such a day. An accidental conflict provoked by a few hotheads, may overturn all previous resolves.

The newspapers contain an account of cries of “Vive la Reforme” uttered by the National Guard on duty at the Tuileries, as they marched past yesterday morning. I am informed this incident actually occurred as there stated. I still hope and trust that Tuesday next may pass over without any disastrous consequences, but I cannot deny that there is some ground for the disquietude, so generally prevailing, and which, amongst other consequences, has induced so many of the English residents to hasten their departure from this country.

Lord Normanby

Notes:
• From A year of revolution. From a journal kept in Paris in 1848
• Lord Normanby was a British politician and was ambassador to Paris from 1846 to 1852.