PREFACE

Among the most popular French writers of the présent day are Paul and Victor Margueritte, sons of a distinguished gênerai who was killed in the battle of Sedan, in the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71. Led by filial affection, thèse authors hâve undertakeni to write in the form of fiction the history of the above-mentioned war. To this end they hâve projected a séries of volumes under the general title of Une Epoque, of which hitherto hâve appeared the volumes entitled Le Désastre^ Les Tronçons du Glaive, Les Braves Gens, and La Commune, The f acts contained in thèse volumes are based on a very thorough study of the war and hâve a value far above that of the ordinary historical novel.

The présent text is taken from Les Braves Gens, and gives, in the form of a simple story, an exceedingly graphie and pathetic picture of the mémorable siège and capture of Strasburg.

The foUowing brief outline of the war of 1870-71 may be of use in explaining the varions allusions occurring in the story. The success of Prussia in the war against Austria in 1866, by arousing the jealousy and fears of France, led to a feeling of hostility against the rising kingdom beyond the Rhine, — a hostility which was further increased by the failure of Napoleon's unfortunate expédition to Mexico. The self-confidence of the French army, and the intrigues of the Church and the Court party , spread a désire for war with Prussia, — a war for which they believed thçmsçlyç§ well prepared. A pretext was fouud ia