that he knew nothing of the causes for this step; but that his military operations appeared to have been skilful, and certainly the results must earn him glory with his country as achievements of

war.

February 21. At a reception at M. Thiers's last night. It was small, but full of interest from the topics we had, and the character and conversation of this remarkable Deputy, Financier, Parliamentary debater, and Historian.

February 22. We were last night at an invited party at the Duchess de Rochefoucault's. The Diplomatic Corps were there, and others. The party not large, but very agreeable. The Reform banquet, so close at hand, was spoken of; but no one seemed under any uneasiness.

From this party we go to a large ball at the Prince de Ligne's, the Belgian Ambassador. The whole Parisian world of fashion seemed to be there. Not the Arab chief himself, Abd-el-Kader, but one of his train, was seen among the circles, richly dressed in the costume of his native land. He was pallid and silent; but a wounded, restless spirit was discernible in his dark eye. The glitter of a European ball was evidently lost upon him. The banquet was talked of in intermissions of the dance, but in no feeling of apprehension, and I continue to

hear that the Government feels confident that order will be maintained.

February 23. A Revolution has come like a thunder-clap. All Paris in consternation; barricades, troops, cannon, mobs, cavalry in quick movement, some in full gallop, wheeling into one street and issuing from another; numerous heads looking out from upper windows in amazement. This was the state of things yesterday.

I went to the office of the Legation, Rue de Matignon, at one o'clock. Crossed the bridge by the Tuileries, the one at Place Concorde being blocked up by the military. Soldiers and crowds of people all along the streets. Stay half an hour at the office. Leave it to go home, the Secretary of Legation, Mr. Martin, accompanying me. First send Mr. Stanton to my house the shortest way he can get there, to tell my daughters not to go out in the carriage. As we turn into Rue St. Honoré, increasing crowds are seen, and more troops. Some of the people were breaking lamps. As the troops press towards the crowd to keep it back, they cry out Vive la Ligne! the crowd wanting to propitiate the troops by this cry. The distance was considerable to my house; and as we had the river to cross, we could only get along slowly. Sometimes the crowd

obstructed our way entirely. At length we reached the archways leading to the bridge by the Tuileries. Here we found all closed and guarded by troops. Mr. Martin makes known that I am the Minister of the United States, and desire to get to my house. The officer replies that his orders are positive to allow no one to pass. It was no time to seek a permit from the Government. I try a bridge further on, and in that way reach home. Evening was now approaching. Mr. Martin left me before I got home to return quickly to the office, in case of danger to the papers of the Legation, for all was uproar, and none could say what was coming.

At ten at night I get a note from the Marchioness of Wellesley, written under anxiety to know if I thought she was safe in Paris.

Thursday, the 24th. Here at my residence, 63 Rue de Lille, we heard the noise of cavalry through the night. Throughout the day (yesterday) our servants were bringing in rumors of firing and bloodshed on the other side of the river. All is rumor and uncertainty. People seem stunned. The fighting is said to be in the direction of the Boulevards and Montmartre. Mr. George Sumner, of Boston, came in to see us, and gave graphic accounts of what was going on. He said the municipal guards were in great odium. This corps fights for the King and Ministers. At five o'clock I walked

over to Hotel Brighton, Rue Rivoli, to see the Marchioness of Wellesley, (originally) of Annapolis, Maryland, and grand-daughter of Mr. Carroll. I found it hard to get there. Place Concorde was lined with cavalry and the municipal guards; the latter mounted. Cannon was also placed in range. I told the marchioness I thought it might be best to leave Paris, unless she had strong reasons for remaining; but that, if she remained, I would be ready to afford her the shelter of my Legation if desired. I caught a rumor, while out, that the Ministers had all resigned, M. Guizot alone remaining until a new ministry could be got together. The Banquet was forbidden at the last moment. Hence the suddenness with which the bolt fell. At ten at night I drove over to the office of the Legation. Crossed the bridge of the Invalides, and met with no obstruction in that quarter. Found all safe at the office.

February 25. The revolutionary movement advances with inconceivable rapidity. Fighting, bloodshed, dismay, everywhere. Constant fighting all last night. All manner of reports. No coming at facts-except that the Ministers have certainly resigned. Another report is, that the King sent for Count Molé yesterday to form a new ministry; but that would not do, he not being an oppositionist, and the troops of the line having shown reluctance

to fire upon the people; some refusing altogether. The national guards would not go against the people. In this emergency the reports say that General Lamoricière rode through the streets with his aides, declaring, in the King's name, that Odillon Barrot (prominent in opposition) was to form a new ministry, and that Mr. Thiers would join him. Another report is, that the Duchess of Orleans had entreated the King to let her accompany, on horseback, Odillon Barrot and Mr. Thiers through the streets, and appeal in person to the people; but the King would not consent.

Friday, the 25th. The belief seems to be that a complete Revolution has been effected, the people having the upper hand everywhere, and none of the troops or national guards any longer acting against them. They are in possession of the Tuileries, made a bonfire of the King's carriages, the King, Queen and Royal Family escaping through the gardens. I go to Quai d'Orsay, in front of my house; see the people looking out of the Palace windows; see them throwing furniture out of the windows; see them pass by the place where I stood. They shout out, with guns and sabres in their hands; they display trophies brought from the Palace, such as patés, cooked meats, bread, and other eatables. Also caps, artificial flowers, and other finery. Soldiers mix in with the people and