Jones to Hamilton Fish, September 23, 1870

Mr. J. R. Jones to Mr. Fish.

I have the honor to inform you that the chambers were convened on the 21st instant and adjourned yesterday. The only business transacted was the voting of ten millions francs for war purposes. It appears that the former estimate of the minister of war was found insufficient.

About one-third of the army has been dismissed and sent home, the supposition being that there will be no use for them.

The new French minister, M. Tachard, is here, having been received some five or six days since. There are a great many wounded French officers and soldiers here and throughout Belgium, though very few Germans. They are being carefully cared for, large contributions having been made by the citizens.

Communication by mail and telegraph between here and Paris has been suspended for several days. No one here thinks an agreement between Count Bismarck and M. Jules Favre possible.

I am credibly informed that the Prussian government is providing winter clothing for its soldiers, and that already some 200,000 fur suits have been prepared at Berlin.

General Burnside arrived here last evening and has gone to-day to Sedan. General Hazen left this morning for King William’s headquarters.

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I understand that General Ewing is still here, though I have never seen him. I have your No. 35 of the 8th, inclosing circular in regard to passports.