ruins surrounding it. The prayers of King Louis XVI have obtained the preservation of the expiatory monument in the Rue d'Anjou. You were chosen to be the instrument of this great work. Rejoice at the recompense accorded to your patriotism and your faith. I entirely approve of the destination given to the surplus of the subscriptions which you have received, and I again repeat, Monsieur, the assurance of my sincere gratitude and affection.
"Henri."
For the services rendered by M. Ducatel, by whose means the troops were enabled to hasten their entry into Paris, the Minister of Public Works has recommended that M. Ducatel should be nominated a Knight of the Legion of Honor. This recommendation was followed by a decree of M. Thiers carrying out the proposal.
We cannot close this work without paying a tribute to Mr. Washburne, the American Minister in France, who has remained in Paris during the two terrible sieges which the city has undergone, and who has done so much to render our countrymen proud of their representative. During the days of terror his courage and energy were unequalled, while his efforts for the release of the unhappy hostages were unceasing, and in many cases were crowned with success. Everything in his power was done by him to assuage the sufferings of the Archbishop; and, thanks to his intervention, several Sisters of Charity were released from confinement.
Mr. Washburne's letter, however, explains better than we can do, his visit and his kindness to Monseigneur Darboy, at a time when it was so much needed.
"Paris, April 28, 1871.
"You are aware that Monseigneur Darboy, the Archbishop of Paris, was seized some time since, by order of
