3-034-870 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Story of Sedan: "Fighting his Battles o'er Again", 1871. 'Looking back a twelvemonth and remembering the state of Europe a day or two before Christmas last year, when the German armies, gathered closer and closer around Paris, week after week during that long siege, were preparing a bombardment to terrify the distracted citizens, who already began to feel the want of food, we heartily thank God that France is not now suffering the miseries of invading war. The discharged and disabled soldier, who has lost his right arm, but who stands wielding a stick in his left hand, to imitate the martial posture of himself and his comrades...at a moment of close conflict in the great Battle of Sedan, may perhaps recall the doings of 1870 with feelings of pleasure and pride. He may win the applause of his admiring family and excite the wonder of the women and children, for that he has fairly earned this privilege, by his fortitude and obedience, the cross upon his breast, the reward of a good soldier, bears conspicuous witness. But we hope the little boy with a toy-gun, who seems inclined to covet...a share in the imagined glories of the military career, will grow up in a peaceful world...every honest heart in Christendom should join in the prayer'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.