3-039-185 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The French Siege of Paris: Fort Issy, from the advanced post of Meudon, 1871. 'We present a view of Fort Issy, from the advanced post at the Meudon station. As Fort Issy was heavily bombarded during the siege by the Prussians, there is little to be seen from a distance but the ruined walls of the barracks within. The parapet is a shapeless mound; but the embrasures have been repaired, and keep up a constant fire. In front is a long trench, from which the "Parisians," as the Line soldiers of the Versailles Government side call the insurgents, engage, and keep up a constant fusillade of musketry. The besiegers...seldom return the fire, but remain very quiet and in readiness behind their trenches; so that the Parisians go about with great impunity, and can be easily seen moving from the fort to the trenches in front...The railway of the Ceinture can be seen, the few arches on the left being close to the Point du Jour. At the time of our Artist's visit the officers at the post were passing the time with a game at cards, while their men lay about smoking or sleeping. The heights of Meudon could not be got into this view, but they are a continuation of the rising ground on the right; they stand higher, and dominate Forts Issy and Vanves'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.