Jules Vallès 1871

Those from Belleville


Source: Jules Vales, Le Cri du Peuple. Editeurs Francais Réunis ,Paris, 1953;
First Published: Le Cri du Peuple Friday, April 14, 1871;
Translated: for marxists.org by Mitchell Abidor;
CopyLeft: Creative Commons (Attribute & ShareAlike) marxists.org 2004.


The 191st Batalion, commanded by Citizen Lecomte, returned yesterday from the Fort d’Issy, where it had been for eight days.

It passed thought the place de l’Hotel de Ville where members of the Commune went to receive it and congratulate it on its excellent conduct.

It brought back as a trophy a red cover that had served as its flag and was full of bullet holes.

A member of the Commune from the 19th arrondisement led this glorious battalion back to Belleville, and thanked it for its devotion to the Commune and the Republic.

It was beautiful to see these guards resting among their families, and ready to respond to a new call from the Commune.

The 114th battalion from the 19th arrondisement had already given an example of firmness and civic courage at the Neuilly roundabout.

With 400 men it held this important point under the fire of Mont-Valerien, and pushed back several attacks by the Versaillais.

All honor to these battalions.

Belleville proves by its acts its civic courage and its devotion to the Commune.