4 FEBRUARY 1871, Page 2

Both from Versailles and from Bordeaux it is reported that

Bourbaki, after his failure, attempted to blow his brains out, but only wounded himself very seriously, perhaps mortally. The report, however, is as yet, though coming from many quarters, unconfirmed in any detail. That he was wounded, however, and succeeded by General Clinchamp, is official, and as it is not said that he was wounded in battle, and the report that he shot himself was universally prevalent, it seems most likely that the unfortu- nate General, who was said to be labouring under a good deal of excitement before this expedition commenced, really attempted his own life. Had he not done so, he might have saved an army which is now lost to France. Despair is always weakness.