Gazette des Absents Newspaper from Paris office at Rue de Clery

This copy of the “Gazette des Absents” newspaper (No. 16) originated from the Rue de Cléry office in Paris on December 15, 1870, (fifth collection) and was prepaid 30 centimes for the ordinary letter rate to England, “Par Ballon Monté.” These newspapers reported the daily events of the Siege and provided a blank space for correspondence. Based on the date and time of collection, it is likely that this letter was carried out of Paris by the balloon Parmentier.

The Parmentier carried 160 kilograms of mail and completed a nearly eight-hour flight in thick fog. Although it landed in occupied territory, the balloon escaped the attention of the enemy.

Date:

Paris/R. de Cléry (collection) 15 December 1870

(no arrival datestamp)

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