The War of 1870. Letters by Vigil. Reprinted from the ?Torquay Directory?

The War Of 1870. Letters By Vigil is a collection of seven letters written in 1870–1871 by an anonymous author using the pseudonym Vigil. These letters, originally published in the Torquay Directory, examine the Franco-Prussian War, advocating for neutrality while carefully analyzing military options and alliances. They delve into the causes of the war, the risks posed by French ambition, and the implications for the balance of power in Europe. The author evaluates strategies such as a Fabian withdrawal, the significance of railroads and telegraphy, and the defenses of Paris, as well as the consequences of French occupation of Savoy, Nice, Alsace, and Lorraine. Additionally, the work reflects on the neutrality of Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark, and explores the potential for a European system of independent neutral states. Written in the early 1870s, these letters provide insight into Victorian perspectives on empire, diplomacy, and the limits of power.