The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1859-07-05 00:00:00

THE WAR IN ITALY,

THE DATrLE OF SOLFERINO.

The Moniker publishes the following details of the
Battle of Solferino. received, it states, from CalrliSila,
under date of the 25th" Yesterday was distinguished by one of those battles
which, if they do not terminate • war, enable ws,. at
let, to anticipate its conclusion. The Emperor of
Austria comuranded in person ; he has now seen with
what a nation he has engaged re hostilities.
"The Austrians in thew previous retreats still con-
templated a renewal of the attack. Their last decided
retreat behind the Mincio was intended to inspire us
with an excess of confidence, to leave • wide space open
to the rapidity of our movements, and thus to expose
our columns, placed 4 • distance from each other by
their order of march, to a sudden attack which might
have weakened, by isolating, them. But, fortunately,
the Emperor bad not departed from that extreme dis-
cretion which governs even his courage. The further
the Allied Army advanced the more our columns
strengthened each other by being brought closer to-
gether.
"During the night of the 23rd we found that the
Austrians were repassing the Mincio, and advancing to
' meet no. A battle was imminent. The whole arm, of
the enemy, retracing its steps, wu prepared to oprode
our forward movement, Solferino, San Cassiano, Cavri-
ana, all formidable positions, were occupied by the
Austrians, who, supported by a strong force of artillery,
crowned all the heights as far as Volta. To their left,
in the plain, between Volta, Guidissolo, and Medole,
numerous columns of infantry, mixed with artillery and
cavalry, were advancing to turn our right. Between
Self cnno and Peschiera the enemy had also a considera-
ble force, intended to oppose the troops of the King of
Sardinia, marching from Disenzano to Possolengo.
The two armies occupied these respective positions
when, at 5 o'clock in the morning, the lit Corps
(Marshal Baraguay d'Hilliers') commenced the engage
went before Sulferino. The heights and the
were taken and occupied after an obstinate engagement.
During this action the 2nd Corps (Marshal }l'Mahon's),
which was on the right of the first in the plain, was ex-
tended towards its own right, in order to unite with the
force under General Niel, who was advancing upon
Medole.
"The Emperor had taken the command of the whole
army; His Majesty ordered the infantry and artillery
of the Guard to move forward into a position between
the Ist and 2nd Corps, and to take San Caseiano. Then,
to reinforce the right of Marshal M'Mahon (2nd Corps),
which was sligbtly weakened by the distance from it of
Otters! Niel, His Majesty ordered all the cavalry of
the Guard and the two divisions of Cavalry of the let
and 3rd Corps to occupy the vacant space between the
2nd Corps and 4th. Marshal Canrobert had been
directed to watch the Austrian movement expected
from the side of Mantua. Our army fought the whole
day, advancing slowly, but always advancing in good
order, the different corps in combination with each
other. The lit Corps, after having carried Solferino,
took all the Austrian positions in the direction of Pox-
solengo successively; the night only stopped its advance.
The Guard moved upon San Cassiuo and C,arriana,
occupying the summits of the hills. This last villap
was taken by a rapid attack, under the eyes of the
Emperor, who himself directed the fire of the artillery.
"As to the 4th Corps, under General Niel, it I
advanced step by step, always gaining ground. Towards
4 o'cloca in the afternoon the Austrians, to sustain their
retreat, made a last effort to penetrate between the 4th
and 2nd Corps. An obstinate conflict then commenced,
in which the infantry and artillery took part. The
cavalry, by several charges, decided the success of this
great day. This was the last act of the battle. Along
their whole line the Austrians began their retreat; it
was favoured by a frightful storm, that raged for
nearly an hour—thunder, hail, and wind; at last a
deluge of rain produced such an effect that nothing
could be distinguished on the field of battle.
"When the weather again became calm the enemy
had disappeared, but in the distance could be seen the
direction then retiring columns were taking. The
Emperor of Austria, who had lodged at Carriana in the
house in which the Emperor later in the day established
his head-quarters, quitted the field of battle about 4
o'clock, and went by the road to Goito. The cloud of
dust raised by his escort could be seen from the heights
of Carriana.
"The Emperor Napoleon has in a degree surpassed
himself; everywhere, and at all times, he was wen
directing the battle. Every one about his persona trem-
bled at the dangers that unceasingly threatened him;
he alone seemed not to perceive them. The protection
with which Providence shielded him was extended to his
Staff; only one of the Cent Gerdes was wounded near
His Majesty • several horses of the Staff and escort were
wounded and killed." _ _ .

PARIS, Tuniclay, June 28.

Besides General Auger, Generals Foray, Ladmirault,
and Dieu were wounded at the Battle of Solferino, but
happily their wounds are unimportant.
On Sunday nest aTe Deem will be sung in all
the churches of France in celebration of the victory
of Solferino. The Empress and all the great bodies
of the State will attend the service in Notre Dame.

Toitnc, Monday, Jtute 27, 11.55 P.N.
The following order of the day of the Emperor Napo-
leon to his soldiers vu published at Cavriana on the
25th inst. :—The enemy, who believed themselves able
to repulse us from the Chiese, have recrossed the Mincio.
You have worthily defended the honour of Franco. Sol-
ferino surpasses the recollection of Lonatoand Castiglione.
In twelve hours you have repulsed the efforts of
150,000 men. Your enthusiasm did not rest there.
The numerous artillery of the enemy occupied formida-
ble positions over three leagues. Your country thanks
you for your courage and your perseverance, and laments
the fallen. We have taken 3 Bags, :10 cannon, and 6,000
prisoners. The Sardinian army fought with the same
valour against superior forces, and worthy is that army
to march beside you. Blood has not been shed in vain
for the glory of France and the happiness of the peoples.
Count Cavour has returned this evening to Turin from
the camp. _ _

TURIN, Tuesday, June 28.

The official bulletin published to-day contains details
of the operations of our troops in the last battles fought. '
The best troops and the most skilful Generals of Aus-
tria had been sent against the Piedmontese. The princi-
pal in which the Piedmontese were engaged was
fought at San Martino, where they performed prodigies
of valour, and took formidable positions defended by
superior forces, but • fearful tempest prevented the sol-
diers from remaining in those positions.
The French with valour and noble impetuosity won
the heights of Solferino, and forced the enemy to with-
draw towards Goito. Our troops also drove the enemy
from San Martino, leaving five pieces of cannon in our
hands, and the Austrians, having withdrawn to the
bridges, recrossed the Mincio.
The victorious results compensated for our serious
loss.

VIIENN•, Tuesday, June 28.

The report is current that the Emperor of Austria will
shortly have an interview with the Prince Regent of
Prussia. Two decrees favourable to Protestants and
Jews are expected.

TUC EXPLIIOII TO nit EMPRI6B.
CAVRIANA, Juno 213, 2.20 P.M.
Our troops are passing the Mincio without resistance,
the eneany having retired beyond the river.