The Sun.
London, England, 1870-09-02 00:00:00

WITH MACMAHON'S ARMY.

From Mezieres, August 21, a correspondent of the
Telegraph writes :—" It appears that the Prussians are
spread over all the space comprised between the
Vesle and Marne, and have surrounded the old
Imperial city in considerable force. Yesterday, at
eleven o'clock at night our Brands garden fired upon
the enemy's scouts from the side of Cormontreuil.
This morning, at daybreak, some skirmishes took place
at Tinqueux, Ormes, and Bezanes. A heavy rain pre-
vented further operations, which obstacle, I may take
this opportunity of observing, has, during the last two
days, considerably interfered with the movements of
the armies. The possession of Rheims is of great im-
portance, not only on account of the wealth of the city
and the ease with which it can be provisioned, but on
account of its being the centre whence five railway
lines branch ; and there is no doubt that the enemy will
use all the efforts that they now' can make to become
masters of it. I also learn that the Prussians have taken
Ay. Their horses throng and destroy this famous vine-
yard. The invaders have also occupied Mutigny,
Champillon, Avenay, Reilly-la-Montagne. They camp
in the woods and vineyards which cover the rich
and beautiful country whence come the finest champagne
wines, and, perfectly at home, they declare laughingly
that they live like " unser Fferrgott, in . Frankreich."
The Soissons line is threatened by the Prussians
towards Magneux. The Mourmelon line is de-
stroyed. A detachment of two hundred Prussians
occupy Joinville, a large village situated eight kilo-
metres from Chatelet. The enemy have also been
seen at Witry-les-Reims, on the Rethel line, and has
shown at Cernay, Berru, and adjacent places. Prussian
cavalry has been observed in ambush among the fir woods
of Pompelle, and their infantry had entered Pont-
Faverger. It seems pretty clear that the army of the
Crown Prince follows close upon MacMahon to place him
between two fires should he open upon Steinmetz. Only
the Laon line seems free. Will he retreat before too
late ?

From Sedan, on August 29th, the same writer gives an
account of a somewhat serious engagement, which took
place at Chauveney. The detachment of the French,
numbering about 50 men of the 6th Regiment, sent to
Chauveney to protect the line and station, was attacked
by a very superior force of Prussians, consisting both of
cavalry and infantry, and amounting, according
to my informant, to several hundred men. The
French, under cover, enstained their attack for
nearly a couple of hours, and fought most desperately.
When at last they were driven from their position, the
Prussian infantry effected the destruction of the line. I
have not heard whether the remaining men of the French
detachment effected their retreat or were captured
by the Prussian cavalry ; but some of the French
wounded were taken to Montmedy. From there
we have also a reliable report that very strong
cannonading had been going on during the morn-
ing of yesterday in the direction of Stenay, and it is
almost certain that a not unimportant engagement has
taken place near there. The Prussians are stated to be in
strong force near Dun, on the river Meuse, in the direc-
tion of Etain ; and if my information is trustworthy,
MacMahon is so near to them that a battle is im-
minent. Certain it is that the report of the Mar-
shal's retreat towards Rethel is here positively
contradicted, and must have been spread by the
French Government solely for the purpose of mis-
leading the Crown Prince, who, it is stated, is rapidly
moving forward on the right flank and rear of Mac-
Mahon's army. This is all the news I am enabled to
send you from this part of the seat of war. From letters I
received this morning from the neighbourhood of Rheims
I hear that the old place is surrounded by a considerable
body of troops, whose movements are very active.
The enemy, who, if not actually at Epernay, at least
occupies its environs, has made an onward movement
northwards. It is pretty certain that 12,000 German
troops are camped at Les Peutes Loges, between Mour-
melon and Rheims, and it is also affirmed that scouts of
the enemy have been seen at Muison, on the Soissons
line. If this be so, the Germans at Peutes Loges will
have passed by the heights of Rheims, quitting the
wooded half circle which borders the city on the south.
It is also absolutely certain that the Prussians have
been seen in force to the north of Cernay, near the
Rethel line. However, the best way to clearly compre-
hend the situation of Reims at this moment is to know
the condition of the five lines that branch from the city.
The direct line to Paris by Soissons and the North is in
full activity ; but it is reported that Muison, the first
station after Rheims is threatened. The Laon line, by
which Paris can also be reached, though not so quickly,
appears to have escaped menace ; still, the pre-
sence of those charming free lances, the Uhlans,
has been reported at Brimont. The Rethel rail, just now
busily engaged in military transports, is free ; but the
blue and yellow livery has also been seen at Witry-les-
Reims, which is but two kilometres from Cernay, a vil-
lage containing a detachment of Prussians. The Chalons-
Mourmelon line is entirely shut up. To bar the route of
the Prussians the company itself fired the fencing of La
Veuve, a kind of long wooden causeway running through
the low plains of Champagne.