The Sun.
London, England, 1870-08-19 00:00:00

WAR NOTES.

FRENCH PREPARATIONS.—It is believed that a new
army will be formed up at Chalons, and that the war
will be commenced again from that place as a base of
operations. The time necessary for doing this perfectly
would not exceed one month ; but even within a fortnight
it is supposed that an army can be
got together in-
finitely surpassing that of the Prussians in all points
whatever except numbers, and even in this particu-
lar falling very little short of them. There can be no
doubt whatever that the authorities are getting an enor-
mous number of volunteers—so many, indeed, that they
cannot make room for them in the ca,serne:, and
are giving them money to find their own lodg-
ing-8. These men are of every class archi-
tects, merchants, clerks, mechanics, &c. ; and,
although not very powerful- looking men, they
will, no doubt, be able to stop a bullet as well as the cor-
responding individuals in the Prussian army, which is
said to be mainly composed of men of the same descrip-
tion. How such men can be made useful in the beginning
of a campaign Heaven only knows ; but the Prussians
have managed it somehow, and of course the French can
do the same.—Paris Correspondent of Telegraph.
A FRENCHMAN ON FRENCH MANAGEMENT.—Re-
gimentaI officers, soldiers, and those citizens who have
held communication with the army, are unanimous in
declaring the ignorance and infatuation of our Generals.
Whilst the youngest cadet of the enemy's force is perfectly
acquainted with the topography of France our Generals
do not even know their own country. The little square
maps which were distributed the other day all
merely ridiculous scraps of paper ; the staff map,
of which we possess far too few copies, has not
keep pace with the changes of the country, and such and
such a strategic road, finished five years ago or more, is
not even marked upon it. One of my friends met a gene-
ral galloping full speed down the valley of La Behren-
bach, turning his back upon Phalsburg, whither he thought
he was going. In Lorraine, as in Alsace, the inhabt,
tants, offered *lir, seryices tothe G 914914=4qm

to give the generals inforthation, others to examine thp
neighbouring woods. Their offers were declined with lofty
contempt. The French army does not reconnoitre for
itself, and does not want other people to reconnoitre for
it ; it thinks itself able to do everything, and the result
has shown how well-founded was this belief. Our officers
affirm that in these three battles they have been made to
abandon excellent positions, of which the enemy has in•
stantly taken possession. The cavalry swears by its great
gods that it was brought to Woerth expressly to be
massacred without advantage. At Saverne, on Thursday
night, there were two magnificent regiments of cuirassiers.
At the moment when they were turning in under their
tents the order came to leave immediately for Haguenau.
Soon two other regiments of a similar arm descend from
Phalsburg, and take the same route. Forty-eight hours
later the relics of these four regiments rally themselves as
well as they can at Saverne, in the most pitiable condi-
tion ; many of the men afoot, without helmet or cuirass :
omens woundea up pn foundered horses. They tell that,
whilst waiting for M. de Failly, a bloody interlude was
played at their expense. They were hurled at charging
pace upon the hop grounds where an invisible enemy
mowed them down with impunity. Not one had the
chance to redden his sabre's point, and their losses are
enormous.—Edmond About in. the Soir.

OUR COTEMPORARIES---This Morning

THE WAR.

GREAT BATTLE ON TUESDAY,

REPULSE OF THE PRUSSIANS.

THE FRENCH OCCUPY THE

GROUND.

NAVAL ENGAGEMENT IN THE
BALTIC.

GERMAN OFFICIAL ACCOUNT.

'lns 'mowing aespateft is dated ront-a-mousson,
Thursday, 11.20 a.m. :—" Perfect quiet reigned all
day yesterday. The German army holds the posi-
tions gained by its sanguinary victory of the 16th. The
objects of the battle of the 16th have, been completely
attained. The cavalry of the 3rd Army Corps attacked
the enemy on the morning of the 16th, without
waiting for the support of the infantry, and subse-
quently fought for six hours, in conjunction with the
latter, keeping three French army corps and a
portion of the Imperial Gnard engaged until evening.
This cavalry attacked the lOth French Army
Corps with great determination, and at great sacrifice
rode down the French ranks, and drove the enemy
back to Metz. Many prisoners were made, including
several officers of the Imperial Guard. General
Sheridan, of the United States army, will remain at
the King of Prussia's head-quarters.
From Berlin we learn that yesterday the Queen
received a despatch from the King, in which it is
stated that the battle of Tuesday took place near
Mars-le-Tour. The King also states that his army
took two eagles and seven cannon.

'CENTRAL PRESS TELEGRAM.

In the battle of the 16th, at Doncourt, the Prus-
sians were repulsed, and the French occupied the
ground. Prince Charles and General Steinmetz
commanded the Prussians.

The Berlin correspondent of the Times telegraphs
as follows The French armies have been sepa-
rated by a victory at Mars la Tour. The French
main army, forced back into Metz, is brought to bas%
by the German First and Second Armies. Thi:
Crown Prince, with the Third Army, Is free to pro-
ceed to the West to engage General Trochu at
Chalons, who is probably reinforced by the remnants
of Marshal MacMahon's army. Decisive events are
shortly expected."