The Sun.
London, England, 1870-08-09 00:00:00

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LATEST INTELLIGENCE

THE WAR.

ADVANCE OF THE PRUSSIANS

INTENSE EXCITEMENT IN PARIS

TWO MILLIONS OF FRENCHMEN TO

BE ARMED.

NEW MOVEMENT OF THE FRENCH

AUGUST 8 (7.50 A.M.)

The army is concentrating to march on the Vosges and
defend the passes. The night has been quiet, and no en-
gagement has taken place.

• - AUGUST 8 (10 A.M.)
" General de Failly is in communication with Marshal
MacMahon. The morale of the army is excellent. There
has been no attack since my despatch of yesterday. In
the battle of Freschwther 140,000 Prussians attacked
Mashal MacMahon's Corps, numbering only 33,000 men.
" NAPOLEON."

GENERAL STEINMETZ'S REPORT OF THE

BATTLE OF SAARBRUOK.

The following official .report from General von Stein-
metz, regarding the battle at Saarbruck on Saturday, has
been communicated from Berlin, under date of Sunday
evening :

MAYENCE3 Sun day (9 A. M. )
"The following telegrams relative to the battle at
Saarbrucken on the 6th of August have come to hand
here :

" 1. To-day, from noon till after dark, a severe and
well-contested battle has been fought between Saarbruck
and Forbach. The 14th Division commenced the engage-
ment, and was successively supported against the enemy,
who had fortified themselves, by three battalions and the
battery of the 16th Division, three battalions, two bat-
teries, and cavalry (the telegram does not specify which).
The heights of Spicheren, to the rsouth of the exercise-
ground, were taken by storm, and the enemy driven back
upon Forbach. While this was going on, the 13th
Division advanced opposite Volkingen, took Rosseln,
and by nightfall established the head of the column at
Forbach. General Francois was killed. Very many
wounded men and a large number of prisoners from the
different regiments of Frossard's corps. The number has
not yet been ascertained.
" I have assumed the command.

" `V. STEqMETZ.7

" `2, Divisions of the Ist Army Corps were opposed to
Frossard's corps. In the fight the sth Division and por-
tions of 6th engaged ; they attacked at the same time.
It was a heavy and bloody fight. The French positions
at Spicheren and on the Kreuzberg were stormed. At
nightfall the victory was completely decided in our
favour.

" ' General-Lieut. V. ALVENSLEBEN.
(By order) " ' V. VERDY.' "

ADVANCE OF THE PRUSSIANS.

A telegram from Colmar, dated yesterday morning,
states that a Prussian army corps crossed the Rhine.
This movement is denied in a despatch dated from the
Prefect of Colmar. The despatch says it is probable that
the Prussians are moving on Saverne, along the right bank
of the Rhine.

THE FRENCH DEFEAT AT METZ.
The following official telegram from Metz gives the
condition of affairs after the defeat :

AUG. 7 (12.2 P. M.)

Marshal MacMahon has experienced a serious check
at Reichshoffen. He has retired, and is covering Nancy.
The troops before Metz are in excellent spirits. This
morning three entire Army Corps have not taken part in
any engagement. The losses of the enemy were very
considerable, and retard his march. The trial is a serious
one, but is not beyond the efforts of the patriotism of the
nation. It is not possible to estimate the number of our
losses. The movement of retreat and concentration is
accomplished. General Coffiniere is organising the de-
fence.

Aua. 7 (1.20 P. M.)

The Prussians are reported to be at St. Avoid, at 28
kilometres from Metz. The town is tranquil and ready
for defence. There is some question of transferring the
head-quarters to Chalons. The corps of Marshal Bazaine
and General Ladmirault are intact, and a great battle is
expected to-moraow near Metz.

AUG. 7 (7.30 P. M. )

In the battle at Freschwiller the chief of Marshal
MacMahon's staff, General Colson, was killed at the
Marshal's side. General Raoult is missing. Our artillery
suffered greatly. Marshal MacMahon is in communica-
tion with General de Failly. Metz is preparing for a
vigorous defence, and the Commandant has ordered Ger-
man residents to obtain permits if they wish to remain.
AUGUST 7 (7.35 P.M.)

The enemy is not actively pursuing Marshal MacMahon;
all pursuit has now ceased. The Marshal is concentrating
his troops.

FRENCH OFFICIAL DESPATCH.
AUG. 7 (12.2 p.m.)

Marshal M`Mahon has experienced a serious check
at Reichshoffen. He has retired, and is covering
Nancy. The troops before Metz are in excel-
lent spirits. Up to this morning three entire Army
Corps have not yet taken any part in any engagement.
The losses of the enemy wcre very considerable, and
retard his march. The trial is a serious one, but
it is not beyond the efforts of the patriotism of the
nation. It is not possible to estimate the number of our
losses. The movement of retreat and concentration is
accomplished. Gen. Coffinier is organising the defence.
An unofficial account from Metz, of August 7 (1.20 p.m.)
says :—" Intelligence of Marshal MacMahon's defeat has
been placarded here to-day. The Prussians are reported
to be at St. Avold, 28 kilometrbs from Metz. Metz is
calm, and ready for defence. There is some question of
transferring the headquarters of the Army of the Rhine
to Chalons. The corps of Marshal Bazaine and General
Ladmirault are intact. A great battle is expected to-
morrow not far from Metz. Two Prussian spies have just
been brought into the town."
Later intelligence states that the headquarters of Mar-
shal MacMahon are at Saverne. His corps has suffered
much less than was at first supposed. The same despatch
says that Strasburg is in a perfect state of defence.