The Sun.
London, England, 1870-08-17 00:00:00

THE BATTLE AT METZ_

The following telegram from the Prussian head-quar-
ters, also dated the 15th, was forwarded by post to
Saarbruck on account of an interruption of the telegraph
lines, and was despatched from Saarbrnek at 7.20 a.m. on
the 16th :—" Yesterday, the 14th instant, at about four
in the afternoon, our advanced guard before Metz
believed they saw signs-„of a retrograde movement of
the French Corps which were still encamping under
protection of the fortress. Without delay the brigade of
General Goltz attacked the rear-guard of General De-
caen's Corps, formerly the Corps of Marshal Bazaine,
and succeeded in engaging it in such a severe en-
counter that the whole corps and some detach-
ments of the troops under General Frossard were
obliged to hasten to the front to its assistance.
General Glumer then led his 2nd Brigade (East
Saxons) at once to the front, and the divisions of Generals
Kamecke and Wrangel opportunely engaged in the fight
on the left wing, and ultimately drove back the enemy
on all points behind the works of the fortress.
In the meantime the French Corps, under
General Ladmirault had endeavoured to fasten
upon the right flank of the Ist Army Corps, but
was attacked by General Manteuffel's reserves, who
advanced to the beat of the drums, and, storming succes-
sively the positions held by different detachments of the
enemy, drove them back into the fortress in an equally
decisive manner as in other parts of the field. The
troops of this wing pushed on as far as Belle Croix and
Borny, within range of the advanced forts.
This morning his Majesty the King made a reconnais-
sance of the battle-field, and inspected the arrangements
made for the safe removal of the Prussian and French
wounded.

From the Prussian outposts, occupying the same ground
as before the battle, and from the most elevated spots
around, nothing could be seen of the enemy on the right
bank of the Moselle. Thick clouds of dust, which were
visible on the opposite side of the river, lead to the con-
clusion that the bulk of the army has withdrawn."
The King of Prussia has sent the following despatch to
the Queen, dated Herny, August 15, 7.30 p.m.:
" I returned from the field of battle at Metz at
three o'clock to-day. The advanced guard of
the 7th Army Corps attacked the retreating
enemy at about five o'clock yesterday evening.
The latter made a stand, and was reinforced gradually
by the troops from the fortress. The 13th Division,
and a part of the 14th, supported the advance guard,
as also parts of the Ist Army Corps. A very bloody
fight ensued along the whole line, and the enemy
was thrown back at all points. The pursuit was
continued up to the glacis of the outworks. The
nearness of the fortress allowed the enemy in many
instances to secure his wounded. After our wounded had
been secured, the troops marched to their old bivouacs at
dawn. The troops have all fought with incredible and
admirable energy, and also with enthusiasm. I have seen
many, and have thanked them heartily. The rejoicing is
really affecting. I have just spoken to Generals Stein-
metz, Zastrow, and Manteuffel."
In yesterday's sitting of the Legislative Body, General
de Palikao, in answer to an honourable member, stated
that the Prussians had relinquished their inten-
tion of cutting the line of retreat of the French army,
and of preventing the junction of the different corps.
The Minister added that telegrams received from the
Gendarmerie, but bearing no official character, announce
that the Prussians have fallen back upon Commercy,
.ff.- c-- a.wnoaaiva r.,,arizements, and that con-
sequently the enemy has suffered a check. Count oe
Palikao further declared that a new army, of :;ich the
command-in-chief has has been entrusted solely to Marshal
Bazaine, is now ready to support the Army of the Rhine.
The Legislative Body then adopted M. Jules Ferry's
proposal to incorporate in the Mobile Guard the classes
of 1865 and 1866, with some modifications ; the cases of
exemption, as laid down by the law of 1832, remaining in
force.

Up to last evening no full details had yet been received
of the battle at Longeville. It appears that Gene-
rals Ladmirault and Decaen manceuvred so as
to bring the Prussians under the fire of Forts
St. Quentin, causing them thereby consider-
able loss. General Decaen has been wounded.
The Emperor's despatch, dated Longeville, the 14th inst.,
was addressed to the Empress, and—the Gaulois says—
was countersigned by Marshal Bazaine, as commander-
in-chief. It is believed that Marshal Bazaine will not
risk a decisive battle until the enemy are near Chalons.

CAPTURE OF MARSAL BY THE
PRUSSIANS.

A German official despatch of the 13th says :--" The
small fort named Marsal has capitulated, after being fired
upon for a short time by the 2nd Bavarian Army Corps.
A considerable quantity of material and about sixty can-
non were found there."