Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1859-07-22
Friday night, juno "a, 1879.

| came from Brescia carly this morning
and arrived just in time to witness the last
half of what have little doubt will turn
out 10 have been the greatest battle the
modern world has seen. You will get the
official summary of its result by Telegraph
before this letter reaches you, and will be
prepared, therefore, for this statement of
its magnitude | cannot describe it with
any prec sion as yet---for it has lasted all
day, and extended over a circuit of not less
than fifteen miles the noise OF the cannon
adc, and even of the muskctry. moreover,
is still in my ears, and none of those en-
gagged in it, except the wounded, have re-
turned to give US any distinct and connect
ed report But not less than 100000 men
have been engaged in it; and of these not
less than 30000-dead or disabled lie, on
this bright, starry night, upon the bloody
| field
The battle commenced at o little before
5 o'clock in the morning, mot far from sunries.
Just back of Castiglione rises high range
of hills-which projects mile or therea-
bouts into the plain and then break off tow
J ards the left into wide expanse of small
er hills, and so into the rolling surface
I which makes that portion OF the plain
| The Austrians had taken position upon
these hills, planting cannon upon those
nearest TO Castiglione which they could ap.
proach, as the French army was in full
! force in and around that little village, and
had stationed their immense array all ovei
the surrounding plain. As nearly as we
can now learn, the Emperor Francis 10
sepl had collected here not less than 225,
900 troops, and commanded them in person
His evedent purpose was to make siant
here and risk the fortunes Of the war upor
the hazards of the day. Napoleon prompt
ly accepted the challenge. and commenced
the attack as soon as it was light this morn
ing, by placing cannon upon the hills stil
nearer to Castiglione than those held b,
the Austrians, and opened fire upon then
on the heights beyond. He took his OWL
stand upon the highest of these, steep
sharp backed ridge, which commands
, magnificent view of the entire circuit of til
plain, and from that point directed the en-
? tire movements Of his army during th
: carly portion Of the day.
e The French very soon drove the enem
: out of the posts they held nearest to tn
town, and followed them into the small vi
lagos of the plain Lelow. The first {
: these was Solferino, where they hal
n sharp and protracted engagement. Th
5 Austrians disputed every inch Of th
5 ground, and fought here, as they di
! throughout the day, with the utmost de
t peration. They were three iimes drive
c out OF the town before they would stay on
t The people of the village, moreover, too
1 part against the French, upon whom the
: fired from their windows, and the Frenc
: were compelled, in self-defense, to burn th
i town. When they found it Impossible
e hold their ground any longer, they FIJI bac
: slowly and steadily, until they reached ii
! village of Volta, which as you will see b
e the map. lies directly south from Cast,
: lone, and Is only about a mile from ii
/ river Mincio, from which, however. it
n separated By range Of hills. Upon thoi
0 hills, in the rear of the town, and overiool
v / ine il completely on the south and soul
ii east sides, the Austrians had rla'',ei yer
a Formidable batteries. and when arrive
J. upon the field. aud went At once TO Il
$ height where he Emperor ha,l stool q q
81 opening OF TIE engagement, bur ~hies