The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-08-17


had loaned him. his horse having been killed early
in the action. Out OF oil had there remains only
the clothes wear. Seventy francs, which was in
the pocket Of my coat In my baggage, which was
with that OF Marshal Been taken with the rest.
do not care for my personal losses, but cannot
help crying nwardly when / think Of oil the brave
men have lost.
We fought like llons--tniry five thousand against
one hundred thousand and surrounded on Oil sides.
General CalOm was killed and 80 was Robert de
Vogue. Alfred de Grammont, brother Of the Duke
de Grammont, Minister Of Foreign Affairs, was
wounded in the left arm. Other corps have suffered
almost as much as my own.
Marshal MacMahon behaved splend!dly. He did
all that man could do, but he had not men enough.
We were unable TO cope with one hundred thousand
men, supporting three times more artillery than we
had. Nevertheless We inflicted such heavy loss
ON the enemy that that is doubtless the reason why
he has not pursued us more vigorously. Had he
done 80 the disaster would have been fearful.
Heaven knows 1t is bad enough as 1t is.
The battle began about halfpast seven O'Clock In
the morning and lasted I'LL after night. We rereated
In pouring rain, and when we halted were without
tents or fire and had to lie down IN the mud.
On the day after the battle we marched seventy
kilometres from the vicinity Of the battlefield to
saverne. The last thirtysix Kilometres got over
during the night, pel neil, without stopping or
sleeping. War is a fearful scourge.
We are doomed to forced tnaction for the next
few days. have but 500 or 600 Zouave left, with
ont knapsacks, tents, clothes or food but we have
arms and do not complain. Being without officers
and non-commissioned officers we cannot be sent
into action now, and will probably be sent to stras
bourg to REFORM The regimental chest, with our
accounts, was taken by the enemy. II we do not
make movement soon the General will probably
leave me alone for little time with what men I
have left.
Legislative ProcecdinGs-The Minister Of War
to the Parliament.
PARIS. August 49, 1870.
The proceedings In the Corps Legislatif to-day
were exciting and important.
Deputy Keller said that for three days now the
troops had been ngh ting and no news had been re-
ceived as to what had been accomplished. In such
situation OF affairs the Chamber could not think
Of any other matters The meeting Of the Corps
must be permanent, to await communication from
the Minister Of the Interior
The Minister Of War; Count Palikao, said he was
not prepared to speak OF defeat the Prussians were
said to have sustained, but OF serious check forcing
them to retire and forego their attempt TO disturb
the retreat OF the French army. He had no oflcal
dispatches touching the events Of yesterday but
had received from reliable sources, and might
state that the Prusslans had been checked several
times and were retiring towards Commercy. He
was full Of confidence but could not present enter
upon Details II fey days much greater force
| would be under the command Of Marshal Bazalne
the only and the true Command r-in-Chief
The Minister then retired, and Deputy j. Ferry
took the floor. In his remarks he referred to the
Emperors proclamation to the inhabitants Of Metz
as having created an unpleasant effect upon the
public.
The speaker was here interrupted by expressions
Of disapproval. The tumut became too great fol
| him to be heard, and he took his seat.
The Chamber then voted several laws for the pro
seeution Of the war.
Deputy Fore ade then announced to the Corps LIE
gisatf that certain religious society had placed
the disposal of the French authorities their house
| OF worship for hospital purposes.