The New York herald., 1870-09-16
TIE BATTLE OF GORE.

A Terrific EngagemcnI-Dc.ciis Of the Ac-
ton Between Bazaine and Steinmeiz md
Prince Frederick Charies-The Positions
Onslaught of the Freaca--Prussians
ssSteudy" and a Fearful Ckarge-Sad
Scenes on the Field.
[Barnekon August 1sl Correspondence OF the Irish
Tmes.l
II cannot be said that events in this fearful
struggle between the two most powerful military
nations in the world are long in succeeding one
another. Only last Sunday we had the great battle
before Metz; there was more fighting Tuesday at
Verdun with large losses on both sides; and then,
on Thursday. came the terrific engagement near
Gorze, a large village about two German miles nom
Metz.
had only time in my last letter TO give the results
of this great battle IN broad outline; but now ap-
pend some details OF the affair.
Beginning at hali-past eleven A. NJ. on the 18th
instant the battle lasted until eight z. NJ. 1t was
fought under the screening rays OF the sum- whicn
on that day was nercer almost than 1t has been dur
ing the summer: Imagine, therefore, the dlhlcul-
ties under which both sides contested the battle
which had so terrible an ending.
There were engaged some 100000 Prussian troops,
under General Won Steinmetz and Prince Frederick
Karl, and about 140, ,000 French, commanded by Mar
shal Bazaine. On the day before the engagement
there had been premOnitory symptoms that the
enemy meant 10 force an engagement upon the
German troops, whO must say, welcomed the idea
with considerable manifestations. At daybreak
there was stir in the Prussian camp, and every
possible means were taken by General Steinmetz
and the gallant young Prince Karl to prevent a
surprise by the enemy's forces. The French. ON
their part, must have apprehended an attack, lor
they were keeping the line which protected Metz
from the invading armies; and, in fact it Is ditcul
to say which side actually began the bate, which
was almost simultaneously commenced. The French
infantry had formed up in line OF enormous length
and presented a most formidable front to the Prus-
SLAMS. Indeed, this line OF red and blue extended
Iar that 1t impossible TO lake In the whole length
OF it unless the spectators were placed on very
elevated position.
The battle began with terrific onslaught by the
French infantry whose position was far superior TO
that OF the Prussians who however, resoutely went
forward, out without firing SHOT Not so the
enemy, whose rifemen at once opened continuous
and murderous fire with their Chassepots the supe-
rlority OF which over the Zundnadel is being daily
eXempted. This rapid fire caused the loss OF many
Prusslan infantry, who apparently rushed INTO the
laws of deatn,n Ike our own ''SlX Hundred at
fire that almost one-half OF the Prusslan vanguard
fell victims to 1t. But the German troops were not
for moment discouraged or diSheartened. Like a
wall they moved forward, still not firing single
snot, and their comrades falling all around them.
1t must be noted that all this time the Prussians
were reserying their fire until they could ret within
shorter range-withln distance more suitable ~
exigences OF their weapons. 70 spectator OF the
battle it appeared now as though the Prussans must
have been compelled TO letlre ana h0pelessy abandon
the conflict for the rapid Ire OF the enemy continued
as destructive as IL was at the beginning or the en-
gagement, never sackenlng for an instant but rather
increasing than diminishing. But there existed no
intention in the minds OF the Prussian soldiers do
this. Au contrdtre, the word 10 advance at ''the
double" was suddenly given and with exciting
cheers and hurrahs the German Infantry rushed for
ward, and then, when they were at no greater dis-
tance than 500 yards, opened deadly fire with the
Zundnadel.
This movement spendidly effective II
changed the whole position OF affairs as III by magic.
The French infantry fell on all sldes their line was
completely destroyed in the centre, ana something
like panic set in among them. They had not
reckoned on this coup du guerTe, and retired with
PRECIPITATION upon their reserves. With q steadi-
ness OF purpose which defed all attempts repuse
them the Prussian Infantry advanced--slowly ad.
yanced as no other soldiers the world trained
to do.
This slow, funeral like march, Il wonderfully eff
fectiye and produced demoraliZlng effect upon tht
French As The PrusSlans ad dvanced, then, With hi,
slow step they kept up their fire oil the time, VIII
what result may be imagined. once, noiwithstand
inc the fearful fire that was being raIned upon then
from the needle guns at such terribly close quarters
the French rallied and stood lmInovaDe as % wal
before their foe BY this time the russians hao sc
within 500 or 400 yards OF the enemy, ana IL lOoKe
as though tile fight were coming TO close quarters
But this was not to be. small hui TO tne Frenc
right---ncar to which they had been Obliged 10 r.
treat--had been occupied BY French artiiIery, wh'
had poured destructive fire upon the Pfussians
By a great effort however, the latter succeeded II
driving back the enemy from this position, an
occupied II themselves placing one battery OF art
Iery there Seeing the ineilectiveness OF tne pos
ton OF the Prusslan infantry, which continues
20 be exposed to the harassng IRE o
the long French line, which was only broken ia vi
centre, the leaders of the German troops pr0cure'
relnforcements. Three or four regiments at ono
hurried up, aud materially altered the ASPECT