The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-09-14
BATTLE OF METZ.
Prussinn Official Report.

From the Stats Anzeiger, Berlin, Aug. &C.
The battles of the 14th, 16th and 18th of August
are in close connection with each other. After the
defeat OF their advance guard at Saarbrucken the
eth and the entire defeat Of their right wing under
MacMahon, the enemy's main body retreated on the
line of the Mosele. The fortress OF Thionvile and
the very important stronghold OF Metz, with its
trenched camp, gave extraordinary strength TO- this
ties Our armies were for that reason turned
towards the Moselle, south of Metz, to cross the
river below the fortress, and to find the enemy The
movement Of the heavy masses, which could only
advance in important columns, had to be conducted
with special precaution The first army undertook
to cover the march, The enemy at one time made
a demonstration of accepting an assault on this
the strong position OF the Neid Francaise; the next
division of the second army were brought close to
the first in order that they might be able to support
corps of the second army had already passed
the Moselle. The enemy found himself
Sis eSommSncations with Paris, to abandon don
the right bank of the river before Metz, as he
The advanced guard Of the first army detected the
enemy retreat in good time, and on the 14th Of
guard. which they drove into the columns Of their
main body. Several divisions had to turn to their
supports upon which the 1st and 7th corps together
with some divisions OF the 9Th Army Corps OF the
second army, which was the nearest, were brought
into action. The enemy was repulsed and followed
until they got within the shelter OF the guns of
Metz on the right bank. THIS check on the enemys
retreat was great advantage to US:
Two roads lead from Metz to Verdun, the line
which the French army must take In their eventual
retreat Accordingly the corps OF the second army
th IN 0Serg aSS re r
vent the flank march Of the enemy. This important
plan was admirably performed In bloody and vic
torious battle. The 9TH Division, Stulpnagel, as
sailed the open hank OF the enemy, Frossard's
corps; the Prussians only availed themselves
OF the remainder OF the Sd Army Corps, the
10th Army Corps, a regiment OF the 9th and a
brigade OF the sth Corps. Prince Frederic was
W were Vctorously maintained in dg6t Of Of twelve
hours DURATION the southern road from Metz to Ver
dun reached and held and the enemy's movement
on Paris by this road, cut of. The battle was hero
ically fought by troops the losses were severe
but those OF the enemy much greater as an lnspec-
tion OF the battlehel established. 1t was imposs-
ble up to the 19th to bury the French left on the
| field, and the number OF the Imperial Guard stnl
| picked troops The French oficial reports do not
estimate the strength OF their troops SO hlgn as IL
actually was From the Emperor's proclamation on
his denartnre from Metz as well from other Off
cia data there can be no doubt that the main army
intended very udicousy 70 retlre 70 " rerdun, M Inc
round on still farther circuit was still possible
| Although such an undertaKlng would be highly
means OF escape from the very unfayorabe position
by which the army was cut off from Paris and all its
| support The 17th was employed oy the russians
in Sending forward the several corps some of which
were already over the Moselle or had been
| breaking down the several bridges over the river
below Metz. At the same time the movements of
| the enemy were diligently watched by the cavalry.
His Majesty the King was on the spot until the fali,
| the 18th decisive battle was expected In the
direction OF the troops, we might be prepared that
the enemy would try to escape the northern road
or, recognizing the great diculty OF TINS attempt,
he might prefer TO give battle before Metz Win MS
| rear to Germany. The enemys encounter OF onr
previous operations had left him no other choice In
the morning of the 18th we had the nrst army WIFI
| the eth Corps south OF Graveotte-the Sth
Corps and lst Cavalry Division OF Rezonyllle Ghe
LIST Corps and Sd Cavalry Division were left ON the
rtght hank OF Metz) This army received orders tC
protect the woods OF Vaux and Grayeotte against
any sally Of the enemy from Metz. The second army
advanced in the morning by echelons from the lef
wing against the northern road, keeping its commu
nications with the first army The l2tn Corps re
the Guards passing between Marsle-TOur aud Won
VILE TO Doncourt; the 9th Corps west OF Rezonvi'
stretching over the post road to Caure farm. Taer
three corps formed the first linei II the point