The New York herald., 1870-09-19
THE SITUATION AT METL.
TElEeaAms TO THE NEW YORK HERALD.

In0 CrOwn FrlnCe OI ffuBSf0 0t CUny-Nu-
mors Of IN Intended Sortie by Bnzaine-
The German Lines Tightening Around the
City.
LONDON, Sept. 18, 1870.
HERALD special correspondent teegraphs from
before Metz, the 17th, via Esch, that the Crown
Prince was at C0rny yesterday. RumOrs are circu-
lated here and at Ars, Br1ey and elsewhere about a
grand sOrtie and cannOnade contemplated at
Bazalne. II you get them believe none OF them.
All Is quiet but the German lines firmly tighten
ing in O semcircle comprising GravelOtte, Ars and
COurcees. Preparations for shelling Metz and
storming Plappevle will be complete within week
hence.
The Prussian Advance Guard in the Suburban
villages-First Appearance Of the Army
Sc0uts-HOw They March and How They
Received-Scenes at Chateaux--The
Villagers Alarmed and Plundered-War
deterioration Against a Surprise by the
French Regulars.
PARIS, Sept. 1s--via London.
received to-day from special correspondent OF
the HERALD some interesting particulars relative to
the Prussan army advance on the capital The ad-
vices are dated within nine miles Of the city.
The correspondent states that the Prussian scouts
arrived at Sucy yesterday. The party consisted OF
brigader tsergeant and four men. Their
appearance produced quite panic among
the gardeners ana farmers resident in the
locality. The Prussians were cool and
apparently unconcerned. The brigadier (sergeanu
placed three videtes at convenient points OF obser.
vation one at the spur OF the hill which forms the
extreme base Of the range Of hills one at the gate
leading to the house where my informant resided,
and another at the gate which leads 10 Beartaux.
Three others came along almost Immediately. They
entered the little town hall of the suburban village
and demanded to see the mayor and cure. AsI
was present-says the correspOndent-hey ques-
toned me. / replied as best could according 10
my knowledge and information In all matters to
which they referred. They demanded TO know If
there were not armed men OF The National
Guard or armed members OF the Garde
Mobile in The place. They asked If there
were not guns and small arms and ammunition hid
den away in the village church. Having received
my replies they asked for a supply of cigars. told
them that there were none TO be had. Waning the
cigars | offered them quantity oI light wine TO
drink This they accepted at once, but on the con-
diton only that myself, with friend OF mine
should each empty glass first.
Being now joined by other troopers they COX 10
their saddles again. The whole party examined the
fine park of GenouX, Marsault and de petn ual
closely, ranging their observations to a very wide
extent. During this time the men renamed
standing up In their strrups. In all this they
wanted to find out If there were any French
regulars Gardes Mobile stationed In the adloin-
ing woods. They then moved on. As the PrussIans
went along the French peasants removed whatever
little property they had away from the line OF path
aud employed themselves even in tearing mp the
potatoes from the earth and carrying them of with
them.
The first party OF German troops who appeared,
and 70 whom first refer, were Prussan Red HUI.
Ears, Towards evening, the same day. party OF
the Blue Chasseurs OF Prussia appeared. They did
not ask questions They made tour OF
the village Finding the place deserted and
the houses closed up they employed themselves in
driving their sword points and bayonets into the
window shutters. Judging from the manner and
conduct OF these tthe nrsp | anticipate that when
their comrades and fellows arrive in force they VIII
break up and smash things pretty generally.
There aAe just now three hund red OF the same
arm OF the Prussian service at Boissy. Finding
better supplr OF food and gVods there tey keep de