The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-09-29
THURSDAY sEPrEMBER 2a

mitted TO the headquarters Of Prince Frederick
Charles, ana orders were issued tQ make necessary
preparations to repel IN ASSAULT
AN ENGAGEMENT ON THE ODD.
About noon yesterday FRIDAY, September 2s) the
previous indications OF an attempt to cut through
the Prussian lines were fully confirmed. At that
hour the forts surrounding Metz opened uemen
dous cannonading, under cover OF which the French
forces sailed forth In considerable strength on the
Prussian right and Immediately began vigorous
attack. the assault was 30 impetuous and well sus
tained thar the Prussans thrown entirely upon
the defensive, and were. in fact, compelled to take
advantage OF the woods to check the French ad-
vance.
From midday the battle ragged until nearly seven
O'Clock IN the evening. At this hour the Germans
were heavily reinforced when they promptly as
sumed the offensive and advanced upon the French
For brief while the struggle was quite fierce, but
finally the forces OF Bazane v9re driven back within
their lines.
TUE BATTLE RENEWED NEXT DAl.
Although forced to return to their ilIes, the en-
gaQement had evidently not dspirit=a che French.
This morning september 24), they again assumed
the offensive and made still desperate attack
upon the Prussan lines. Bazaine threw forward
heavy columns Of infantry, supported by artillery
and cavalry.
Covered by the cannon Of the fort, which opened
severe fire, the French attacked vigorously the left
OF the Prussan line little east OF the Thionville
road. Regiment after regiment rushed upon the
solid line OF defences formed by the Prussians who
held their ground with an iron-like tenacity.
Once the French gained an advantage, which,
though proved but temporary, made the situation
grave while 1t was held. They succeeded in carry.
ing an 0utwork OF the Prussan lines and In turning
the flank Of another position. They were, however,
promptly met as they pushed on by heavy masses OF
Prussian reinforcements, and driven back, though
slowly, as they CALAMITY contested every inch Of
ground they were forced to yield.
THE FRENCH DRIVEN BACK.
At length, after bloody and protracted struggle,
they were forced to retire to the protection of the
forts. The display Of herosm and stubborn deter
mnation both sides were great and often thrill
ing, ana have never been exceed In modern war.
fare.
Excepting the result Of the battle and the particu-
lars OF Its character, the details still wanting.
The losses on both sides are SAID to very heavy,
but the figures have not been reported
Prussinn Occupation Of Orleans Onsternu-
ton In Tours-The Government Ia Move to
POitiers-A Levy EN- Masse to be Ordered
General Preparati0ns-French Strategy
Minor Operations Of the Prussinns-The
Situation at Mezieres-A French Naval VIC
tory-Gcneral War News.
LONDON, Sept. %, 1870.
The NEW YORK HERALD special correspondent
at Tours telegraphs, under dafe Of last might've
have had regular sensation to-day, caused by the
arrival in the city OF stragglers from the French
forces which participated In the engagement with
the Prussian cavalry near Orleans They spread
great conservation at the temporary headquarters
OF the government here by their reports that Prince
Albrechts terrible uhlans were laundering close
upon their heels.
The French troops engaged yesterday were princi-
pally men OF the Garde Mobile from the South of
France whose place Of rendezvous was at Orleans
They were supported by two regiments OF the line
The attacking forces consisted OF corps OF Prussian
cavalry, supported by numerous batteries Of flying
artillery, the whole being under the command Of
Prince Albrecht.
learn from citizens who have arrived here from
Orleans tnat the Prussans entered the city after the
fight without meeting with further opposition. They
made requisition upon the municipality for large
number of rations and horses.
The men evidently designed to make but short
stay ct Orleans Their intention is to continue the
movement further south.
THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT TO BE MOVED FROM
TOURS.
The NEW Y0Kk HERALD correspondent at Tours
IeicGTdpHSIndG tn6 removal OF seat OF the pro-
vi1onal government from that city to some point
farther south has been determined upon by the
authorities. M. Cremieux and the other Ministers
busy preparing for fight in view OF the reported
rapid advance Of the Prussan cavalry 1t is believed
that the seat Of the wandering government will be
removed to P0tiers, whence direct communication
by railroad can be had with Bordeaux and Rochelle
Toulouse Is also spoken Of but to that place there
are objections, suggested bv PRINTS continued nego.
tiations with Bismarck, and its contiguity to the
Spanish frontier.
LEVY EN- AASsE.
Orders have been issued by the French authorities
in Tours for a levy masse OF all young men in
France OF the age OF twenty-five years and under
1t is also announced that all men above twenty-five
years Of age will be called out as soon as the guns
are procured with which to arm them. general
requsttion has been made upon the people through
out France for all firearms, Of whatever kind they
may have in their possession, for the purpose Of
orm1ng the national forces.