The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-10-01


doubted for moment, has come TO pass. We are
actually within the walls OF the celebrated fortress
OF Strasbourg.
THE BREACH IN THE WALLS.
My last letter informed you OF the progress which
had been made in the SIEGE notified you that the
maintenance OF resistance was impossible much
longer. Two 0utposts had then been taken. ana an
immense breach was made in the walls soon after.
since then offensive operations had progressed with
great strides From the Gath inst the lombard.
ment was terrific; It was almost incessant. Night
and day nothing was heard save the hollow roar Of
the cannons and mortars, followed by the sharp
noise made by the shells as they burst In
mid air over the devoted city and fell
upon the devoted defenders. This tremendous
cannonading had full effect. A breach was made in
the walls large enough to admit an army, and 1t be-
came evident to everybody that the storming Of the
place. even II it involved great sacrifice Of life
inevitable. Continued resistance could only stay
the act OF capitulation few hours at furthest for
the Germans had everything prepared and were
ready to make the assault.
THE WHITE FLAG.
IL was on Tuesday last, the 9th instant, few
minutes before four O'Clock In the afternoon. that
the officers and men OF the German army beheld the
joyful sight of white nag flying from the famous
cathedral. This was speedily followed by the same
welcome token from the citadel. young lieute-
nant OF the Thirtyfourth regiment was the first to
discover the emblem OF desire to parley with the
beslegers. Firing instantly ceased, and the next
moment sudden and profound silence followed the
hitherto steady booming of the artillery.
ENTHUSIASM OF THE GERMAN ARMY.
General attention being called to the flags by the
unusual manner in which they were exhibited, the
truth of the situation was once guessed Tremen-
dous cheers rose from one portion OF the beseging
lines. They were caught up and echoed throughout
the entire army. At the moment was at Mundels-
helm with the or1cers OF a Baden regiment, when
first Information was received Of desire on the
part OF the beseged to treat for surrender The
scene was indescrbably exciting. The officers
sprang to their feet, embraced each other ana
clasped one another's hands. The men speedily fol-
lowed their example and some OF them actually
shed tears OF Joy at the great triumph which was
about to be achieved. Before long came the news
that the surrender was fact. As the terms OF
capituatiOn have already been reported, need not
repeat them.
VISIT TO THE CITY.
Yesterday was fortunately enabled to enter the
city with Baden regiment. The sight was impress
sive and sad, although Its narrowing features were
somewhat relieved by the evident Joy OF the citizens
at their release from their terrible condition OF sur
fering and suspense.
MEETING OF THE HOSTILE COMMANDERS.
The commanders Of the German and French forces,
Generals Werder and Uhlrich met for the first time
yesterday, after the terms OF captuation had been
arranged. The meeting took place Just inside the
gate on the east side Of the city. General Uhlrch
advanced to General Werder, and in q voice much
agitated said:-
II have yielded to an immensely superior force
only when further resistance merely involved the
needless sacrifice OF the lives of my brave men, I
have the consolation of knowing that have Yielded
to an honorable enemy"
General Werder, who was also much affected
placed his hands on the shoulders OF General
Uhlrich ana replied 'You nave fought bravely, and
the heroism Of yourself and your men viii receive az
much honor from your enemy as 1t can have from
your own countrymen."
CONDITION OF THE CITY.
All the arms have been surrendered with the ex-
ception Of the officers side arms. have made a
hasty examination OF the city. 1t seems not to have
suffered 30 much from the bombardment as was
supposed. The cathedral appears, and doubtless H.
much injured. but not sufficiently so to prevent its
repair ana restoration no IN original shape and
design. Some i've houses in the Place de Ia Cathe-
dral have been burned. Here ana there are ruins
OF buildings which show the dangers to which tie
city has been exposed In the vicinity OF the ca.
thedral.
on the east side OF the city the destruction Is great
est. Here singular appearance Is presented OF the
Inhabitants busily engaged In removing bags OF
straw rags, mattresses and every conceivable thing
which could be used as means or stopping unwel-
come visitors In the shape OF shells. From the win
dows these unique and hasty defences are thrown
into the streets, where they lie scattered about giving
TO the localities an appearance Of grandlremoval
OF the inhabitants.
ma n ha ra
Among the buildings destroyed is The fine public
library. / am informed however, that the books
had previously been removed, or at least those Of
greatest value.
WHAT THE PEOPLE SUFFERED.
There does not appear TO have been much actual
suffering from want or food, though the means In
this regard were husbanded with the greatest care
The principal cause Of anxiety was the confinement
and want of good water. Several terrible stories OF
the mort atty caused by the Commandment are re-
ported but am inclined to regard them as exagge-
rations. One family, consisting OF q father, two
daughters, two young sons and an infant had taken
refuge in the cellar OF their residence. The house
was struck by shell and SET on nre. 1t was de-
stroyed and all the unhappy fugitives were
burned to death. One Old gentleman, who
has been doing business as merchant In Stras-
bourg for many years. informed me that his
daughter was killed by fragment OF shell while
walking in the Streets These are couple OF well
authenticated cases, but, as remarked BEFORE the
majority OF stories anoat believe to be either
wholly false or grossly exaggerated.
FEELING OF THE OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES CONDUCT
The general feeling OF the people Is one OF great
thankfulness that the city has captuated. The re-
ports spread abroad OF the brutality OF General
Uhlrich are utterly destitute Of foundation. Every.
body in Strasbourg agrees In declaring that his con-
duct towards the citizens marked by the greatest
humanity and consideration, and all classes are loud
In praise OF him.
CONCLUSION.
It Is q matter for warmest conQratulation that
no rreparable damage has been inflicted upon this
splendid and interesting city.
shall hasten TO send this hurriedy written letter
to the nearest telegraph station for transmission to
London, from whence it will be promptly forwarded
Iai,ai urrI 70 In dot h