The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-12-29
TITLE OF ST. ROMAIN.
The French on tho OGensive-Counter Advance
of the Prussians-Spiondid Handling of the
French Artillery.

The French on tho Onensive-C0unter Advance
of the Prussians-spiondid Handling of the
French Artillery.
LONDON, Dec. 2s.-The New York Herald cores
g. gives the following particulars Of an engagement
fought near that city between the French and Prus
sian forces. The correspondent writes:-
THE FIRST BATTLE NEAR HAvRE.
Since last Saturday evening the city has been in
tensely excited over the first important struggle
which has taken place between the French troops
in this department and the German forces advanc-
Saturday morning. commencing at daybreak For
several days previous we were expecting hight: 1t
has come at last and although without decisive
results, it is regarded as valuable in proving the
efficiency OF the French artillery, and the ability OF
fully encounter the regular troops Of the German
army in the open field
ADVANCE OF THE FRENCH.
After a number OF petty engagements and skr-
mshes with the Uhlans and the Saxon troops, the
people of Havre became clamorous for grand sorte
upon the advancing army The military authorities
on the 18th, 18th ana 2Oth OF the present month
a column OF French troops, estimated at fve thou
sand, were pressed forward from the village OF Har
neuI, four miles east-northeast OF HaVre. The
column comprised, as near as could be ascertained,
$500 Gardes Mobiles from the Department of Oise,
500 Franestireurs and battery of regular artil-
leTy containing twelve field pieces OF the ordinary
calibre, two mitrailleuses, and five Armstrong rhed
guns.
This small army was under the command OF Colo
mel Mocmanard. and was well armed and equipped.
1t arrived at Chateau Monliver on the 22d, where
headquarters were established, and reconnoiGrlng
parties sent out. The troops in better state
OF discipline than they were at Ruen. Colonel
MocnanaId prepared for a reconnaissance in force,
but at daylight on the oath, one OF the codest days
OF the present winter the half frozen French at the
outposts driven In by the sudden appearance
OF Prussian cavalry In large numbers moving on the
chateau. AS the Germans moved forward at a rapid
pace the alarm was sounded In the French camp and
the troops rapidly formed very creditable line OF
battle. Their artillery was pushed forward and the
right wing prepared for the attack. The French
behaved well, ,andhandled their artillery aud ammun-
tion with skill and alacrity The affair promised to
be warm and interesting.
CHARGE OF THE PRUssIAN CAVALRY.
At half-past O'Clock in the morning, after some
| sharp skirmishing, the battle began with an i'm
petuous advance OF the Prussian cavalry 1900 strong
! preceded by a battery OF artillery. The charge was
| first met by the French artillery, which opened
| a furious cannonade, the smoke from the
guns rising like thick fog In the cold morning air.
Well directed and effective, this soon made hot
work for the assailants, to whom II became appa-
rent early stage OF the conflict that the French
| guns were well placed and spendidly worked,
| though not sufficiently supported.
FAILURE TO CAPTURE THE FRENCH GUNS.
Nevertheless the severe fire they kept up caused
] temporary decentralization among the Germans,
wG0se Lines wayered, although they kept % re.