The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1870-08-25

situation and explanation of the re-.
cent engagements. we nave sustain
ed severe and heavy losses. It is said
the losseJ of the enemy have been
enormous, and out of all proportion
to the merely negative advantage
which he has gained. We are send
ing forward reinfereeMents constantly,
but this is done without weakening
the defense of the capital.
EVERY day 1890 to 10000 con-
scripts are sent forward to Cham.
paigne. This morning two battalious
of Grades Mobile, from Brittany and
Normandy, left by railroad for Asden-
mes. / must admit that they are very
poorly armed. Their guns were the
old muzzle leaders, and thew were
without uniforms, but they were brave
and stalwart fellows. Here there is
no decrease of patriotism. While the
work on the Notifications goes on,
the National Guards, and even young
men from the schools ard lyceums,
drill in the manual of arms. Every day
1900 men are drilled In field evo-
lutions, In Champ de Mars.
AT the Corps Legislatif there is
nothing of great importance. The
action of the newly created committee
of defense is, however, reviewed and
considerably criticised. I saw the
Minister of Marine as he came from
to days sessions, silent like the 9th
ers. Nevertheless. he gave those
around him to understand that he
expected very soon good news from
the feet. 1t is time.
The Prussisn spies swarm upon us,
especially in the service Of the ofic
ials. 1t follows that redoubled
caution must be exercised upon all
dispatches sent hence, By the way Of
Eneland, Belgium and Switzerland.
III. Cheoreau's own signature is neces-
sary in order to send a political
dispatch to the United States. It is
difficult to obtain accurate news of
what has taken place at Chalons or
in its neighborhood.
At the War Department ffiev per-
emptorily refuse to say anything on
the subject, but some of the papers.
the PdtTte and PTesse, among Others.
announce that the corps of Mcmahon
and Failly have succeeded in reach
ing Ardennes, and that a flank march
from that place will effect a junction
with Eazaine.. Its believed that some
of the troops lately enoamped at Cha
Ions have. gone thither, but l can
affirm nothing certain.
am assured that the Prussiau
Prince Royal has given over his d.
rect march on Paris, and that he
waits for the Prussian army before
Metz to deliver great battle. .
Other dispatches say he is at Bar lie.
Due. Everything from that direction
is confused, and believe that these
reports are put In circulation by the
enemy to make the Parisians believe
that all immediate danger has been
dispelled, and calm their patriotic ar
dor TO place the Capital in state Of
defense.
The Emperor is at Rheims. He
waits an opportunity to VIGOROUSLY
break the silence.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
every thing is quiet.
There are certain mvsterious ru.
mors. among the Diplomatic Corps,
bat there has been no proposition for
the preliminary of peace. | know
that Bismarck has indirectly in
formed De la Tour de Auvergne
that Prussia will not treat for
peace, until she can do it on con-
dItlons which will make 1t impossible
for France to take revenge thereafter.
1t Is not, then, our abasement, but our
destruction which the Prussian Min
lister seeks to force upon US. We will
answer him a Ia boane leUre.
Victor Hugo has returned TO US.
The poet re. enters France in the uni
form of Q home guard.
NEW YORK, August 24.-The fol-
lowing further particulars are tele- |
graphed by a special correspondent !
OF the Tribune, reporting the battle of |
the 18th
a reconnaissance made on the day |
previous, the 18th, showed that the |
French army was retreating on Yer
dun. The column was cut IN two by /
the advance of the Germans, and the /
last part driven back between Gravel
lotte and Metz.
1t was resolved TO attack there, as
the retreat of the French to Verdun
was cut off. The Germans we're post
ed in both east directions from GRAY
eIlotte, commanding the road from
Briey to Metz. The Seventh Prus-
sian Corps formed the right of the
line; next came the Eighth, posted in
The road to Gravellotte; then the
Ninth and Twelfth Corps as guards
we're on the extreme left; the Third,
First and Tenth Army Corps we're
held in reserve; the Fifth was kept
Up along the whole line. From eleven
o'clock, the Prussian artillery
seemed overpowering, and the French |
batteries were gradually driven back
IN the second line.
I pushed over to the left of the
French line, thinking that their DO
ition was abandoned. To my sur
Prise, Ifound the enemy still there,
md myself a prisoner. OF what hap.
oened afterwards l can give but little
recount.
The cannonade was renewed on
10th sides, lasting till nearly 10 O'Clock,
Ehen the French appeared to be re.
reating, and the Prussian guns alone
their fire. =
was treated kindly by my cap
crs, who went off through the woods
nd lost their way In the darkness.
While they slept / escaped and reach "a
d st. Marine, which was In the pos.
essIon of the Germans. In this viii
age many of the houses are battered
own. Every available spot is crowd
d with wounded men, even the
ereets are covered with straw, and
be French and German wounded are
wing there in masses together for the
light. Beyond RezonVIIle the coun.
~ is stripped bare, and no convey
nee nor food is to be had.
Metz is completely surrounded by
be Prussian forces, the fourth army
orps having moved round from the
ast to the north. Z