Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-08-10
THE FRENCH PRUssIAN WAR.
What is Doing.

force of French troops belonging to Marshal
| Bazaine'. army, aided by four pieces of ar
tillery, made an advance towards that place,
apparently with the intention of dislodging
the Prussians. On the march the French
met force of Prussian Guards and Volun-
teers, which had taken up a position distant
one and half miles from Saarbruck. The
| Prussians attacked the enemy with vigor.
A sharp fight ensued, during which the
French were repulsed Toward the close
the French retreated from the field, leaving
one of their guns in the hands of the Prus-
SLAMS The French lost twenty eight men
besides the gun. The Prussians lost eight
men.
An engagement of short duration and
little Importance occurred on August I'd in
front oe Saarbruck The Prussian outposts
on the south side of the Saar were driven
back across the river The nights which
from the south side of the stream overlook
the little railway station we're occupied by
the French, and from these their artillery
shelled the Prussians out of Saarbruck, for
cling their retirement to the hills back of the
town. Later advices state that this engage
ment was of even less Importance than ap-
peared BY the first reports. 1t was the in
tention of the Prussians to abandon the
town on July 3lst, but the movement was
delayed until the advance of the French on
Tuesday. Only two companies of Pru.sians
held it aud picketed the heights, which,
from the South side of the Saar, command
the town and the valley. The hills on the
north side of the Saar at this point appear
to be two or three mile. back from the river
and to these it seems the Prussians have
retired. If the French attempt to cross
in force at this point they will have to cross
the valley to fin the enemy strongly posted
on the hills beyond, situation not unlike
that of Gen. Burnside at Fredericks-
, burg in front of the enemy on Maryes
E Hights. The French reports glory in the
taking of Saarbruck as an important achieve
ment, but they were evidently framed with
: the design of amusing Paris during the in
explicable delay in advancing.
: A French feet has gone to the North
Sea, accompanied by a detachment of the
army. 1t is presumed that the French will
depend almost entirely upon this feet in
. that quarter.
A report of naval engagement was cur
rent for some days, but this proves to be
incorrect.
E 1t was reported from Paris, that General
Sheridan had offered to serve in the French
. army, and that his proposition was rejected.
Tho h,s faroI,t,ox vho
General Sheridan has gone thther as pri'
vate citizen, and has no intention of enter
r ing the French service. So say those who
e profess to know.
:, THE FIRST BATTLE.
. The 6rst battle of the war was fought on
c August Sd. The troops engaged were regi
ments Of the 5th and llth Pru..isn army
corps, and the Second army corps of Bava
ria, led by the Crown Prince in person. The
French force consisted of Gen. Douays di
vision of Marshal McMahon's corps Weis
senburg, and Geishill in the rear of that
town, were carried by storm at the point Of
the bayonet after an obstinate reslstence
= The General who commanded the French i1
y the absence of Douay was killed with two
8 officers of his staff The French encsmp
). ment, one piece of artillery, 500 wounded
= prisoners, including many Turcos, fell into
the hannd, of the Prussians. On the Ger
man side Gen. Kirchbach Was wounded
+ The Grenadier Guards and 5Oth Regiment
n suffered severely.
It On August 4th, large Pru..ian force
t advanced between Wei.senburg and Lauter
l. burg, ten miles into French territory, dri
wing the advanced posts of the enemy ant
destroying miles of the railroad between
l. Lauterburg and Strasburs, along which i
: is supposed Mcmahon was preparing to al
e vance. The French loss was heavy, inclu
y ding many prisoners.
o SEVERAL MORE BLOODY BATTLES
IS MAYENcE, August 6, 6:l0 p Nth,
e French turned back on their entire line, and
oi commenced to retreat toward the interior o.
t. France. The French had commenced ar
advance from Saarbruck, which they had
held since the famous battle of three diYis
r ions against three companies Of Pru..ians
. but having to fall back they burned tha,
= rich and unprotected town, and in with
" drawing spread the confagration by throw
. ing hot shot into it.
: SAARBRUcK, August e, p. M.-Tbe
= town of Saarbruck ha. just been retaken by
= tie First Prussian army corps, under Stein.
", metz.
MAYENCE, August 6, 9 p. N-The head.
Of Prus.ian column, approached the Saa,
# on the 5th. This morning General Gamer,
e found the enemy to the west of Saarbrucker
l. in strong position in the mountain neal
) Spierheren, and commenced Immediately t.
= attack them. Following the sound of can
l. non, portions of Barnakow and Stupnage
l. came up, General Geoben took command
}. and after very severe fight tn G position
II occupied by General Frossard (French) va:
v taken by assault. General Franlois and
d Colonel Reuter- are among the wounded
4 MAYENCE, August Cen. Geobsn re-
ports concerning the fight west of Saar.