New-York tribune., 1870-08-20
o THE TRIBUEB.l

THE FRENCH.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBuNRl
LONDON, Friday, Aug 10, 1870
The special correspondent of THE TRIBUNE at
Metz writes on Monday n5th) Yesterday we thought
ourselves shut up here, and all chance of sending
letters gone; for we get nothing, from Paris.
But this morning hear that post win start for the
capital and take my chance of your getting what
lam able to tell from the inside of town which is
snrronpded nv armies-whether French or Prussian
does not much matter 80 far as news is concerned.
AT II o'clock on Sunday Bazaiue effected grand
reconnaissance with one division of Ladmiraults
oo-os Atoa hattie commenced on the right at Bor-
new. TIL O'Clock it was of no great Importance
Then. the Fourth Army Corps, forming the hrst line
of battle accomplished a manenver intended 10 de-
oeiye the Prussians into the belief that IT was re-
treating. This was accomplished by 4:15. The Prus-
SLAMS fell into the trap rushed forward and attacked
with surprising vigOr. The Fourth Corps whose re-
treat 10 the left was feint fell at once on the
epemy's flank, while MacMahOn on the right attacked
simultaneously. The Prussian attack meantime hau
been developed in great force on the French center
"The movements on both sides were effected with
singular precision and the whole spectacle was ike
review at Chalons The Prussians advanced in close
column against the French line, which their artillery
splendidly served as it was, had vainly attempted
70 shake. The French officers consider that the
pnssan infantry was relatively inferior TO the Prus
man artillery. The needle-gun is heavy and appears
70 inconmode the Prussians greatly when chmong
hight OF moving rapidly over broken ground. The
soldiers themselves, are active. They hre lying
fiat ON the ground, seeking cover from every rregu-
larty; but do not their knapsacks as the French
do to make little ramparts in front of them and rests
for their guns Ii is true of this as has been SAID OF
the other battles of Worth and Forbach, that the
Prussians fred with great dehberation, while the
French ratified away az fast they could discharge
their chassepOts.
"The re0iments most closely engaged were the
10th Goth 44th. Goth SOth SD 54th, Goth, and S5th
Of the line; the l1th and 18th foot chasseurs; and
the sh 9Th and 10th batteries of the first regiment
Of artillery. Those which suffered most were the
S4th and Goth of the line and the 18th foot chas-
seurs. The 44th especially was terribly shattered
while the S5th though in the thiekest of the action
lost but IS men killed and wounded The Colonel OF
the 44th was killed; the Colonel OF the 81 horse
chasseurs and Gems Duplessis and Castamer were
wounded.
"As it is impossible to leave the town, and TINS
Acton was fought at any rate begun, at some dis
tanoe outside the Notifications, cannot pretend to
give you the account of an eyewitness, nor com-
plete account at all. The above details are chiefly
gathered from officers coming into town after the
hght was over At the beginning followed troop
Of hussars far az permitted and what saw of the
fight from a hillock close by the walls. Pre-
vionsly was seated in a cafe with some officers OF
the hussar regiment. staff officer came to sum-
mon the regiment in five minutes it was in motion.
1t halted at first at the hillock aforementioned.
on sudden signal it went tearing away to the
uohI La moment more the artillery on both sides
had covered the entire valley of the ver well as
'ne "nole Ssibe works IN front and the ground be-
yond WIN thick cloud of smoke. There was no
thing to do but 10 return TO town.
by q O'CLOCK In tho evening a bulletin was
paearded In the streets saying The firing is nearly
over The Prussian lines extended three leagues.
Ground is gained in every direction II does not
ray by whom the ground was gained. Officers who
came back lateI from the field maintained that vic
tory rested with the French that the Prussans had
been out-generaled and lost heavily. while the
French was comparatively little exposed. But a
prussian officer who had been taken prisoner and
who came into cafe on parole with French
bffcer told different story, Said ne You might
better surrender at discretion. We are more than
10000 strong You will be crushed. AS to the
battle, you had yOuI ewn way at FIRST, for we be-