Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1870-10-28


great haste, and was soon with the
staff from whom he learned that the
battle of the two previous DAYS had
begun afresh at o. a. m. Marshal Mac
Mahon was brought il Severely woun-
ded, but perfectly self-possessed. He
at once gave orders, in presence of the
Emperor, to Gen. Ducrot that the
troops should be Immediately massed,
and retreat upon MeZieres, ano ex-
pressly directed that they should not
except a battle. He further ordered
that Gen. Ducrot with certain force
should Immediately occupy the nights
which overlook Sedan. Measures were
taken mt once to carry out his instruc-
tons, when Gen. de Wimpffen appear
ed on the scene. He promptly address,
ed Gen Ducrot saying, "I have un-
dertaken the command OF the army.
Besides, L am an older General
than you, and hold the position
you are about to take to be
entirely wrong. On the contrary,
the troops must DO commanded to ad-
vance directly" The order was given,
and the advance was made, with what
fatal results few hours showed.
1t Is Justice to Marshal MacMahon
to make known the accurate foresight
he showed. The battle soon began at
all points, and with intense vigor, es-
gecially on the side of the Prussians.
Toward IL o'clock Gen. de Wimpifen
communicated to the Emperor that
the French troops had the advantage
In every direction. At this time shells
were falling fast near and around the
position occupied by the Emperor and
his stall, but all escaped, so far, unhurt.
Suddenly the Emperor perceived n
French brigade suffering fearfulIy from
the fire of the enemy. The men fell
like wheat battered by storm. The
Emperor asked an officer of artillery,
Dou uiennent ces projectiles p No one
Knew. Shortly after ranotherartillery of
answered, Sire, the balls which fall
on them and US come from q new Prus-
sian battery erected at distance from
here of 1900 meters.' The Emperor
was incredulous he could not believe
in their murderous effects at such re-
mote range. He, however, Immediate
ly ordered canon to play upon this
newly discovered battery, but to no
purpose. The balls chiefly fell into
the river Meuse, at q distance of only
800 meters The Emperor then Join
de the division and marched steadily
forward. Balls continued to fall and
around him, but he still remained un-
touched. There seems no doubt at pres
ent that he did expose himself at the
moment with considerable courage.
Again assured that the French troops
were gaining Advantages at all points,
he said to his staff that he should re-
turn to Sedan to breakfast, and would
remount his horse and take the field
again in an hour. He had scarcely en-
tered Sedan when he found soldiers
flying in all directions utterly panic
stricken. They rapidly filled the
town. At the same time terrific can
nonade resounded from the very nights
which Marshal MacMahon, with ad-
mirable prescience, had ordered to be
occupied 10y the French troops, but
which were now in possession OF the
crown Prince and n portion of his
corps d'armee. This advantage was
fatal. Then and there the battle was
virtually lost. The Crown Prince con-
timed TO rain fire upon the town,
without intermission, and the streets
were strewn with dead Fresh crowds
of soldiers arrived in fright without
arms, adding to the general confusion
and wild terror. About 10 o'clock the
oPloiiNh Wy lIO
slaughter around him, and the bonn
bardment at the same time increasing
in forcce, summoned the generals, &c,
of his staff, and asked in simple lam
guage, What was to be done@ All
Immediately decided in favor Of capit-
ulation. and the Emperor at once or
dercd Capt. LauIistOn to mount the
ramparts and hoist the white flag. Pre-
vlouNly, owing to the exterminating
fire directed by the Crown Prince, es-
pecially on the troops surrounding the
town, general rouie had taken place.
All the efforts of the officers to rally
the men were fruitless, and the belief
was general and proclaimed through
out the ranks that they were betrayed
1t is quite certain that the Crown
Prince had resolved the complete re-
duction of the town at all costs had
not the surrender ensued. The supe-
riority of his artillery had been terri
bly, proved. His guns were loaded at
the breach, and could be fired five
times against those Of the French once.
Further, in nearly all these battles the
proportion OF Prussian troops to the
French has been four to one, and ia
king into occount the greater artillery
power Of the Prussians, it has been es-
timated that their total advantage
were as 20 to one against the French.