Middletown transcript., 1870-08-13
THE WAR IN EUROPE,

The first great battle of the Franco
Prussian warhas at length been fought,
and resulted in complete defeat of the
French at all points, with the loss of thir-
ty cannon, four thousand prisoners, two
standards and six of their famous mitrail-
leuse or machine gun. The initial move
ment seems to have been the march of the
Crown Prince of Prussia, Prince Freder-
lex William, against Wisscnburn, and his
capture of that place on Thursday week,
when the two advance positions of the
French army, in command of Marshal
McMahon, were driven across the French
line. On Friday morning, the French,
under Gen. Frossard, attempted forward
movement from Saarbrucken with the Sc
cond Corps, but was at once assailed by
a portion of the Prussian centre, under
General Steinmetz, and after sharp en-
gagement, with heavy losses on both
sides, was defeated almost as signally as
his comradc, Mcmahon. These however
were mere skirmishes. The great battle
was fought on Saturday afternoon last,
when Marshal McMahon moved his army
against the Crown Prince to rotake Weis-
senburg, but that commander had brought
up the whole body of his forces, and a
great battle ensued at a place called
Worth, in which McMahon sustained a
complete defeat, as above stated. The
battle lasted from ! o'clock to 6 in the af-
ternoon, and resulted in terrible losses on
both sides, particularly the French. The
French Emperor at once admitted the de-
feat, and withdrew his whole line for the
defense of Paris. A position at which
the French endeavored to make a stand
during their retreat was carried by the
Prussians at the point of the bayonct.
This battle is known as that of Hagenau.
The following is the French Emperor's
| telegram to his official journals in Paris
METZ, August, mdnight-Marshal McNTahon
has lost battle. Gen. Frossard on the Saar
has been forced to retire. Ills retreat was effect.
ed in good order. All can be rc-established.
NAPOLEON.
King William, of Prussia, sent the fol-
lowing telegram to his wife, the Queen
| Good news. great victory has been won
by our Fritz. God be praised for his mercy
We captured 1000 prisoners, 30 guns, stand.
ards and six mitrailleuscs. McAIahon, during
the fight was heavily reinforced from the main
army. The contest was very severe, and lasted
from II in the morning until 0 at night, when
the French retrcated leaving the field to us. Oul
losses were heavy"
The news created the greatest eonster-
nation in Paris. The Empress at once
ordered the Corps Legislatif to convene,
and issued an address advising the French
people to rally to the cause. The address
closes as follows:
" In order to facilitate the execution of militia.
ry preparations, we declare the capital in STATE
OF siege. There must be no fainthcartedncss nc
divisions Our resources are immense Let II.
pursue the struggle without finching and tho
country will be saved"
No serious action has taken place since
Saturday. Troops are still moving for
ward from all parts of France. The En-
peror is at Metz, and is visiting the troop
in their cantonments. General Changar
nier has received an appointment on tn,
general staff, and his presence is said tc
have an excellent effect. The Orleanis
Due d Aumalc has offered his services t,
the Emperor. The military spirit an,
enthusiasm throughout the empire is des
cribed as intense. King William o
Prussia has his headquarters at Kaiser
lautern. The Prussian advance is de
clared to be obstructed by villages fillet
with French wounded. A late Berlir
despatch says The French forces hay,
disappeared from all points in our front
and none are to be seen by the patrols
who are within gunshot of Metz
The new French Ministry was announc
ed in the Chambers on Wednesday. 1t il
as follows: General Cousin Montauban
Count of Palikao, Premier and Minister
of war; Prince La Tour d'Auvergne
Minister of Foreign Affairs NJ. Henr
Chevreau, Minister of Interior; NJ. Grand
perret, Minister of Justice: Admiral d.
Genouilly, Minister of Marine; NJ, Pierr,
Magne, Minister of Finance: Baron Je
rome David, Minister of Public Works
NJ. Jules Brame, Minister of Instruction
M Duvernois, Minister of Commerce M
Busson-Billant, President of the Council
of State.
In the session of the Corps Legislatii
J on Wednesday, the project for the de-