The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1870-09-07

held him shut up around Metz. His
efforts were heroic. The king Of
Prussia could not help rendering Jus
tice to the valor Of our soldiers. Mar
shall MacMahon, after cndeayoring to
reach Bazaines in the direction of the
north, Was obliged tor retire in the
enyirons of Sedan, where, were several
days fighting;7 u with alterations of
success and reverse, but we contended
against an enemy. our superior in num-
bers, and in spite of the most ener-
getic efforts the struggle terminated
IN a defeat of our arms. Other adj
vices of Prussian origin + still more
unfavorable, but don't appear to us
worth credit in all cases, and the gov
eminent is not willing to give them
the appearance of authenticity by
communicating them to the public.
Our reverses affiict us. 1t is impos-
sible for us to witness without emotion
8 o much courage and so much, doyo-
ton, though ~unavailing. But this
sight, far from taking away energy,
augments and redoubles it, Since the
present cabinet came into power, it
has drawn from France all that her
resources could yield, and they still
remain 20 strong thatiwith the energy
and help of the nation we may yet
have a last word. Let US hope that
God will help us and drive the enemy
from our SOIL ii 5
Especial to New York HERALD
= London, Sept. IA dispatch from
Sedan, via Bouillon, Sept. 2, midnight,
says: The die is cast 50 far rs Mac
Mahon's fine army and the fortunes
of the Empire are concerned. All Is
over with France. I have already
t~elegraphed briefly the facts Of the
battle OF Tuesday and "Wednesday.
The results at the el6se of each day
light showed the French force rein
forced and occupying a strong elevat-
ed position from Bazielles, extending
down the railroad to Donzy, and
thence to Macy on the line of Mouosoy
Railroad. At five O'Clock the Prus-
sian Recommended the battle making
simultaneous attacks on the French
front and left flank. The fighting at
first was confined to the artillery of
both armies, firing necessarily, the
French evidently having a weaker
force of guns than the Prussians. At
noon a fierce attack was made by the
Prussian infantry at, Donzy with the
object of weakening the French cen
tire, bnt after tremendous fighting the
Prussians fell back, and a pause seem
ed to take place. Al one O'Clock the
firing was less incessant but was only
. prelude to yet fercer assaults. At
two O'Clock . simultaneous movement
was made along the whole Prussian
line, the infantry charging the guns.
At three O'Clock the French lines, |
which previously stood, wavered, and
immediately after broke. The battle
then became q rout. MacMahon is
reported rs severely wounded in the
last attack. The roads now presented
a terrible; aspect, the French leaving |
everything and flying in every direc
fion, throwing away their arms. The
Prussiah soldiers pressed resoiutely |
forward, bent on cutting off their re-
treat toward Belgium. The Prnssian
troops used their bayonets with ter
rible effect. Night closed on the rout
and pursuit, leaving the Prussians
gathering in large numbers around
Sedan.
The Emperor remained at Sedan
during the battle. At half-past two
o'clock a message was sent to the EN-
peror at his headquarters asking him
to fly to Belgium, but the Emperor
was too i'll to undertake the journey.
This afternoon the Prussians prepared
to attack Sedan, which was not in a
condition to resist. At twelve O'Clock I
a party of officers, headed by General
Wimpfen, left Sedan bearing a flag of
truce. 1t was received by the Prus-
advanced guard and conducted to
the Prussian headquarters where the
General formally surrendered the
French army and fortress to King
William. The French party also
bore a letter from the Emperor to
King William stating he desired to
himself, he not having any ]
command. The formal capitulation
took place at half-past one o'clock. 1t
is said that the Emperor will be sent
under q strong escort to Madgeburg
but his destination is a secret.
Advices from Paris say there is
great excitement there. It was not
that Napoleon was with the
army until after the surrender. Cen
eral Wimpfen, who surrendered the
French army, is . cousin of the Prus-
sian General of the same name. 1t Is
stated that Napoleon insisted upon
hoa ,,rrandor aoainst the nrOtesls oil