Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-10-03
GREAT BATTLE IN PROGRESS
BEFORE METZ.
MATTERS OF FACT AND RUMOR.
Berlin.

Sept. 3O.-Midnight. Official dispatches
just received from Ferrieres, King Williams
headquarters, dated to-day, give the particu-
lars OF the engagement which began this morn
ing:
The German Sixth Corps, which had occu-
pied an advanced position and had also in
trenched themselves, were early this morning
attacked by the French in heavy force, who
thought to effect a surprise.
Considerable difficulty was experienced in
meeting the desperate charges of the French,
owing to the suddenness and impetuosity of
the attack. The lines of The Prussans were,
however, soon formed, and fearful combat
ensued-fghting hand to hand over the en-
trenchments, piling the pits with the slain.
The French were repulsed which was fol-
lowed by the widest confusion. They how
ever finally retreated. leaving large numbers
of dead and wounded in our hands.
Bogus dispatches were extensively circu-
lated yesterday at Valciennes, stating that the
French, after hard fought battle had recap
tured Versailles, completely routing the army
of the Crown Prince, placing thereby thou
sand Prussians hors du combat, and capturing
six thousand prisoners. Of course the report
was instantly discredited on all sides, and the
perpetrator was punished. The Prussians re-
main secure in their occupation of Versailles
and the capture of that city is improbable.
Midnight.-Official dispatches just re-
ceived from Lorrierres, King Williams
headquarters. gives the particulars of the en-
gagement which began in the morning. The
German sixth corps which had occupied an
advanced position, entrenched themselves
early this morning, and were attacked by the
he he III
a surprise.
Considerable difficulty was experienced in
meeting the desperate charges of the French,
owing to the suddenness and impetuosity of
the attack.
The French however retreated, leaving
large numbers of dead and wounded in
Prussian hands.
Tours, Sept. 30.-Evening. The capital
remains quiet and undisturbed by internal dis
sensions. A feeling of confidence is mani
tested by the military and civilians engaged in
its defence. Desultory fighting is going on
constantly between the outposts and Prussian
pickets.
The second lot of private correspondence
seized at the Tuilleries was published to-day
Among the Imperial documents are despatch
es to Empress Eugene, showing that the
Emperor had an intention to return to Paris
after the second defeat of the French army.
Papers also contain revelations of the jour
ney of Rouher to camp.
Tours, Oct. 9. An engagement is now 60
ing on near St. German, on the road to Bear
wais.
1t is reported that Evereaux yesterday with
1000 Prussans occupied Nantes.
The National Guard now in active service
in Paris numbers 375 900 men. This immense
force rapidly consume the supplies of food on
hand.
In the fight of the 23d 5000 Prussians were
engaged.
despatch from Toul says that for three
days cannonading has been heard in the di-
rection of Pont Mousson.
1t is reported that Bombaki made success
full sortie from Metz, and that the Prussan
loss in killed was heavy. .
At Strasbourg the Germans took 10 guns
valued at 1900, 900 francs. The property in
the bank is estimated at s 200, 900, and an inn
mense quantity of munitions and clothing
were also captured.
London.
London, Sept 80. Information through
French sources late this evening, announces
a great battle in progress to-day before
Metz.
The French under Marshal Bazane made
precipitate attack upon the Prussian lines
and were successful in winning glorious
victory.
Few particulars are given. but judging
from the French reports a glorious victory
has resulted to the French array.
Reports through Prussian sources are
very meagre and indefinite. They admit a
serious engagement Tuesday before the walls
of Metz with many killed and taken prisoners
but omit to state the general result.
The probability is that the Pope will leave
Rome before the plebiscite.
The Times says it is impossible and i'm
probable that Russia has designs against
Turkey.
The result of the cabinet council yester-
day, according to the London Times, was the
future postponement of the action of the
Ministry in regard to mediation. This delay
cannot be of long duration.
The tone of he Times itself yesterday
shows the government must yield to public
sentiment.
Another letter from Bulwer this morning
on the conclusive duty of England in this
crisis, declares as historical facts. that if
when Emperor Nicholas told Sir Hamilton
Seymour he meditated marching his troops
to the municipalities of England, he had firm
ly protested the Emperor would not have
taken that step. If she had protested against
Napoleon undertaking the present war in the
same manner, he would not have commenced
it, Sir Henry therefore deprecates the min
isterial policy for waiting for good oppor-