Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-10-05
THE FRENCH -PRUSSIAN WAR.
What is Doing.

JoUNY Aux AUTREs, NEAR METZ, IN
CAMP, September 24.-Since the fearful
battle of the 18th of August the Prussian
army has been hard at work. The activity
and determined bravery of the French
soldiers has kept the besieging forces con-
stantly employed. Vigilence is proved to
be necessary. Repeated sorties and resolute
attempts have been made by Bazalne to
break the bonds in which he is held. Not
withstanding the attempts to treat tor capl-
tulation, there has never been a moment
when the beleaguered General was not pre-
pared to avail himself of any symptom OF
neglect or weakness ON the part of the enemy.
At noon on the 23d, under cover of the guns
of the fort, the French sailed forth in con-
siderable strength against the Prussian right.
A vigorous attack and defense were made,
the Prussians taking advantage Ofthe woods.
The battle ragged from midday until seven
o'clock when the Germans meeting support,
assumed the offensive and drove the enemy
within their hines.
On the 24,h still more desperate attack
was attempted. The French advanced
large bodies of infantry, supported by artil-
lery and cavalry, and covered by the cannon
of the fort, which opened the fire. The
French attacked vigorously the left of the
Prussian line, little to the east of the
Thionville road Regiment after regiment
fell in solid line on the defenses of the
Prussians, who stood like iron. Once the
French gained temporary advantage, carry
turning the flank Of another position, but
were shortly driven back, CALAMITY contes-
ting every foot Of ground. At length they
were again forced to retire under the forts
The thrilling display of stubborn determina-
ton on both sides was never e1celled.
Details of the result are yet unknown.
The Times has the following special On
Tuesday last, the 9th. the French made an
other sortie from Metz. The forces consis-
ted of cavalry and artillery, and were pro-
tected by the guns of Forts Quentin and
Botter. The French advanced to Aisle
Queux, where the Pru.sians were encamped.
Another severe encounter ensued, which
resulted In the defe at of the French, though
they carried off their wounded, dead, and
all the Prussian prisoners captured. The
village was burned by shells.
The affair of LIE Bourges was very serious
and dramatic. Sheltered behind house,
the Prussians had run up a redoubt of bricks.
A nights attack took place at this point
and the electric light apparatus, Marshal
Bazaine's system, did capital service. A
battalion of Breton Mobiles and National
Guard advanced upon the enemy, whose
eyes were dazzled by the light, while the
French forces were in the shade. The can
non from tho fort fired upon the house
which protected tie redoubt, and the Pru.-
slams, surprised and thrown into confusion
by the unexpected manever, were routed,
and left FIVE hundred prisoners in the hands
of the Mobiles.
The Tribune special at Carlsruhe tele-
graphs on the 2Sth: At eight this morning
the gates of Strasburg were occupied by the
German troops. 1t was reported that the
inhabitants, driven to desperation, succeed
ed yesterday evening in hosting the white
flag on the Cathedral, but Ulrich ordered it
removed The surrender was afterwards
compelled by the presence of the citizens in
the garrison. There is great rejoicing here
over the victory; salutes are firing and
bells ringing. The French garrison have
been removed to Rastadt in Berlin as p,iso-
ners of war. The Prussians have al
ready occupied the town. The citadel and
bridge to Kehl have been restored At nine
o'clock the Mayor and municipal authorities
proceeded to Mundelsheim.
Clermont has been captured by the Ger
man forces Three hundred Mobiles, assis-
ted by the citizens, successfully resisted the
first attack of the enemy. After their re-
pulse, the Prussians, having received rein
forcements and artillery, returned to the
attack and captured the place.
The Prussians have surrounded Scissors
Shot and shell have been exchanged since
Saturday. The suburbs haye been destroy
ed by artillery fire.