New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-08-31
PRUSSIAN HEADQUARTERS.
INVADING PRANCE-FRENCH CONFERENCE.-The
PURSUIT FROM FoRBACII-LINE OF THE
MOsELLE-THE KING AND THE SOLDIERS.
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lFROM OUR SPBClAL tOhhbSfONDbNII
HEADQUARTERS OF THE KING, ST. AVOID,
Friday Aug. 12The day before yesterday in order to
obtain clear idea of the position of the troops in this
neighborhood ordered my and started from Saar
bruck for the front. After making my way slowly
through the bagggewagons that rendered the road for
several miles almost impossible arrived at Forbach
village the main road to Metz All along the road TO
that village signs of the battle OF last Saturday
which actually took place at spicheren, among the
mountains, about three miles east of the main
road; and the IS flags with red crosses that
/ counted on my way through Forbach gave 1t
the appearance OF one vast hospital
Every available spot was occupied by the
troops As in the Prussan service contrary to that Of
the French the system of blleng prevails the evidence
of war first actually began to be felt by the inhabitants
OF the country with the invasion OF the Prussans. But
the accounts given Of the conduct of the rereatng
were very unfavorabe Riding from Forbach found
the road entirely clear with scarcely any evidence Of
the Prussian occupation, and beginning to fancy that
had mistaken my way, took out map and commenced
a careful examination Of the topography of the country
did this several times and frequently made inquiries
OF the peasants On of these occasions as was
examining the map, was accosted by mounted
gendarme. who made the inquiry where the road
led 10. The question entirely superhuous as
had the faintest idea where was going and so
told him But he showed me that that was to hma
matter Of secondary Importance for while was answer
pistol and presented 1t within ak inches OF my head
and demanded that should show him my papers For
tunatey easily able 10 satisfy him. as had no less
than three passes from the highest Prussan military
authorities and passport as an American citizen Inc
effect was most remarkable, as handed out one paper
after another and he not only expressed himself as soIr
for an imaginary fright that he had occasoned me- but
volunteered to help Inc on my way-and Offer
which 1 gladly accepted. as l bore him no malice
In fact, learned from his subsequent con
versaton the precautions that are taken against lurking
enemies are absolutely essential. He himself had been
| wounded in the the road and another shot, the
marks of which had gazed the breast OF the horse
| He told that there particular anmosity among
French against the Prussan gendarmere, and that
large reward had been offered for every one captured or
killed ON French territory Very stringent measures APP
pear have been adopted and TO be carried into effect
respecting permission to enter within the line Of opera
lions of the Prussian army. At Homburg, as was in
| company with two Engshmen, our papers were ex-
amned and my two companions who had no permission
10 accompany the army compelled 10 North by
the train and within the last four days papers
| were demanded no less than six different times.
Arriving a distance of about four miles from ct.
Avoid learned that the Third and Eihth Army Corps
encamped about that city, and the Seventh Army
Corps at CARING about five miles directly nofth Of
the town. As my guide obliged 10 leave me here,
and the accounts that received led me 10 doubt whether
could find accommodations for myself and my horse at
St. Avoid decided to return to Saarbruck, and await
the departure OF the King and staff Returning late at
night learned that the headquarters would be changed
to this town at noon the next morning. Yesterday
morning. DESTROYS OF seeing the state Of the country
along the railroad and succeeding procuring a place
on the top OF baggage car, commenced the invasion
OF France before the King. From FOrbach TO
81. Avoid the military communication had be
come deranged that 1t not without
risk that We pursued journey between these
stations. What the most astonishing the
fact the French appeared confident of victory that
they had made preparations whatever for reverse.
Although there about twenty bridges the line Of
retreat they had not destroyed single OF them and
the least obstruction had been made to the eonmun
cation by railroad We passed through country which
admirably calculated TO assist in its defense. The i'm
preston here il that the French will give battle along the
line of the Mosee and offer serious resistance in adj
vance of that line and already the Prussans
massng their troops far as possible
southwest OF this town. When I arrived here
yesterday there but complete army corps,
and very few other troops about this city Early this
morning the Fourteenth Division, which lost heavily
Spcheren passed by the town. and at about 10 o'clock
the Ninth Corps passed the King in review its way to
the south. The soldiers in excellent spirits, and
cheered most Justify they the King, who, in his
turn, often addressed them short phrases Inner
rortoGrs meme Kinder :" The Prussan troops adj
vancng with the expedition all the roads
ward Metz. At the time of writing this date in the
ing) the division has gone of and great battle is
expected tomorrow evening Sunday morning shall
move with the Kings headquarters, morning,
Courcees village the direct railroad lne about
nine miles from Metz.