The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1870-09-06

The task ofthe first corps this day was to
act as the right OF all the lines OF attack, hold
ing the left bank Of the Moselle, while the
second army moved. go that the front would
extend rom the north towards the east, thus
bringing the first and second armies between
Metz and Paris. On the 18th no offensive
movement was made, the Pruesians resting in
q sheltered position near Gravelotte the
seventh corps contenring itstf with repelling
slight reeonnoissances near the forest OF Vaux
At this moment General SteinmetZ. recon-
poitering at the-south Of Gravelotte, in the
fores! Of Ogouth, discovered the enemy, three
corps strong, encamped on the heights north
of Grsrelotte. The farms Of st. Hubert and
Point Du Joure we're occupied about noon.
General Steinmetz, heariog cannonade at
Verneville, and having been advised that the
head Of the ninth corps WAS engaged, gave
orders to resume the attack. The seventh
corps deployed on the south and east Of the
heights OF Gravelotte. A formidable artillery
practice followed, presenting an imposing
spectacle. Fifty cannon, presently augmented
to eighty, opened on the enemy'5 batteries,
while advancing steadily a'ong the high road
was mitrallleur, when the fire was opened on
the accommodating party, strong outposts we'll
sustained we're placed.
The enemy made 10 serious attack that day.
On the 18th the first army remained quiet, the
enemy equally so, while the second army ad-
yanced to Verneville and Marie Au1-Chenes to
renew the fight up bill. General steiumetz
aud staff remained by the batteries under
passed before the French batteries grew silent
and the French began to retire. The Infantry
of the seventh corps rested in 3 WOODY gorge
between Gravelotte and Point Du Joure, but
Galtz's brigade, posted near Ars, to guard the
Mosele valley, was already engaged in COM
bat. It took the village Of Vauy and the
heights Of FIessy, where it sustained ITSELF
Meantime the TIN and S.h corps, coming from
Eezonville. opened an attack with heavy ar
tillery practice while the first division Of
cavalry took the first sheltered position behind
it, aud the infantry attacked the enemy in the
wood of Genivous. Asaio the ene2y's guns
we're silenced, while the infantry encountered
obstinate resistance 10 GeniVous woods, where
the fight continued for hours.
Owing to the density OF the woods the hos.
tile forces intermlxed, and the Germans and
French frequently fired INTO their own ranks
Emerging at last from the wood the Pr0sslaps
carried the heights and the farm oil ST. hubert
with severe loss. Further advance was I'M
possible on this side. The French artillery
was withdrawn, and tue Prussiins became
silent. About three o'clock, supposlns. the
enemy gone. Steinmetz ordered Hartmans
cavalry to cross the defile witu two horse bat
teries and the Fourth Uhlans and pursue.
This was effected Mt P. NJ. The puisuers
found the enemy had not Ietreated, but was
sheltered from the cannonade by troops WhIcn
had advanced Our men encountered mur-
derous fire from clasBepots, cannon and mi-
| II ailleurs The dead and wounded instantly
encumbered the roads. The batteries s,on re-
opened, shelterlng the cavalry duel. which
continued un il dark, when leaving force on
the field, the Prusslan main body fell back.
At four o'clock in the morning the prussian
artillery reopened. the French replying unit!
sllenced. At the left. between VerneViile and
Armam, Villiers iniaptry fire alone was heard
at first, but soon artillery begun, showing the
approach of Prince Frederick Charles The
port of artillery, and kept the enemy busy
The French all day used the chassepo5 from
trenches at 22OO yards, indictng disC1ay and
severe losses, but they were nevertheless 10 q
desperate condition. Being surrounded and
attacked on all sides, their only chance was
to retreat 10 the for.rese.