The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1870-12-02


london dispatches say the feeling is becom-
ing unanimous throughout England that the
French war is rapidly drawing to close. 1t
is believed that the apparent impossibility
of combining and concentrating the French ar
mics will soon compelthe surrender Of rrochu.
Prominent members of the ministry are urging
the immediate calling of convention to settle
the Russian question and arrange and adopt a
peace policy for Prussia and France.
Versailles dispatches say that the acceptance
of the Prussian conditions of peace by the
Paris branch of the general government Will
be required before the capitulation of the city
will be received.
1t is said that Gen. Paadine is wounded and
prisoner.
About ope-third of the town of Thionvile
was DESTROYED during its bombardment by the
| Prussians
Adyices have been received of battle be-
| tween the French under BRAND and TIE Prus-
slams at Etrepagny, in which the Prussians
were beaten with severe loss. The French
| captured three officers and a number of cam
non and horses, as we'll as quantity of small
! arms.
A Brussels dispatch says The French army
| in the north bas abandoned the project of join
| ing the army of the Loire and is retrea.ing on
Lille, without even holding Arras.
| There is report of a terrible battle on We'd
nesday near Paris. Certain military move
ments give color to the rumor; among others
| that Gen. Manteuffel has evacuated Amiens
and retired to Paris.
A balloon, probably from Paris, was seen
| 1,4. ~, Al.
channel. 1t seemed to be trying to make a
landing on one of the Sicily Islands, but vo-
lent east wind prevailed at the time and it was
carried out to sea.
The French claim to have won a victory at
Bauve la Rolande, a little village in the depart
m-nt of Loiret. The victors, the French say,
were young conscripts under fire for the first
time.
The French forces have recovered within the
past few days the following places: Bessie,
Nogent la Barnard aud st. Calais, in the de-
partment OF Larthe; Montoire and Mondobleau
in the department of Loire ct Cher and Mon.
targis in the department of Loret.
A dispatch from Versailles states that Gen,
Manteuffel reports that he is pursuing vigor-
ously the disordered French army of the North,
which was routed in the engagements around
Amiens. The Prussian cavalry are picking up
many fugitives. The entire army of the North
is retreating upon Lille. A Brussels dispatch
says the commandant at Lille is taking active
measures to succor the defeated French, and is
determined to make vigorous defence gainst
Gen. Mantueffel. The troops of Lille have
been augmented in numbers by troops from
Akkas and Amiens, and reinforcements from
other frontier towns. They can maintain their
position securely behind the impregnable
works at Lille.
The army of the Loire is said to be retreating
southwark.
Versailles dispatch says that real sortie
from Paris commenced Wednesday. A for
mdable line of battle was developed along the
lines between the works, upon the north and
northeast sides of Paris. The battle is now in
progress. There is directed against the Prus
sian second army the 4th and 18th corps and
the Royal Guard. They occupy the line ex
tending from the northwest of St. Denis to the
forest of Bondy on the east.