The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-08-24

aud the rTnce Royal OF Prussia the
March TO Strnsbourg-Only Seven Thoa.
sand French Troops ia the Fortress.
WoERrHsUR-SAUER J
ADVANCED Posi-, MACMAHoN's ARMY,
August O, 1870. J
GREAT BATTLE.
After having posted my letter yesterday news was
brought IN tnat the Prussans Commanded every
road between this and Haguenau-and conse-
quently between this and Strasbourg-and that the
Letters could not be sent OF; Tor no man would risk
taking them / have, therefore got an Old pen.
soldier, for large consideration to take my
package on to Reichsnofren, about Ten miles from
this where the rail- to Strasbourg is still open and
the road TO which is all along the French Ines
THE POSITION.
At the time OF writIng-seven A. M.-matters are
very much they were. MacMahon occupies the
heights above this village, AMI his lines extend
down towards The forest OF Haguenau on the one
side, and 10 Rcchshoiien, Niederbronn, on the
other. He has been largely reinforced during the
night, and is evidently tempting the Prussians to
attack him.
The Prussans are in great force, ABOUT 15o. 900
strong, and Mac Mahon has altogether some 30, coo
under him. The troops are in excellent spirits.
We were awoke at half-past three A. NJ. by a sharp
attack of the Prussians the French outposts; but
they retired ABOUT an hour later. If the Prusslans
don't attack him, MacMahon must attack them. I
in the village OF woerh, which will be the key OF
the position in either case. There is rumor that
the Emperor and the army Of Metz, the Imperial
Guard, has arrived; but 1 am not able to say
whether such Is the case. ! must correct an error
made my letter yesterday, which you win receive
with this. The general killed on Wednesday last at
the affair (Wlssombourgl OF which / gave you an
account in my last was General Abel Douay, COM
handing the Second division OF The army, not Gene
raj Montmarie, who was only wounded. The French
troops behaved most admirably. but they were out
numbered ten to one or more. Most OF the division
lost all their baggage. The Chassepot carried
much farther than the needle gun; but the French
troops were too rash and would not take advantage
or the superiority they had over the enemy. But the
affair was a surprise on the part OF the Prussans
aud complete route of the French division en-
gagged. However the troops are all wild 10 take
their revenge.
PRUssIAN SIGNAL or BATTLE.
have been obliged to stop. for the game has
begun, and L must try to get this away before 1t Is
too late. The Prussians have just fired three bombs
into the village and the panic is terrible to see The
Allage church, about twenty yards from this is on
IRE. believe, after all, the Prussians will attack
MacMahon.
The Prusslans are now seven A. NJ entering the
village In which we are. couple OF their men are
at the door OF the inn.
IL Is eight O'Clock A. NJ, and must delay sending
this. The messenger cannot leave at present We
are in the very middle of 1t. MacMahon is on the
heights ana is evidently drawing on the Prussians
to attack him In ms position.
once knew young English lady, OF the romantic
and gushing" order Of beings. who, on her first
visit to America wrote to her parents at home, at
might be OF interest to you to know that write
these lines within sound OF the great Niagara" In
ike manner may write to the readers Of the
HERALD, "that it may be interesting for them to
know that this letter is written crouching behind
he wall OF an upper room, Chassepots rifles, needle
runs, bombs, cannon balls and mitraileuses sound
ny In my ears as write. which do upon my knees,
hairs being short in these parts, and In room
rowded with poor, pale, anxious and yet brave
romen Of che village. mQst ot whom have s0nsA o.