Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-08-14
Another Big Battle Imminent

PrussIans within a few Miles Of
Observation-Disclosures of a French Of.
ficer--The French have Lost the Art
of War.
New YORK, Aug. 13.-A special dated
London the 18th says the investment of
Strasbourg was not known in Paris until
yesterday. Friday Frenchman and Off
Ger, who left London few days ago full of
patriotism and hope for his country, writes:
'I have Just met some persons from Nancy
who retIeated before the Prussians, who,
day before yesterday, were at Vie, few
miles from Nancy. They will move thence
by Faul and probably join the other army
behind Chalons, perhaps at Paris. Why
the French army remains concentrated be-
fore Metz nobody understands. 1t is be-
lieved that the Prussians are already at
Nancy, and it appears that the Empire is
rolled up like scroll. What Houssay said
this morning is true. For twenty years
nobody in France has studied war serious
ly. Everything has been done superficial
", while the Prussians are first in science,
and have now proved they are first in war
st is hard for me to confess this, but it is
true Notwithstanding all these great levies
the lesson of 80 will not reappear. The
losses are already incredible. OF regiments
of 3, 200 men sometimes only 100 remain.
Of the Turcos engaged at Weissenburg but
25 are left.
Later of w0erIh--McMahon' Posi-
ton Observation-Disclosures in Paris
Thursday.
A special correspondent of the Tribune
writes from Paris on Thursday evening,
the 18th, that the truth is slowly leaking
out. 1t shows the position of the French
army as worse and worse. Two days ago
a dispatch, meant to be reassuring, was
placarded, stating that Failly had estab-
lished communications with McMahon, 1t
now appears that these communications
were established in the field at the last
battle of Weorth. Failly came up with a
division of infantry and brigade of cav
airy and shared McMahons defeat. An
official dispatch says he covered his retreat
and that McMahon got into. SaYerne on
Sunday but had to clear out in the eve
ming. Saverne is now occupied by the
Prussians.
McMahon's position is, in all probability
deplorable-driven, as he is, into the bar
ren mountains OF Vosges with the wreck
of an army, without money, arms or FRO
visions. 1t is not known in Paris where
he is at this moment. The Germans being
in possession of Savergne have cut of all
communications whether by rail or tele-
graph between Paris and Strasbourg. 1t
is known that large Prussian army, which
must have taken Mulhousen, is on its way
to reinforce the Crown Prince at Savergne.
Marshal Canrobert, who it was supposed
was protecting Nancy, came to Paris yes
terday to have a consultation with the
Emperor, and has now gone back to his
command wherever that may be.
LONDON, Aug. 12.-The Prussian and
French iron-clad fleets were recently in
close proximity at the mouth of the Elbe.
%he Prussisns hold all the avenues of COM
munication between Metz and Strasbourg.
Address 10 the StrasbOurgers--Tha
City will be Defended TO the Last
Extremity.
PARIS, Aug. 13-The Presse publishes a
proclamation addressed by the Prefect of
Strasbourg to the citizens. He says: Re-
ports calculated to create uneasiness have
been circulated. Some persons have dared
to express belief that Strasbourg will be
surrendered to the enemy without striking
blow. The ramparts are armed with
four hundred cannon, the garrison is large
and if we are attacked, we will defend our
selves so long as there is man left. All
good citizens may be reassured and let the
evil disposed tremble.
YrOchu Takes Command at Ch haIOns.
PARIS, Aug. 13.-Gen. Trochu has as
sumed command at Chalons. Gen. Canro-
bert replaces Baraguy du Hilliers in COM
mand of the army of Paris. There has
been no fighting before Metz. On Tues
day the Emperor reconnoitered the en-
emys position in the woods between St.
Avoid and Forbach.
Views of the London PresS--The War
Transferred to the Saar and No
seIle-McMahOn's Report,
LONDON, Aug. 13.-The Times SAYS that
in fortnight the Emperor has more per-
fectly undermined his throne than his enc
mics In a score of years. Reassured by the
Plebescite, he has thrown away the votes
of the people, and his dynasty.
The seat of war is now on the rivers of
Saar and Moselle. .
The abstract of McMahons report of the
battle of Woerth and Fraschweiler saws:
On the 9th, the enemy attacked the heig ghts
of Weiersdor, opening with cannon and
rifles. The attack was SO violent that the
first division was compelled to change
front soon. Tine Prnssians made faint
from the right of the Saar, and followed at
Loon by renewal Of attack on the right