The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-12-21

LONDON, Dec. 90 1870.
! have received q letter from the new YORK
HERALD correspondent with the French Army of the
wrtes:-
SUCCESSFUL CHANGE OF BASE.
The second change of base made by this division
of the Army Of the Loire commanded by General
Chauzy, has been successful lapee Of strategy as
it brings the French forces nearer to Paris than they
were before.
THE SUPPLIES AT ORLEANS AND BLOIs SAVED.
The immense stores gathered at Orleans and
Bois, designed for the vlctualing OF Paris, have
been entirely saved. The Prussians did not capture
a single carload. l think this fact sufficient
answer to the claim that they routed the Army of
the Loire at Patay. In fact, may say here that all
the recent victories claimed by the Germans in this
part Of France have been merely skirmishes in the
outposts and encounters between accommodating
parties.
CHAUZYS FLANK MOVEMENTS.
After Its defeat at Orleans the column OF the Army
of the Loire remaining on this side OF the river
| made q flank movement to vendome. 1t might have
| been an easy task to defend Tours; but both
| columns OF the army preferred to cut lose from
9 cities and operate in the open field. The country
OF base that General Grant found on the seaboard of
Virginia. The number and location Of the cities and
smaller places the rivers and creeks in this part
of France enable the accumulation of large supplies
for the army at short distances from its line.
Hence, the wagon line being short, the movements
can be made with great rapdity.
SUPPLYING THE ARMY.
II LIE Mans should prove unsafn Alencon, Lsene
or Caen are equally good as base Of operations.
The army the country for rich supplies and
the several seaports directly in its rear facilitate the
reception of arms and ammunition, which are car
RED directly the front by Railroad thus relieving
the wagons Of further work than their distribution
to the troops. The face Of the country is well
adapted to strategic movements and facilitates the
measures of defence.
WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED.
When one considers, therefore, the present situa-
ton, 1t will be found that the German victory OF
Orleans has been barren of military results. One
hundred thousand men Of the Army Of the Loire
have simply moved some fifty miles north of their
former position and there formed junction with
new army. Thus, after ALL the success of the Ger.
mans has not been much to boast of. 1t can safely
be depended upon that the end Of the French Army
of the Loire has not come just yet.
TrMIDITY OF THE FRENCH LEADERS.
Nevertheless the French stand badly in need Of an
able leader. Never has the need OF one been so
keenly felt by them. There are men enough under
arms to draw circle round the German investing
line at Paris, but wonderful hesitation and tmdity
characterize the military councils. This column Of
the army under General Chauzy might easily have
doubled up the forces under the Grand Duke
Of Mecklenburg Instead Of doing this, the French
generals allowed the Germans to occupy Freteval,
in front OF vendome, on Wednesday last. There
they naturally gained information concerning the
designs Of the French which they stood in need Of.
As consequence the Duke Of Mecklenburg Will
soon have large force under him with which to
oppose the further progress o. General Chauzy.
Eourbali Advancing-Activity of the French.
LONDON, Dec. 20, 1870.
One OF the German armies on the Loire is falling
back before General Bourbaki's advance.
ACTIVITY OF THE FRENCH.
The military movements in the field continue ac-
lively, and the French are evidently endeavorng to
concentrate. The Prussian columns yesterday
threatened Chateau Renault, fifteen miles north
west OF Tours.
OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEAST
FRANCE.
TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD
French Defeat at uIars of
the Battle of Nnifs-Princc william OF Ba-
den Wounded.
LONDON, Dec. 20, 1870.
French force 1Oo 600 strong, has been defeated at