The New York herald., 1870-09-08
TIE s:EGE OF srRAsBoURG.
TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD.

Particulars of the siegc-The City Nearly
Destroyed-rhe Streets Strewn with Dead
and Dying Disorders in the suburbs SUPP
pressed-A Surrender Expected.
LONDON. Sept. 7, 1870.
Especial correspondent OF the HERALD, writing
under date Of the 9Th inst, from the headquarters
Of the German forces beslegng Strasbourg gives the
following account OF the operatlons-
Ireceived letter OF introduction from mutual
friend to Baron Won Broecklin, which insured me
not only hospitality Of the true Arab type but the
means OF communicating the incidents OF the siege
to the readers Of the HERALD. Immediately upon
my arrivel the first thing did was 10 ascend to tn
top Of the brewery, now the headquarters of the
hospital service. Here was enabled to examine
the doomed city at q distance Of some two hundred
yards.
Ny host, Baron Won Broecklin, explained to me the
real plan which has thus far controlled operations.
The first order issued to invest the place i'm such
manner that no supplies In considerable quantities
could enter, and to prevent communication between
the city and the outside world. These measures
were promptly and successfully taken, and were
added TO by not too destructive bombardment
which 1t was hoped w01ld have the eject of COM
pelling q capitulatiOn of the garrison.
This moral pressure utterly failed. The Governor
of Strasbourg remained hostile and defiant and en-
deav0red TO strengthen his position. Orders were
then issued for the bringing up of the siege force
which at once commenced operations. A third par
alel was soon completed and the heavy guns
mounted opened fire.
What destruction ensuedl The avenues of the
city were soon filled with debris, as If hurricane
had passed over the place. The Cathedral and pub.
lie buildings were partially destroyed and magni-
cent houses were made ruins.
Strewing the streets were the dead and dying
children, killing seven little girls.
In the two most advanced batteries the artillery
officers assigned to the duty Of directing rhe firing
were constantly heard exclaIming Twenty yards
more OF elevation to the right. There now that Will
do. First ratep' This last sentence was uttered
after the gun mad been fred and the clouds or yellow
smoke clearing away proved, indeed. tnat the firing
was "nrst rate"
The suburbs have suffered fearfuy, entalllng ruin
to the Inhabitants. Whole parishes have fed losing
everything.
To prevent the recurrence OF disorders which have
occurred the following order has been issued by the
general commanding the German forces:-
In buildings deserted by the inhabitants disorders
OF most rutlanly character have occurred which
cannot fail to reflect gravely upon the discipline and
honor Of the troops. 1t is expected that Officers will
take the most energetic measures TO prevent the
currence Of such disorders. and that they will have
such localities strictly watched and permit to
enter, still less to plunder should resistance he en-
cOuntered In carrying out these measures the ut
most severity must be indicted upon such brutal ruff
fans. They must be shot down on the spot.
Accompanying this order is a command TO turn
over to the judgments Of courts martial all soldiers
convicted OF extortion and for oflcers to compel
their men to observe the strictest discipline.
Before long expect to send you an account Of the
trlumphal entry OF the German forces into Stras-
hourg. as there ia possible chance OF successful
resistance.