The New York herald., 1870-12-19
Bismarck Anxious to Destroy the
Republic.
The French Armies on the Loire to Resume
the Offensive.
THE BELEAousRED CAPITAL.
TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD.

Tho Recent SOrtie Satisfact0ry-WeRknes of
the German Line-Another Sortie Prepar-
ing-Pushing Field Works-Depleting the
German Ranks-Surrender Unthought Of
-Four Months Supply of Food Rcmaining-
General Matters.
LONDON, Dec. IS, 1870.
/ have received letters from the NEW YORK
HERALD correspondent in Paris bearing dates OF
the 1lth and 18th inst. From them l extract the
following intelligence
THE RECENT soRTIE SATISFACTORY.
The letter of the 11th states that the recent
sortie Of the French army under General Ducrot
was in every respect satisfactory 10 the besieged.
1t proved conclusively that the German lines are
weak. The French are confident OF their ability
to break through the investing army at the proper
moment. The active field army, commanded by
General Ducrot is In good health and spirits, and is
well fed It numbers fully two hundred thousand
men. and is well disciplined, armed and equipped
ANOTHER soRTIE PREPARING.
Great preparations are making for another sortie
from the city. 1t will be on a much larger scale
than the first one. Nothing can be learned as to the
date on which it win be made but 1t is likely to take
place before long.
PUSHING THE FIELD WORKS.
Outside the forts the French works have been
pushed forward with such energy and success that
they have compelled the Germans to enlarge their
line Of investment, which has, consequently, grown
weaker. These field works enable the artillery and
sharpshooters to command roads which were
entirely out of range Of their guns few weeks ago.
AT the same time it must be said that the German
positions have been enormously strengthened, but
there is scarcity Of men to defend them.
DEpLErNG THE GERMAN RANKS.
The reverses OF the French at Orleans have been
made known to the army ana people, who have re.
ceived The news with marked equanimity. It is~
generally believed that General De Paladines army,
though defeated has done good service in depicting
the German ranks, and consequently breaking the
besleging force.
SURRENDER UNTHOUGHT OF.
Such thing as capitulating is unthought Of.
Every Partisan is armed, and the people, as well as
the army, are in good spirits and confident. The
letter, dated the 18th, from which great part OF
the foregoing is taken, states that Paris can
hold out for at least three months longer without
experiencing any great suffering 1t is true that the
mortality Of the city is large but 1t is not enough
TO create alarm. No epidemics are prevalent,
there have been no deaths from starvation and but
little actual want.
THE FOOD SUPPLY
In the matter of food the situation may be pro-
nounced favorable. 1t is true that such articles as
fresh meats, eggs, fish and poultry are gone,
but there Is a supply OF horsenesh for two months
Of bread, wine ana cheese for four months,
and OF salted meats and salted FISH for
two months. These provisions, it will be
seen. will enable the city to hold out four months
BY order OF General Trochu the government has
taken possession OF all articles OF food and wine.
At the present time the entire population supplied
with food by the military commissariats in the same
manner as the soldiers, and are allowed the same
rations.
GENERAL MATTERS.
Some OF the theatres have rcopened. It Is be.
leved that the amusement which the people VIII
derive from the drama will be beneficial, as It
will relieve the monotony of life in besleged city.
Ordinary goods still pen'i
Numerous cabs are still to be seen on the streets
their horses not having been eaten.