Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1870-08-12
The FrancO.Prussian War-A Great
Battle.
PRUssiANs vICToRIoUs-THEY CAPTURE
5000 PRISONERS ANB 80 PIECES
OF ARTILLERY.

OF ARTILLERY.
The first heavy fighting between the
Prussian and French troops commenced
on Thursday Of last week and was fol-
lowed through Friday and Saturday, and
finally resulted in very positive victory
for the Prussian Army.
The first battle was on Thursday at
Weissemburg. The Prussians massed
their forces and finally charged bayonet
and carried the place by storm, captur-
ing one piece of artillery and 800 pris-
oners. The French fought well but were
entirely overpowered.
The Prussians continued their advance
on Friday when another and still greater
battle ragged having commenced at about
IL o'clock in the forenoon and lasted till
8 o'clock at night, when the French re-
treated. Next day, Saturday last, still
another battle was fought, the Prussians
again carrying the French works at all
points, at the point of the bayonet. As
the accounts from both France and Prus
STA agree as to the general result of the
three days contest they may be consider
ed authentic. 1t is the celebrated French
General Mcmahon who lost the battle
while the victorious Prussians were COM
manded by the crown Prince of Prussia.
Napoleon telegraphed to Paris that Nc
Mahon had lost battle, whereupon all
France very naturally became greatly
alarmed, as the battles were fought on
French ground. Paris was declared to
be in a state Of seige and every man was
called upon to arm and defend their cap
ital.
In the battles of Friday and Saturday
the French army was cut in two one
wing of it half doubled up, and their
whole line pushed for miles into the in
terror of France. The Prussians took
30 pieces of artillery, 6 Mitrailleurs Ga
gun battery the French have boosted
considerably of,) and 1000 prisonefs.-
The entire French loss last week, must
reach nearly $4,000.
The Prussian loss is also very heavy
and severe, but no figures are given
The loss of officers is heavy on both
sides. When the French prisoners were
sent to Berlin, the Prussian king sent
word to his people to treat them with
dignity and respect, and reports at va.
rious Prussian towns say they were so re-
ceived.
| The Prussians, by the news of Tues
day, were still pressing on, and the French
falling back, evidently to find a good
place to make another stand-perhaps
at Metz. Metz is but 175 miles from
Paris, and the Prussians are thus with.
in about 200 miles of the capital o.
France. No wonder Paris is frightened
They have abundant reason for it.
Napoleon will of course make another
desperate attempt to retrieve his fortunes
but the Prussians have got all the pres
tlge in the opening of the campaign
Napoleon was at Metz on Saturday, but
on Tuesday he is reported at another
place beyond, toward Paris, and evident
~ does not mean to be caught in any O.
the Prussian coils about Metz The En-
press has issued manifesto to Paris anc
France tocome to the rescue of liberty q?
and save their country.
| Such was the situation on Saturda,
night, and as the Prussians followed then
up getting no battle on either day sine,
Monday of this week, it is thought by
some that the French have been ever
more crippled than has been reported.
LATER.-There was no fighting OIL
Tuesday, and the Prussians are announc
ed in front of Metz. The loss of tn,
French on Saturday was II, 900, 500
killed and wounded, and 5000 prisoners
The Prussians, also captured great guam
titles Of military stores. The Prussia,
loss in killed and wounded on Saturda,
is set at $500.