Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1870-09-08

THE COURSE OF EVENTS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE
sITRRFNDFR

THE COURSE OF EVENTS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE
SURRENDER.
From the special kilograms Of the New York
Herald, we take the following, dated at Sedan,
on midnight of Friday, as best describing the
course of affairs which led!to MacMahon's SUR
| render:-
facts that after the battles which took place be-
| tween the French and Prussian armies during
the days and evenings of last Tuesday and We'd
nesday, each days fighting being Of . most ter
rifle character in itself, the actual results re-
manned undecided, although the balance Of
fortune was. at the close Of each day, somewhat
in favor of the Prussians.
Thursday last, in the morning at daybreak,
showed theFrench forces as having been heavily
reinforced during the night (or in the hours OF
the temporary cessation of the combat) and that
they were occupying strong and elevated posi-
tion near to Bazeiles.
The French line was seen to extend from
Bazeilles down to and along the course Of the
railroad to point near to Bouzy, and on thence
away long the Marry line of road to another and
extreme point on the Mouzon railroad.
At the hour Of o'clock in the morning the
Prussians recommended the battle, making a
simultaneous and powerful attack on the French
This assault was confined, for time, to play
of artillery on the part of the two armies, both
the Prussian and French gunners keeping up an
incessant fire.
The French were, as was very soon evident,
weaker in their force of guns than the German,
and their fire was, consequently, neither so warm
nor 30 effective as was that Of their enemy.
At noon the Prussians made a fierce infantry
attack near Bouzy with the object of breaking
the French centre.
After the delivery of some most tremendous
blows and the apparent finish of some of the
most severe fighting of the war between the two
armies, the Prussian assailants fell back from
,,,,f
A pause seemed to take place in the Prussian
army, like as If for breathing time or to rally
and renew their determination.
At the hour Of one o'clock in the afternoon the
artillery fire was less animated and not quite so
incessant on either side. This temporary lull
indicated, however, merely the prelude of still
fiercer ASSAULT really dreadful action, At the
hour of two o'clock simultaneous and grand
movement was commenced along the whole
Prussan line, their infantry charging right up
on the French guns The hour of three O'Clock
in the afternoon came on. The battle was still
raging.
The French soldiers who had previously and
from the first moment stood firm at all points,
notwithstanding the almost crushing severity Of
the Prussian attacks, wayered for a moment or
two all along their position and almost inmedi-
ately broke in apparent confusion.
The battle soon became a rout on the part OF
Napoleon's soldiers. They recoiled, fell back,
staggered as it were, and finally retreated.
Marshal MacMahon was reported to have been
seriously wounded during the attack which has
been just last described.
The roads andhighways and surrounding fields
now presented most terrible and sickening
aspect.
The French troops left everything behind them
flying in every direction and in the widest con-
fusion, and throwing down their arms at every
step.
The Prussian forces pressed forward resolutely
and in order, with the full determination Of
cutting off the retreat or flight, towards
Belgium.
During these several actions, and in the last
charge particularly, the Prussian soldiers used
the bayonet with the most terrible effect on the
French.
Night closed down on their pursuit of the flying
French, the dark hours finding the Prussians
gathering in victorious, joyous groups around
Sedan
The Emperor Napoleon Gas the Herald tele-
graphic reporter adds), remained at his head
quarters, which had been fixed near to Sedan, all
through the time Of the fighting and unto the
close of the battle.
At the hour of half-past four o'clock in the
afternoon a message was despatched to his
Majesty from the field, advising him Of their
actual loss of the fight, and advising him to fly
to Belgium, but the Emperor was really too i'll in
health for the journey.
This Friday morning the Prussian troops pre-.
pared to attack Sedan the place being really not
in any position to offer resistance.
At twelve o'clock noon to-day party of French
officers, headed by General Wimpffen, set out
form Sedan bearing flag Of truce to the German
headquarters. After marching for short dis
tance they were met by the Prussinn advanced
guard and conducted to headquarters.
Here these French officers in iormer manner
surrendered their army and the fortress to his
Majesty King William.