The Evansville daily journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1870-1875, 1870-12-29
FRANCE.

BORDEAUX, Dec. 28.-Gen. Faider-
hebe, in a dispatch to the Minister Of
War, announces that, owing to the in
tense coldness of the weather, he will
eneamp his troops near Arras, and
await the prosecution Of a general
movement throughout France for the
relief of Paris and the deliverance of
France. The weather in southern
France is intensely cold.
The Prussians cannonaded the
then entered the place, where they
committed many disorders.
General Chaussey sent formal pro-
test to the Prussian General. and sub
sequently issued an order of the day
to his troops, in which he says: II
have warned the Prussians sgainst
any further perpetration Of such hor-
rible actions as they have committed
against unarmed places and people,
who merit bitter treatment from the
enemy because of their extreme hu-
manity TO the Prussian sick and
wounded" The General adds that il
is evident that France is not combat
ting loyal enemies, but devgsting
hordes; but she will continue the
struggle to preserve her henor and in
dependence.
PREPARATIONS.
[speciaI to the WoTld.l
VERSAILLES, Dec. 27.-Fort Avron,
$500 yards east of Fort Rosney, is
a new work mounting naval guns,
that will reach tho towns of Chelles,
from this fort In reply to the Saxon
guns to- day, was accurate but not
oestruo'iVe' AyEov.
VERSAILLES, Dec. 28.-The bonn
bardment of Fort Avron continues.
The French reply with vigor, but
their fire is ineffective.
THE FIGHT NEAR HAvRE-TROePs AM
ARMS EMPLOYED.
IHerald SpeciRl.l
HAVRE, Dec. 26.-Since Saturday
evening the city has been intensely
excited over the first important strug-
gle between the French troops of this
department and the Prussians, which
occurred on Saturday morning at
daybreak; although without any de-
cisive result. it is regarded valuable
as a proof of the efficiency of the
artillery and capacity of the Mo-
counter with the regular troops: af.
ter a number Of petty engagements
and skirmishes with Uhlans and
Saxons, the people became clamorous
for a grand sortie. Accordingly the
18th and 26th battalions, forming g
column of 5000 men, pressed forward
from Honfeur. The force consisted
of $500 Mobiles D'Oise, 5000 Ii.
reurs, one battery of regular artillery
twelve field pieces, two mittrailleuses
and FIVE Armstrong guns.
This small army was under com
mand of Col. Masmoriad, who arrived
at Chateau Manduer or the 22d; there
established headquarters and sent oui
advanced posts. The troops were il
the best state of discipline yet known
and we're prepared for q reconnois-
sance in force by daybreak.
The Oath was one of the coldest day.
| of the winter, and to- day the half fro
zen French outposts were driven in b.
the sudden appearance of PTussiaI
cavalry In large numbers, moYine
on the Chateau at rapid pace. Tht
alarm was sounded, and the troops
were soon formed in q creditabl line
the artillery pushing forward on tn
right wing. The French behaved
we'll, handling their artillery and am
munition with alacrity, and were sool
prepared for an attack. The affai
promised to be warm and interesting
At Z: 80 the battle began by the i'm
petuous advance OF the Prussian cav
airy, 5000 strong. preceded by bat
terry Of artillery. They were receivet
by the French artillery, which 'opene,
furious cannonade, and made it no
work for the intrepid assailants. /
soon became apparent that th
French guns we're well placed AMI
splendidly worked, but not sufi
ciently supported. The warm fire ere
ated a temporary decentralization
among the Germans, whose line
wavered, but kept up a FIRE. Thre
advances were made by the Prussians
to capture the batteries, but eacl
, time compelled them to retire. Thi
unsuccessful fight with the FrencI
right lasted two hours; then a larp
, body of Prussian infantry, preceded B
, a line of cavalry, appeared on the roa
from Fecsmp coming to the suppor
of the enemy. A council was held Of
the battle field in which the German
determined to fall back on HonfeuI
The French now occupied the heirb
, commanded by Baldbre with artiller
! which could have easily destroyed th
German forces.
Looking down from this height i
the direction of the northeast wa
the beautiful Valley of Lillebonnl
and on the opposite hill, butIoWer an
in the plains stood the Prussians I
I attack the French position. It W.
: necessary for the Prussians to desoen
into the plain, and then cross q pett
stream and ascend the opposite ban
{ about $50 feet. The Prussians hes
tated to make the attempt and at ii
I same time were exposed to the dc
structive fire from the French. Will
: from their position, theiF own fire w
? ineffective. Soon, however, frea
: Prussian artillery appeared to Il
right of the French position, and th
fire from these guns caused the Mobile
i to break in confusion. The Frenc
t force Immediately commenced to r
| treat, which they did with SON
Q confusion. The Prussian line mao
}. an attempt to follow up their advar
d tage, but the movement was mac
d difficult BY the nature Of the groun
y Nevertheless they captured about t=
: hundred prisoners. Thus ended 6
2 expedition intended TO acoompIis
h fEa ooeuu9kf0n Of Wevet1f and ~