The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1871-01-27
Miscellaneous.
THE BATTLE OF LIE MANS.

LONDON, Monday, Jan. 16, 1871.
The following details, an eyewitness,
of the battle between the Prussians,
under Prince Frederick Charles, and
the French Army of the Loire, under
Gen. Chanzy, before LIE Mans, have
been received:
"After the defeat of Tuesday Jan.
10y, Gen. Chanzy rallied his broken col
ums, and, having received reinforce
ments, determined to strike another
blow to retrieve his fortunes. After
night of unceasing labor and anxiety,
daylight found the French forces pre-
pared for the conflict. Their army con-
sisted of three corps, the Sixteeth, Sew
enteeth, and Twenty-frst, respectively,
under the command Of Admiral Jour-
equiberry and Gems. Colomb and Jouff-
roy. These corps averaged $4,000 men
each, making an effective force of 150,-
600 men, the whole under the command
of Gen. ChanZy. By 10 O'Clock in the
morning Jourquiberry's corps had
taken up position on the right bank of
the river Huisne, Gen. Colomb's on the
plateau of Auvours, and Gen. Jouffroy's
on the right, covering the village Of
Brette.
The Prussians advanced along three
roads, apparently 100, 900 strong. Soon
after 10 o'clock sharp firing was opened
by the Prussians from well-!ocated bat
teries on the left of the French. 1t was
replied to with spirit. Soon large
force of German infantry, hanked by
cavalry, advanced under cover of a
heavy artillery fire, striking the right
of Admiral Jourequiberry position.
The assaulting column was net by a
fierce artillery fire from many guns, in
Guiding a number of mitrailleuses of the
new pattern. The struggle now became
exceedingly severe, and was well con
tested. But although the Germans suffer,
ed heavy loss, they finally succeeded in
driving back the French, capturing two
guns and taking and holding the impor
tant position near the river. Gen. .Chanzy
moved forward his reserves of artillery
to the support Of Admiral Jourequi
berry, which checked for while the
further advance of the Germans in tina
direction.
Two or three severe assaults wer,
made by the Germans to secure furthe
advantages, the object being to take tn,
position held by the French at La Til
lere The French, however, were strong
. ly posted, and fought with great cour
7. age and determination. Each assault
was repulsed with serious loss to tn
Germans, the French also losing heav
: lily. Meantime an equally fierce attacl
was made on the French line covering
the railroad to Chartres and Paris
After two hours desperate fighting tn
4 French center was driven back. 1t II
2 treated, however, slowly and in goo
order for a short distance only, to
position in rear of that first occupied
. and where the rising ground atiorde
good facilities for the artillery. Here
heavy force of guns was parked, which
manned by the marines, opened sever
and well directed fire upon the advan'
ing enemy. This not only checked III
Germans, but compelled them to ia
,e back in turn. A heavy counter fiji
9, soon opened from the German batterie
which, during the engagement, hs
- advanced to commanding position @
the left of the railroad. The superior
ty of tile German guns in firing SOC
became apparent. After an unequ
duel the French fire slackened, the Gle
mans causing great loss to the Frent
lines. Still the French infantry mai
<. tained their position heroically, al
IN another attempt to dislodge signal
failed.