The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-01-17

THE LATEST WAR NEWS.
Particulars of the Second Days
Battle.

Particulars of the Second Day
Battle.
Loxpoy, January IA New Yorl
Herald correspondent from the head
uuarters OF the Army of the Loire
at lie Mans, at midnight of the llth in
slant, gives the following particulars o
the second days battle between Chau
,rvs force and the German army unde
Prince Frederick Charles. He writes
This has been one OF the most event
nj days in the history Of France during
the present war and it is probable tina
one of the most eventful battles fought
since the struggle began, closed al
night-fall this day. After the battle O
Yesterday, January 10th, General Chau
<ev. displaying much energy, rallied his
hrokaa columns, and having received
reiniorcemeuts, determined to strike an
other blow to retrieve his fortunes,
knowing that the whole hope o
France centered upon the ability o
his army to break through the strong
opposition of Red Prince and advance
To- the relief Of Paris. After night O
unnecessary labor and anxiety daylight
iolnd the French forces prepared fol
conflict. Their army consisted Of three
corps, the 10Th, l7th and 2lst, respec
l.yrlv under command OF Admiral
.Ioureauiteerv and Generals Coland and
louffrav These corps averaged 1o,'
uuU men each, making the effective
force 10000 men, the whole under the
supreme control Of General Chausey
Rv ten o'clock in the morning Joure
uniteerys corps had taken up a position
ON the right bank OF the river Huisue
General Calombs $ on. Plateau of Avours
and General Jouffreys on the right OF
the village Of Brett.
The Prussians advanced along three
roads and are said to have been under
command of Prince Frederick Charles
himself, apparently 100000 strong.
Soon after 10 clock a sharp fire was
opened 10y the Prussians from well lo-
Gated batteries on the left of the
French. 1t was replied to with spirit,
Very soon large force of German in
,antrv flanked by cavalry advanced
under cover of heavy artillery fire,
striking the right of Admiral Jourequit-
rerv's position. The assaulting column
was met by fierce artillery fire from
many guns, including a number OF
mitrailleuses of the new pattern. The
struggle now became exceedingly
severe and was well contested, but
although the Germans suffered heavy
loss, they finally succeeded in driving
back the French, capturing early two
guns and holding an important position
near the river.
General Chausey, precelvlng the
,langer which threatened his position,
moved forward his reserve Of artillery to
support Admiral Jourequiteery. These
opened a terrific fire, which checked for
while further advance Of the Ger
mans in that direction. Two other
-eyere assaults were made 10y the Ger
mans to secure further advantages, the
object being to take the position held
hv the French at La Tile. The
French, however, strongly posted,
fought with great courage and deter
mination, and each assault was repulsed
with serious loss to the Germans, the
French also losing heavily. In the
meantime an equally fierce attack was
made on the French line covering the
railroad to Chartres and Paris.
After two hours desperate fighting
the French centre was driven back. 1t
retreated, however, slowly and in good
order for short distance, moving to a
position in the rear of that first occupied,
where rising ground afforded good facili-
ties for artillery. Here a heavy force
of guns was parked, which, manned 10y
marines, opened a severe and well di.
rected fire upon the advancing enemy.
This not only checked the Germans,
hut compelled them to fall back in turn.
4 heavy counter fire was soon
opened from the German batteries,
which, during the engagement had ad'
vanced to a commanding position on
the left of the railroad. Thesuperiorty
of the German guns soon became ap
parent After an unequal duel the
French fire slackened. Still the French
infantry maintained their position
heroically, and another attempt to dis
lodge them signally failed. For some
lime the engagement had the character
oi an artillery duel, but when the
German lines had taken the positions
assigned them, a more active attack
commenced, evidently with the object
of cutting between the army and LIE
Mans, and capturing large number oi
prisoners.
At four o'clock the tactics of the
Germans seemed to be changed. Heavy
masSing OF troops took place on the
French right, under cover of a wood
near the village of Brette, which was
held by the French. The wood was on
the extreme left, the Prussian position
stretching for miles to the southeast
of the plain, between the road and the
village, and were commanded by Prus'
-ian artillery which was well posted on
the left, under cover of wood.
\ sharp and precise needle
sun fire was opened on the French line
and position left Of the Village of Brette,
not more than 700 yards distant. 1t
soon became evident that it would be
impossible for them to long hold the
position unless tue Germans were dis
lodged. 4 heavy fire of artillery was
directed on the woods. which had ap-
parantly but little effect.
General Chausey RefreatinS in