The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-01-18
The Army of the Loire.

London, January 14.--I have just re-
ceived the following letter from the New
York Herald correspondent with the
French army of the Loire, dated at LIE
Mans at midnight on the 10th instant,
giving an acoount of the first days battle
with Prince Frederick Charles army.
Your correspondent writes
THE BATTLE--EXCITEMENT IN LIE MANS.
The French army Of the Lore, the last
hope of France, has been defeated to-day
in bloody battle fought within seven
miles of this city lie Mans.) We heard
the roar of the cannon all day, and the
population crowded to the housetops and
suburbs and through the thoroughfates,
watching the progress Of the fight. have
never before witnessed such intense ex-
citement, although the French people have
become accustomed to the roar Of cannon.
THE GERMAN ADVANCE.
At nine o'clock this morning the right
wing of the French army 10 position east
of LIE Mans was suddenly attacked by the
vanguard of the German forces, which,
emerging from the wood on the extreme
right of the French, moved forward to
attack. Upon the alarm being given the
advance posts Of the French infantry
wheeled into line of battle and the artillery
was pushed forward on the open ground
between the severed ranks of tho various
commands. The cavalry took up an ad-
vantageous position ON the right and left
wings.
THE BATTLE-FIELD.
A mere perfect line of battle could not
have been formed by the finest army in
Europe. The artillery was we'll supplied
with ammunition, and the infantry had
100 rounds to each man. In addition, the
supply trains were well posted and easy Of
access.
Real, bloody work soon began. The
field of battle was in a valley, and the two
armies occupied heights opposite each
other, the French line forming semi
circle extending twelve miles, overlooking
the valley, which was covered by twelve
inches of snow. Ca the opposite heights
the Prussians held a somewhat similar
position.
FIERCE ARTILLERY DUEL.
Shortly after nine o'clock the Prussians
began furious cannonade from the wood
uctI Lld tAUiCulC lClt. IuVy WftE llduktQ
by an immense force Of cavalry partly
concealed by the wood. Their position
was where the German infantry massed
with the evident intention OF turning
Chanzy's right. The artillery fire on both
sides was continued without intermission
until the ammunition was nearly exhaust
ed. 1t was fierce, well-susta;ned duel,
the German and French artillerists display
ing marked skill and courage.
THE ASSAULT.
At length the Prussian commanders
gave the order for an advance, and the
German infantry moved forward. The
Freach, equally rapid, advanced along
their whole line. and the opposing armi's
met in the valley in fair hand-to-hand
fight. The musketry fire was very severe
and effective. The German troops were
cool and collected, aud the French impetu-
GUS and gallant. ludeed, both armies
behaved with notable bravery until near
noon, when the Gardes Mobiles began to
waver, and, being unable to hold their
position, retreat commenced. Meantime
the dead and wounded lay upon the battle
field by thousands, and the snow fields were
red with human blood.
THE RETREAT
The carnage wa, fearful on both sides.
Before five o'clock in the evening $1,000
French soldiers had fallen, aud at this
hour the whole army started in full re-
treat. The Frecch and German forcss
were about equally matched. should
judge that they numbered 10000 men
each.
General Chanzy is reported sick, but he
still remains in command of the army.
Although the French have been beaten
they have not been routed. Another bat
tie is expected to take place tomorrow.