The New York herald., 1871-01-16
HOT ARTILLERY DUEL S
FINAL DEFEAT OF THE FRENCH.

-~--~--A>-~IS-.@-
Chanzy Retreating in Good
Order.
TleeaAk TO the NEW YORK HERALD.
LONDON, Jan. Is, 1871.
The NEW YORK HERALD correspondent, writing
from the Headquarters Of the Second Army Of the
Loire, at Le Mans" at midnight on the 11th inst,
gives the following particulars Of the second days
battle between Chanzy's forces ana the German
army under Prince Frederick Charles He writes:-
AN EvENTFUL DAY.
This has been one OF the most eventfu days in the
history Of France during the present war; ana 1t is
probable that one Of the most evenru battles fought
since the struggle began closed at nighfau OF this
day.
TAKING UP POSITIONS.
After the defeat Of yesterday January 1o) General
Chanzy, displaying much energy, rallied his broken
columns and, having received reinforcements, de-
termned to strike another blow to retrieve his for
tunes, knowing that the whole hope OF France cen.
tIcu upUn tu0 oUAAIy Va ulS 0Imy W uAoah tuIOuSA
the strong opposition Of the Red Prince and advance
70 the relief Paris After night Of unceasing labor
and anxiety daylight found the French forces pre-
pared for the conict Their army consisted Of three
corps the Sixteenth, Seventeenth and Twenty
nrst respectively, under the command OF Admiral
Jourequiberry and Generals Colomb and Jounroy.
These corps averaged $1,000 men each. making an
effective force Of 10000 men, the whole under the
supreme control OF General Chanzy. BY ten
O'Clock in the morning Jourquiberry's corps had
taken up position on the right bank Of the river
Huisne, General ColomB's on the plateau OF Au.
YOURS, and Generalpounroy's on the right covering
the village OF Brette.
OPENING OF THE BATTLE.
The Prusstans advanced alsng three roads and
are said to have been under the command OF Prince
Frederick Charles himself They were apparently
100000 strong. Soon after ten O'Clock sharp firing
was opened by the Prussians from welllocated bat.
teres on the LETT Of the French. 1t was replied to
with spirit.
sroRMING OF JoUREQUIBERRY's POSITION.
Very soon large force Of German infantry,
inanked by cavalry, advanced under cover Of q
heavy artillery fire, striking the right Of Admiral
.Jourequiberry's position. The assaulting column
was met by nerce artillery fire from many kuns,
including q number OF mitraileuses Of the new
pattern. The struggle now became exceedingly
severe, and was wei. contested. But although the
Germans suffered heavy loss, they finally succeeded
in driving back the French, capturing early two
guns and taking andholding the important position
near the river.
THE GERMANS CHECKED.
General Chanzy, percervtng the danger which
threatened his position, moved forward his reserves
of artillery the support OF Admiral Jourequiberry
These opened terrific fire, which checked for a
while the further advance OF the Germans In that di.
rection.
SEVERE ASSAULTS REPULsED.
Two or three severe assaults were made by the
Germans to secure further advantages the object
being to take the position held by the French at La
Tillere. The French, however, strongly posted
and fought with great courage and determination.
Each assault was repulsed with serious loss to the
Germans the French also losing heavily.
SHARP FIGHTING ON THE CENTRE
Meantime On equally fierce attack was made on
the French line covering the railroad to Chartres
and Paris. After two hours desperate lighting the
French centre was driven back. 1t retreated, how
ever, slowly and in good order for short distance
only. to position In rear OF chat first
occupied, and where the rising ground af-
forded good facilities for the artillery. Here a
heavy force Of guns was parked, which, manned by
the marines, opened severe and well directed fire
upon the advancing enemy. THIS not only checked
the Germans, but compelled them to fall back in
turn. A heavy counter fire soon opened from the
German batteries, which, during the engagement,
had advanced to a commanding position on the left
OF the railroad.
The superiority Of the German guns In firing soon
became apparent. After an unequal duel the
French 1re slackened, the Germans causing great
loss TO the French lines. Still tho French infantry
maintained their position heroically, and another
attempt to disodge sgnally failed.
GERMAN FLANK MOVEMENT.
For some time the engagement mad the character
OF an artillery duel; but when the German lines
had taken the positions assigned them more
active attack commenced, evidently with q
desire on the part Of the Germans TO capture the
position the right bank Of the Husne in order to
execute nanking movement. with the object of
cutting between the army and lie Mans, and captur.
ting large number Of prisoners.
CHANGE OF TACTICS
At four O'Clock the tactics Of the Germans seemed
90 be changed. heavy masslng Of troops took
place the French right, under cover Of the wood
near the village Of Brette. which was held by the
French. The wood was on the axframa laft of fho