Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-01-19


", and another attempt to dislodge them
signally failed.
For some time the engagement had the
character of an artillery duel, but when
the German lines had taken the positions
assigned tkem more active attack COM
menced, evidently with the object of cut
ting between the army and LIE Mans and
capturing large number of prisoners.
At o'clock the tactics of the Germans
seemed changed. Heavy massing Of
troops took place on the French right un-
der cover of the wood near the village Of
Brette, which was held by the French.
The wood was on the extreme left of the
Prussian position, stretching for miles TO
the Southeast of the plain between the
road and villages, and was commanded
by the Prussian artillery, which was well
passed on the left under cover of the
wood. A sharp and fierce neddle gun
fire was opened on the French line and
position left of the village of Brette, not
more than seven hundred yards distant.
1t soon became evident it would be i'm
possible for them to long hold the posi-
ton unless the Germans were dislodged.
The heavy fire of artillery directed on
the woods had apparently but little effect
A large body of French infantry advanced
in good order across the plain, but was
compelled to retire with heavy losses I'M
der a murderous fire of both artillery and
musketry. The contest for the possession
of Brettle was kept up here until dark,
when an order reached the French to fall
back on LIE Mans. The battle commenced
about one o'clock, and reached its height
on the left of the French. The day was
not cold, but the ground was covered with
eight inches of snow which was fast melt
! ing under the hot sun. At an early hour
the streets of LIE Mans, not more than five
miles from the field of battle, were filled
with excited people and crowded with
wagons and ammunition supplies, all
being ready to seek place of safety in
the rear in case of an unfavorable result
| By noon l succeeded in securing post
at the front and reaching the bluffs at the
East of LIE Mans. The French left wing
passed out on the road with ammunition
trains and artillery, apparently going
backward and forward in what appeared
to be disorder. Numerous groups of
stragglers and some wounded were going
to the rear. Ambulances passed to and
fro, some going to the front and others
returning with loads of wounded. Along
the railroad every available point was
commanded by strong force of infantry
The Prussians were less than mile away
and their balls occasionally reached Us
At four o'clock in the day the Germsns
advanced by columns, covered by artil-
lery, against Observation-Disclosures, pref
| ty place, which had been made the head
quarters of the French. Here for the
first time French battery, hitherto re-
served, opened fire, and appeared to take
the Germans by surprise. This caused
the advance to waver, but Ii az only for
a moment.
The Germans pressed forward and al
tackled the French Infantry which occu-
pied terraced road below Gen. Chauzy's
position. 1t soon became evident that
the French were unable TO Withstand the
heavy charges of the enemy. About
o'clock an order was given for back ward
| movement. The French artillery still
continuing their fire to cover this retreat.
Gen. Chauzy actively superintended the
retreat, which was effected in the most
complete order. The French at the time
of this retreat held some of the strongest
positions. and it was generally believed
that the result of the days fighting was
not irrecoverably adverse TO the French.
Chauzy hoped to renew the fight on the
next day under more suspicious circuul-
stances.
Later in the evening an event occurred
which made change in the prospect Of
the French. After dark a strong force Of
Germans renewed the fight. A most i'm
portsnt French position, La Tuclerle, was
assailed by immense masses of infantry
and large force of cavalry, who ad-
vanced rapidly, scattering the French
forces before them. The French had not
anticipated this attack, and the Mobiles
of Brittany fed in disorder, taking with
them all the French force TO the right
bank of the river Huisne, and were com
PEELED to make rapid retreat on lie
Mans. This unforeseen disaster may com
pei an evacuation of the city, if not an
entire break up of Chsuzy's army. n
council of war is now in session at lie
Mans. Should the second army OF the
Loire be lost, all French hope Is gone.