The New York herald., 1871-01-01
PRUSSIAN RETREAT FROM
BEFORE HAVRE.

Excitement in the City-1Teans for Defence
Men and Arms--Capta;n Mauchez-Ce aeraI
nucquar:--M. Ramcl
HAvRE, dec. Ia, 1870.
You may-indeed you must have heard the legend
OF how the "Kng of France, with 10000 men,
marched up hill and then marched down again.
This Is somewhat like the occurrences OF the last
few days In these parts The Prussians
advanced to within sixteen miles of US.
Our heroism became inteSse; our sous
prefet swore he would either conquer or die: our
town swarmed with troops, "one only breathed
war'-and then apparently the Prussians were
satisfied and began marching back again. The
Havrais declined to believe it, were in fact, disap-
pointed. After having bent their bow to this extent
to nave nothing at which to discharge their arrow
was somewhat humliasng. 1t was the reverse Of
the ladys sentiment who objected to being q nun
'They would be attacked, ana they should be
attacked; and they were SO fond OF fighting they
would be attacKed.n
ROWS AT HAvRE.
When 1t appeared that the Prussians were not
coming after ALL orders were sent to withdraw some
of the troops and send them to Cherbourg A large
number have left the town. but IL still abounds
in soldiers, and we nave active-looking Chas-
seurs d'Afnque and Eclareurs, besides infantry. At
rst the people were most averse to have any troops
withdrawn. There was dreadful row on Satur-
.
thousand Mobiles with him. The people rose in a
most frantic manner, besieged him, and declined
most emphaucally TO part with their brave de-
tenders. The General gave up the point easily
enough, but not till the Havrais had for some time
broken the peace and nearly all the windows OF his
hotel. This happened on saturday, just after
wrote to YOU On Monday we had another great
row. General BRAND had sent from CherDourg for
5000 Mobiles. Everybody turned out--liKe all the
lunatic asylums out for hoday-rushed to the
quays, and pronounceu, with nowls and throwing
of stones, against the departure of these troops 1t
had to be delayed.
GREAT NEWS.
On Tuesday great things were announced. 1t was
In the evening; had turned out for stroll, when
became aware Of sudden access OF excitement;
everybody saying something about new procama-
ton Of nj. Rames. 1t is extraordinary how every
body appears to find out this sort OF thing at once.
NJ. Ramel had in fact, issued another flaming pro-
clamaton, wherein II was set forth, in the most
glowing terms that could enter INTO the heart even
OF rench official, that the Prllssians were retreat
ing with precipitation that might be almost called
they left behind them even the 'requsitlonsn they
had just made The people surrounded the
Al the same % tim time a p special edition et Of the
Journal az Hdrre appeared, wherein the Prussian
retirement was announced with appropriate crow
| Ing immediately after the receipt OF this news it
| was resolved that General Mucquart should advance
with 10000 men TO cut OF the PrusSan retreat.
The possibility. nay, the probability OF this Is in all
| mouths to-day, and though the excitement OF the
| town Is somewhat less than 1t was the world In
general continues less beside itself. How
| ever, am glad that the town Is far calmer. OF
late II has bordered too much on the raving mad TO
be pleasant especially as nobody seemed prepared
| to act keeper to the many y-headed unatic.
LEADERS AT HAvRE.
| Captain Manchez is active and energetic; but
many doubt II he is the right man in the right place.
| good deal OF dlstrust Is felt about him In some
quarters. No one who knows anything OF the gal
liant officer doubts that he will do his best; but many
are suspicious about the height to which his best
shoulders when he Is mentioned IN these parts; and
yuu know how they shrug men down In France.
| General Mucquart Is the most popular man
/ here and dolized by his men, who are chiefly
Francs-tireurs. lie Is a remarkably handsome man,
with determined face and fine, well built figure
/ His uniform Is plain, aud he wears the Cross OF the
Legion Of Honor on his breast. There Is something
| in MS whole appearance that inspires confidence
and respect. He has gone forward to meet the Prus-
| slams and had several skirmishes with them last
week. Thirty uhlans were sent In here as his cap
tives the Intense delight or these good citizens
AS the first OF the species seen here, you may i'm
| a.nne what curiosity they excite. M. Barnel, as
| moral leader, is exceedingly popular, especially
with the party that likes To DO all the shouting.
lie something Ike flash OF lightning, brilliant,
style OF his proclamations, not TO mention what in
| mild language we term ther eNaggeration and In
coarse language their lies-that one expects just
now from persons III his position Has not Gam
| BETA announced the Army OF the Loire intact
/ What did the Prussians come fors Why did the
back aganY suppose they adopted the
ancient policy OF the sole surviving Hors.
| uus when combating the Curlatu and wanted
| to separate their enemies. By menaculg uavre