The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-01-17
THE BATTLE OF LIE MANS.
ConcIusion of tho Report of ednesday',
KulII

Conclusion of tho Report of Wednesdays
A report of the second days battle at LIE Mans
was broken off abruptly in yesterdays TELE-
GRAPH. We here present the conclusion of the
narrative:--
"a sharp and precise needle-gun fire was
opened on the French line and position left of
the village of Brette, not more than 700 yards
distant. It soon became evident that 1t would
be impossible for them to long hold the post
ton unless the Germans we're dislodged. The
heavy fire of artillery directed on the woods had
apparently but little effect. large body of
French infantry advanced in good order across
the plain, but were compelled to retire, with
heavy loss, under murderous fire of both ar
tillery and musketry. The contest for the pos
session of Brette kept up here until dark,
when an order reached the French to fall back
on lie Mans.
''The battle began about O'clock and reached
its height on the French left. The day was not
cold, but the ground was covered with eight
inches of snow, which was fast melting under
the hot sun. AT an early hour the streets OF lie
Mans-not more than five miles from the field
of battle-were filed with excited people and
crowded with numerous wagons and ammuni-
tion supplies, all being ready to seek place of
safety in the rear in case of an uniavorable re-
suit of the fight.
'At 4 o'clock the Germans advanced by CO.
lumns, covered by the artillery against the
Chateau des Charters, pretty country place,
and occupied it as headquarters. Here, for the
first time, the French battery, hitherto in re-
serve, opened fire, apparently taking the Ger
mans by surprise, and causing their advance to
waver, but only momentarily. With their
usual obstinacy the Germans again pressed
forward and attacked the French infantry
which occupied the terraced road below the
Generals position. 1t soon became evident that
| the French were unable to withstand the heavy
charges of the enemy, and o'clock the order
| to retreat given. The French artillery
maintained heavy fire, and the Germans
| seemed disincliDed to pursue the advantage.
General Chanzy actively superintended the
! retreat, which was never disorderly. Indeed,
| the French still held the strongest positions,
| and believed that the results of the day were
not irrevocably lost to them. General Chanzy
| hoped to renew the fight under better auspices
| tomorrow; but, later in the evening, an event
| occurred which caused him to change his de.
| cison.
''After dark, a strong force of Germans re-
newed the fight, attacking La Tuilerie, the
most important French position. Immense
masses of infantry and a large force of cavalry
advanced rapidly, scattering the French forces,
who did not anticipate an attack. The Gardes
! Mobiles from Brittany fled in disorder, and the
| whole French force on the right bank of the
! Huisne were compelled to make a rapid retreat
! upon lie Mans. This unforeseen disaster may
compel the evacuation of LIE Mans, If not
break up CbanZys army. A council of war is
now in session, but the result of their delibera
| toms is not yet known"