Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-01-24

failure in his last effort to break through
the lines of the enemy. 1t is reported
that large and available force of artil-
lery and infantry reserves took no part in
the action. Trochu's policy is loudly
denounced as weak and tempo1izing.
Graphic Details Of Thursday,s
Sortie. 81
VERSAILLES, Jan. 20.-HeraId Special
Great excitement exists throughout the
German lines. The sortie yesterday has
been already officially reported from head
quarters. 1t was the last desperate at
tempt. of the French to break their tolls.
During the assault on the German en-
trenchments many of the French leaders
displayed 8 reckless bravery, urging their
men desperately, but without effect. In
some instances the French fought with
fury, evidently heightened by strong
drink and other causes. But all efforts
of the leaders were in vain. The French
after firing turned and fled, or dropped to
the ground and threw away their arms.
The first dash early in the morning was
made from the direction of the Bots de
Bouglone, toward the Entertainments op-
posite Fort Montretrout and was success
full. The Germans fell back from their
positions which were held by the French
till the evening. An immense mass of
French kept pouring out, evidently con
centrating for an attack upon st. Cloud
and Versailles.
There was tremendous commotion
here. Large bodies of troops moved to
the front, and amidst the roar of the
guns of Fort Valerian a general attack
was made along the lines to the west and
southwest. The advancing columns were
met by steady fire from battery Series,
which, while adding to the roar kept up
constant Smelling of the Bots De Boulogne
on the retreating French lines. E'
The German troops in several instances
followed them up; attacking the former
in their position at Montretout The
whole French force withdrew upon the
slopes of Valerien under the shelter of
the guns of that fort. The officers on
duty at outposts say large masses of men
were dimly discernable with lanterns and
stretchers were occupied during the whole
night at the mournful work of gathering
the wounded.
To-day the air is filled with runners of
capitulation. The general feeling is the
end is close at hand, and the news of the
entire defeat of Faidherbe and the probs-
BILE humiliation of Bourbaki's army
strengthens the belief. Tomorrow morn
ing parliamentaire will be sent to Gen.
Trochu with the information of Faid-
herbe's route.
The prisoners captured yesterday con-
cur with the statement that the sortie was
the last desperate effort of the beseiged.
They say the men are disinclined to fight
and were actually driven like sheep to the
slaughter. An order issued by Trochu
before the sortie, notified the army that
all soldiers retreating or Sinking must be
shot. A special guard was placed in the
rear, owing to the provisions of this or
der. The troops were all supplied with
extra food and liquor.
1t is believed the assault will be renew
ed when the weather clears, but the re-
suit is no longer doubtful. There is moth
ing for the troops in Paris but additional
slaughter unless the present failure leads
to capItulstion.
Gagged Americans-What Bismarck
Says.
Bismarck, in letter dated the 18th
inst, replying to the American, Swiss,
and other foreign ministers in Paris, de-
MES the reasonableness of their demand
that their compatriots might be allowed
to quit the city. Neutrals, he says, had
abundant notice before the siege. The
only outlet now is capitulation. The ia
cilities for intercourse of the ministers
with their respective governments CONT
nue., though they are inconvenient. The
destruction of foreign buildings contain
ing women and children and inyalids is
unintentiopal, but unavoidable.