The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1871-01-27
BLOOMSBURY, PA. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 1871.


the character of an artillery duel but,
when the German lines had taken the
positions assigned them, more active
attack commenced, evidently with a
desire on the part Of the Germans to
capture the position on the right bank
of the Huisne, in order to execute a
flanking movement, with the object of
cutting between the army and lie Mans,
and capturing large number of pris-
oners.
AT o'clock the tactics Of the Ger
mans seemed to be changed. A heavy
massing of troops took place on the
French right, under cover of the wood,
near the village of Brette, which was
held by the French. The wood was on
the extreme left of the Prusslan posi-
ton, stretching for miles to the south
east of the plain between the road and
villages, and were commanded by the
Prussian artillery, which was well pos
ted on the left under cover ofthe wood.
A sharp and precise needles gun fire
was opened on the French line and
position left of the village of Brette,
not more than 700 yards distant. 1t
soon became evident that it would be
impossible for them to long hold the
position unless the Germans were dis
lodged. The heavy fire of artillery di-
rected on the woods had apparently but
little effect. A large body of French
Infantry advanced in good order across
the plain, but were compelled to retire,
with heavy loss, under murderou5
fire of both artillery and musketry.
The contest for the possession of Brette
YVES 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 hight 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 oi
LIE Mans-not more than five miles
from the field of battle-were filled
with excited people and crowded with
numerous wagons and ammunition sup
plies, all being ready to seek place OF
safety in. the rear in case of an unfavor
able result of the fight.
At o'clock the Germans advanced
by columns, covered by the artillery
against the Chateau DIES Chartres, {
pretty country place, and occupied it a:
4 headquarters. Here, for the first time
;he French battery. hitherto in reserve
opened fire, apparently taking the Ger
mems by surprise, and causing theil
advance to waver, but only momentar
ily With their usual obstinacy tn,
Germans again pressed forward ant
attacked the French infantry, whicl
Occupied the terraced road below tn
Generals position. 1t soon became evi
dent that the French were unable t
Withstand the heavy charges Of tn
enemy, and at o'clock the order I
retreat was given. The French artiller
maintained a heavy fire, and the Gel
, mans seemed disinclined to pursue tn
advantage.
Gen. Chanzy actively superintende
: the retreat, which was never disorderly
+. Indeed the French still held the stror
r gest positions, and believed that the II
4 suits of the day were not irrecoverabl
, lost to them. Gen. Chanzy hoped
+. renew the fight under better auspict
p. tomorrow but, later in the evening
: an event occurred which caused him
:, change his decision.
: After dark, a strong force of German
+ renewed the fight, attacking La Tuil
n ries, the most important French pos
: tion. Immense masses of infantry an
d large force of cavalry advanced rapi
@ ly, scattering the French forces, wi
d did not anticipate an attack. The Gard
If Mobiles from Brittany fled in disorde
Q and the whole French force on the rigl
IS bank of the Huisne were compelled
If make rapid retreat upon lie Mar
This unforeseen disaster compelled Il
70 French army hastily to evacuate
N Mans and retreat with all possible I
d pidity The retreating columns we
t. harrassed and attacked for several day
IS and were compelled to flee in differel
g directions to escape capture or death.
y -