The New York herald., 1871-01-15
HEROIC FIGHTING ON BOTH SIDES
THE CARNAGE FEARFUL.
Uhe french Lose Fifteen yhou-
sand Men.
u MANS OCCUPIED BY THE GERMANS.
vElEcaAm TO THE NEW YORK HERALD.

midnight, on the 10th inst, giving an account Of
tAe first days battle with Prince Frederick
Charles army. Your correspondent writes:-
THE BArTLE-ExCIrEMHNT IN LIE MANS.
Of France, has been defeated to-day in bloody
battle fought within seven miles Of this city N.e
Mans). We heard the roar OF the cannon all day,
and the population crowded to the housetops and
suburbs and through the thoroughfares, watch
ING the progress of the fight. have never be.
fore witnessed such intense excitement, although
tho French people have become accustomed to
he roar Of cannon.
THE GERMAN ADVANCE.
At nine O'Clock this morning the right wing Of
the French army in position east of lie Mans was
suddenly attacked by the vanguard of the German
forces, which, emerging from the wood on the
extreme right OF tho French, moved forward to
attack. Upon tho alarm being given the ad-
vance posts Of the French infantry wheeled into
line Of battle and the artillery was pushed for
ward, on the open ground between the severed
ranks Of the various commands. The cavalry
took up an advantageous position on the right
and left wings.
THE BArTLEFIELD.
A more perfect line OF battle could not have
been formed by the finest army In Europe. The
artillery was well supplied with ammunition, and
tAs infantry had 100 rounds to each man. In
addition, the supply trains were well posted and
easy Of access.
Real, bloody work soon began. The field
u battle was in valley, and the two armies
occupied heights opposite each other, the French
line forming semicircle extend ing twelve miles.
overlooking the valley, which was covered by
twelve inches Of snow. On the opposite height 8
the Prussians held some what similar position.
FIERCE ARTILLERY DUEL.
Shortly after nine O'Clock the Prussians began
furious cannonade from the wood near the ex-
treme left. They were nanked by an immense
Their position was where the German infantry
passed with the evident intention of turning
Chanzys right. The artillery fire on both sides
was continued without intermission until the
ammunition was nearly exhausted. It was a
fierce, well sustained duel, the German and
French artillerists displaying marked skill and
courage.
THE ASSAULT.
At length the Prussian commanders gave the
order for an advance, and the German infantry
moved forward. The French, equally rapid, ad-
yanced along their whole line, and the opposing
armies met in the valley in fair hand to hand
fight. The musketry fire was very severe and
effective. The German troops were cool and
ellscted, and the French impetuous and gallant.
Indeed, both armies behaved with notable BRAY
cry until near noon, when the Gardes Mobiles be-
gan TO vsver, and, being unable to hold their
position, retreat commenced. Meantime the
dead and wounded lay upon the battlefield by
thousands, and the snow fields were red with
human blood.
THE RETREAT.
The carnage was fearful on both sides. Before
i've o'clock in the evening Is 900 French soldiers
had fallen and at this hour the whole army started
In full retreat. The French and German forces
were about equally matched. should Judge that
they numbered 60, 900 men each.
ANOTHER BATTLE EXPECTED.
General Chanzy is reported sick. but he still
remains in command of the army. Although the
French have been beaten they have not been
routed. Another battle is expected to take place
tomorrow.
l,SOO Prisoners.
VERSAILLES, Jan. Ia, 1871.
The Germans have made the following Official
report
SHE CAPTURES.
In the battles near LIE Mans we captured twelve
guns and 800 prisoners. NJ. Gambetta was pres.
ent at the beginning of the action, but he saved
himself by early flight.
Lc Mans Occupied-Largc Quantities OF
Storcs-TcieGram from the Duke OF Meek
lemburg.
LONDON, Jan 1850 p. NJ.
lie Mans was taken and is now occupied by the
Third and Tenth Prussian corps. The Germans
entered the place at noon of Thursday. They
were simultaneously successful at Corneils A
Geat quantity Of stores were captured by the
Germ,ns both at lie Mans and Corn ille
mrs Arrr,
The Duke of Mecklenburg telegraphs to his
VIE fem Montfors. Department Of the Sarthe, on
the l2lh, that, after a severe engagement a,
Cor sile, we reached the river, near Savigne
PEvequc, seven miles northeast from lie Mans,
viii small loss. We Lave taken 900 pr soperv.