The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1885-05-02
The battle of sedan.

liOll.
The Battle of sedan.
EDITORS COMET The battle Of Sc
dan, as presented in panoramic view
in New Orleans, is graphic represen-
taticn OF that murderous conflict,
which took place Sep. 1st 1870, between
Germany and France, at Sedan, a
town on the river Meuse, 100 miles
north-east OF Paris,
The French under Mcmahon, were
OH their way to the relief of Bazaine,
who was shut up in Metz, and were
overtaken by the Germans under the
the Crown Prince Of Prussia and Won
Moltke, with an army Of 240,0 900 men.
The German troops were so arranged
on the 3lst of August as to almost
completely surround the French ar
my, which numbered only about no.
600 men.
And on Sept. LIST, the great battle,
"whic struck the death blow to
Frances second Empire, and gave rise
to the republic of to day" was fought.
The French loss in killed, wounded
and prisoners and implements OF war
on that fatal day, was unparalleled in
her history. Eighty three thousand
prisoners and 10000 horses fell into
the hands Of the Germans and of the
two armies $4,000 were reported
among the killed.
History is seldom called upon to re.
cord II more interesting battle, or one
moro Obstructive in its results.
And yet, with all its horrors, this
battle is reproduced by the painters
brush, in the panorama referred to in
manner at once so realistic, that the
spectator is lost in wonder and amaze.
ment. The horrors Of war, in its most
destructive character, are here pOr.
trayed i'll a most vivid manner. The
incidents described are such an exact
facsimile, OF bloody battle-scenes, with
which we were familiar few year.
ago, that the spectator finds himself
unconsciously sympathizing with the
parties honestly struggling for suprem
acy. After viewing the scene spread
out before him, for short time, ant
remembering, that, however real il
may appear, it is only the perfection
of q work of art, his bewildermen
gives place to a feeling OF admiration
Of the genius and talent that can re
produce from the oblivion OF the past
a scene so true to life so real in ap
pearance. Though he knows he is with
in the walls of house, he finds rs Ii,
looks out upon the scene, that his Wis
ion is only limited by the horizon. 81
it appears standing in beautiful val
ley, in full view of several towns, Will
their streets and alleys, he secs til,
river Mas, coursing its way through
the valley. A railroad also is seer
crossing the river at two points; th,
bridge at one point remaining, at tn,
other destroyed. The river being oh
structed at one point, oyerAows tn
valley for a considerable distance
Vision up and down this valley i
only limited by the horizon or tn
projection Of spurs from the neigh
boring hills. Turning from the vale,
he finds himself hemmed i'll on eithe
side by hills or mountains, presenting
the appearance of spurs and gorgei
with here aud there a clump OF tree
so true to nature, that the spectator
at a loss to say what is real and wha
is picture.
On the hill on one side Of the vale
are to be seen the German troops, il
companies, Of cayelry and artlller
and infantry scattered here and there
as far as the eye can see The Crow
Prince of Germany and Won Moltk
and staff are standing on an eminenc,
Overlooking the whoic scene.
The smoke OF the artillery and tn