THE FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR.

Marlborough Express, Volume V, Issue 261, 19 November 1870, Page 5

THE FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR.

FURTHER PARTICULARS. The North German Government has issued an order that all foreigners found in arms against Germany will be put to death. The French Government has given official public notice that a Prussian prisoner will be shot for every person killed by them. War material is being shipped daily from Liverpool in large lots, supposed to be for France. The correspondent of the New York Tribune at St. Petersburg, writing on Sept. 26, says that, to quiet the rumors, the Government have announced, semi officially, that it will persist in its policy of neutrality, and that a Turkish movement would have no connection with the present conflict. There is a constant move of troops. Regiments and cannon are daily passing through the city. Newspapers are unanimous in urging the settlement of the Eastern question. The Journal of St. Petersburg, the official organ, emphatically denies the report of Russian purchase of new iron-clad steamers from the United States, and formally denies the concentration of the Russian troops on the Turkish frontier, and the recall of General Ignatioff, the Russian ambassador at Constantinople. The Journal adds that the Russian policy is one of peace and justice. Archbishop Manning preached a great sermon in London, declaring that the fate of Rome was the fate of Christianity, and of civil order; and Cardinal Cullen has issued a bitter address upon the Roman question. Pontifical exiles are pouring into Rome from all quarters. The Tours Government is beginning to prepare the public through the press for a cession of French territory to Germany. La Liberie consents to a slight rectification of the frontier near Weissenburg. Details are published of a severe action near Poutoise on Sept. 23rd. A German column, 10,000 strong, attacked an inferior French force occupying a formidable position on the plateau of Long Jumeau, commanding the roads to Belle Epens, Cuchel, and Loxles chateau. They were led into an ambuscade, which broke them up, and the French charging, drove the enemy back in retreat, which ultimately became a rout. The Germans fled in all directions, throwing away their arms. The French captured their artillery, batteries, and cannon, with two standards and near 700 prisoners, who surrendered in a body, and were sent to Chartres. Prince Frederick Charles and General Moltke are reported to have died from fever, which is creating great havoc among the Prussian troops. Almost daily communication between Paris and Tours is maintained by means of balloons. One of these contained Gambetta, the French Minister of War, and 39,000 letters. The Prussians endeavor to pierce them with bullets. At Artenay, 3,500 French were attacked by 20,000 Germans, and forced to retreat. The French, reinforced by 15,000 men, made a stand in the forest near Montjoye. A detachment under the Crown Prince defeated a portion of the army of the Loire near Orleans, on the 10th, taking 1000 prisoners, and three pieces of artillery. The French fled in disorder. The Prussians attacked Cheviste (?) near Dreux, but were repulsed, after six hour's hard fighting. The British Government has resolved to adopt the small-bore Gattling mitralleuse. A cable to the World says:—The enemies of the Pope declare he shall be stripped of everything, and he, with his friends, cardinals,' and nuns, be sent to Acoa [?] or Africa. A malignant disease in the German troops at Metz is filling the hospitals and overtasking the surgeot.s ; the deaths for three weeks averaged 150 per day. Rinderpest also prevails among the army horses, and has extended thrpugh Lorraine and part of Champagne. It is prevalent in the camps before Paris, and has extended into Rhenish Prussia. . : A Brussels despatch to the World says it is believed there that Bourfcaki’s mission to the Empress was to urge abdication, thus removing all obstacles to European recognition of the Republic, and to say the army

of Metz cannot be relied on to support the Empire. The correspondent of the Tribune before Metz telegraphs the following:—“This evening (Bth), at one o’clock, Bazaine made a desperate attempt to crush through the Prussian environment in the direction of Thionville. The Prussians on the previous evening had driven the French from the village of Ladomchamps, and had established foreposts in Strenay, Petiles, Grandes-les-Tapes, and Maxe. Bazaine, under cover of thick fog, advanced his troops and commenced an attack for the recovery of Ladomchamps ; having engaged the Prussian artillery, he made a dash for Petiles and Grande-les-Tapes, annihilating the outposts and throwing the great masses of men on their supports. When these villages had been occupied, Bazaine forwarded a large body of troops on the right, close to the Moselle, which advanced up the valley till checked by the Prussian cannon on both sides of the river, and was finally stopped by the advance of two Landvvehr brigades of the Tenth Array Corps, which occupied a position opposite Garde-petite and Etangs. A fusilier battalion of the 58th Landwehr regiment was nearly exterminated; other battalions of the same regiment, and the 59th Landwehr also suffered severely. At 4.30, the French were driven back from all their positions. There was much bayonet fighting in the village. General Brandenstein was wounded. The Prussian victory was complete. The loss in killed and wounded was considerable, and was heaviest on the French side. The French sent out all their field artillery and infantry, supported by Fort St Julian and Stetoy.” A cable special from London states that the present attitude of Prussia on the peace question indicates that the strain upon German resources is beginning to be very severely felt. London, Oct. 12. Prince Napoleon recently arrived here. He is actively intriguing for the restoration of the Buonapartes. Advices to October 6 from Paris represent the people steadfast, quiet, and orderly, without any anxiety as to food ; they claim to be fully prepared for assault. Touks, Oct. 12. A telegram from Orleans states :—Battle now raging so close to the city that shells fall into the outskirts. Severe fighting is also renewed before St Quentin. The Ministry lias just received the following from a courier who was enabled to pass the Prussian lines:—A battle occurred on the 7th instant between Fort Valerian and Mont St Cloud. The French under General Du root, made a terrible sortie in force. The Prussians were compelled to retreat to Versailles, entirely surrendering the position they bad recently occupied, and from which they might have shelled the western parts of Paris. A sqad of Prussian hussars was attacked on the night of the 7th Oct., through the treachery of the inhabitants of the village of Alleis. The town was afterward burned by the Prussians as punishment. Florence, Oct. 10. A decree is issued annexing the Roman provinces to the Kingdom of Italj r . The Pope preserves his dignity, and lives as a sovereign. Laws are promised settling the independence territorially, and special authority of his holiness. New York, Oct. 12. A special cable despatch, just received, announces the final surrender of Metz, with all its garrison, Berlin, Oct. 12. Official accounts of the surrender of Strasburg are just published. 1,100 guns, 12,000 chassepots, 3 tons ammunition, and 50 locomotives fell into our hands. Carpenters, masons, &c,, have been impressed to repair the city. Latest advices from the army before Metz show that the Prussians had burnt twenty villages, and executed 150 peasants .for carrying on illicit warfare. Bazaine’s soldiers were greatly dissatisfied with the situation, and counselled surrender, which was hourly expected. The Times has an article to-day, which says Bismarck’s obvious policy is to render France powerless for offence or defence hereafter.