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Great Britain, prince Leopold, with the consent of his sovereign, declined the proffered crown.......12 July, 1870 The submission did not satisfy the French government and nation, and the demand for a guarantee against the repetition of such an acceptance irritated the Prussian government, and led to the termination of the negotiations, the king refusing to receive the count Benedetti, the French minister..... ..13 July, Energetic but fruitless efforts to avert the war were made by earl Granville, the British foreign minister, about 15 July, War was announced by the emperor, with the hearty consent of the great majority of the chambers. The Left or republican party opposed the war; M. Thiers and a few others only protested against it as prema...... 15 July,

ture..

[After his surrender on 2 Sept., the emperor told count Bismarck that he did not desire war, but was driven into it by public opinion. He appears to have been greatly deceived as to the numerical strength of his army, and its state of preparation.]

"The greatest national crime that we have had the pain of recording since the days of the first French revolu tion has been consummated. War is declared-an unjust but premeditated war."-Times, 16 July, 1871.

(For details of the battles, see separate articles.)

FRENCH ARMY, about 300,000:

1st corps, under marshal MacMahon.

2d corps, under gen. Frossard.

3d corps, under marshal Bazaine.

4th corps, under gen. Ladmirault.

5th corps, under gen. De Failly.

6th corps, under marshal Canrobert. Imperial guard, under gen. Bourbaki.

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Day of general prayer observed in Prussia... 27 July, 1870
The emperor Napoleon joins the army; at Metz assumes
the chief command, and issues a proclamation declar-
ing that the war will be long and severe...28, 29 July,
Repulse of a French attack at Saarbrück. ..30 July,
20 Badenese enter France at Lauterburg; Mr. Winsloe
killed; some captured; others escape with valuable
information...
.31 July,
Proclamation of the king of Prussia to his people, grant-
ing an amnesty for political offences, and resolving,
like our forefathers, placing full trust in God, to accept
the battle for the defence of the fatherland....31 July,
He leaves Berlin for the army, 1 Aug., and announces
that all Germany stands united in arms"....3 Aug.
The French government announce that "they make war,
not against Germany, but against Prussia, or rather
against the policy of count Bismarck".
.2 Aug.
The French under Frossard bombard and take Saar-
brück in the presence of the emperor and his son; the
Prussians, dislodged, retire with little loss......2 Aug.
The duc de Grammont, French foreign minister, pub-
lishes a circular replying to Bismarck's charges against
France.
...3 Aug.

The crown prince crosses the Lauter, the boundary
of France, and defeats the French under Frossard,
storming the lines of Wissembourg and Geisburg; gen-
eral Douay killed.
..4 Aug.
Battle of Woerth; in a desperate, long-continued battle
the crown prince defeats marshal MacMahon and the
army of the Rhine; they retire to Saverne to cover
Nancy...
6 Aug.
Battle of Forbach: Saarbrück recaptured, and Forbach
(in France) taken by gens. Von Goeben and Von
Steinmetz, after a fierce contest; all the French retreat,
6 Aug.
als by Bismarck for the annexation of Luxembourg
and Belgium by France in 1866 and 1867.
.6 Aug.
The emperor, reporting these defeats, says,
"Tout pout
se rétablir"

Commander-in-chief, the emperor; gen. Le Bœuf, second; Gen. Turr publishes, in a letter, statements of propos

succeeded by marshal Bazaine.

PRUSSIAN ARMY, about 640,000:

1. Northern, under gen. Vogel von Falckenstein, about 220,000, defending the Elbe, Hanover, etc.

2. Right, under prince Frederick Charles, about 180,000. 3. Centre, under gens. Von Bittenfeld and Von Steinmetz,

about 80,000.

with

4. The left, under the crown-prince of Prussia, about 166,000. Commander-in-chief, king William; second, gen. Von Moltke The North German army, at the beginning of August, consisted, firstly, of 550,000 line, with 1200 guns and 53,000 cavalry; secondly, of 187,000 reserve, with 234 guns and 18,000 cavalry; and, thirdly, of 205,000 landwehr, or militia, with 10,000 cavalry, making a grand total of 944,000 men, 1680 mobilized guns and 193,000 horses. To these must be added, firstly, the Bavarians, 69,000 line, with 192 guns and 14,800 horses-25,000 reserve with 2400 horses, and 22,000 landwehr; secondly, the Würtembergers -22,000 line with 54 guns and 6200 horses, 6500 reserve, and 6000 landwehr; and, thirdly, the Badencse-16,000 line with 54 guns, 4000 reserve, and 9600 landwehr. All the German troops taken together as under arms at present,

1,124,000 Inen.

Aug. 1870.

Four weeks previously, on the peace footing, they numbered only 360,000.

The French and Germans in this war were considered to be equally brave and efficient; but the French generals appear to have acted greatly upon impulse. The Germans seem to have been invariably guided by a well-matured plan, their tactics mainly consisting in bringing vast masses to bear on the point where they were anxious to prevail. From Saarbrück to Sedan, Moltke appears to have left nothing to chance; and all his arrangements were ably carried out. The causes of the early ruin of the French army were: "1, the enormous superiority of the Germans in regard to numbers; 2, the absolute unity of their command and concert of operation; 3, their superior mechanism in equipment and supplies; 4, the superior intelligence, steadiness, and disci pline of the soldiers; 5, superior education of the officers. and the dash and intelligence of the cavalry."-Quarterly

Review.

Estimated cost of the war to France, 395,400,000l., Jan. 1875

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War resolved on by the French government, 15 July;
declaration delivered at Berlin...
19 July, 1870
The North German parliament meet at Berlin, and en-
gage to support Prussia in the war.
19 July,
Würtemberg, Bavaria, Baden, and Hesse-Darmstadt de-
clare war against France, and send contingents to the
..20 July,
army..

War proclamation of the emperor Napoleon, declaring
that the national honor, violently excited, . . . alone
takes in hand the destinies of the country....23 July,
Part of the bridge at Kehl blown up by the Prussians,
23 July,
Proclamation of the king that "love of the common fa
therland, and the unanimous uprising of the German
races, have conciliated all opinions, and dissipated all
disagreements. . . . The war will procure for Germany
a durable peace, and from this bloody seed will arise a
harvest blessed by God-the liberty and unity of Ger-
many".
.25 July,
Skirmish at Niederbronn; a Bavarian officer killed,
26 July,

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7 Aug.

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The Germans occupy Forbach, Haguenau, and Saarguemines.. Marshal Bazaine appointed to the chief command of the .7 Aug. French army at Metz (about 130,000); MacMahon has about 50,000 near Saverne; Canrobert about 50,000 near Nancy. .8 Aug. Nine French iron-clads pass Dover for the Baltic, 9 Aug. .9 Aug. St. Avold occupied by the Germans.. Marshal Bazaine takes command of the army at Metz, 9 Aug. ..9 Aug. Phalsburg invested Treaty with Great Britain guaranteeing the neutrality of Belgium, signed on behalf of Prussia, 9 Aug.; of France, Forced resignation of the Ollivier ministry.......9 Aug. 11 Aug. New ministry constituted under gen. Cousin Montauban, comte de Palikao, war minister.. Strasburg invested by the Germans.

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The king of Prussia, at Saarbrück, proclaims that "he makes war against soldiers, not against French citizens" Lichtenburg capitulates to the Germans.. ...10 Aug. MacMahon's army retreating upon the Moselle..11 Aug. The little fortress, La Petite Pierre," evacuated, 11 Aug. Communication with Strasburg cut off ......11 Aug. Nancy occupied by the Germans without resistance, 12 Aug. The Bavarians pass the Vosges.. ..12 Aug. The king at St. Avold forbids conscription for the French army in territories held by Germans.. 13 Aug. Marshal Bazaine made commander of the army of the Rhine... 13 Aug. ...14 Aug.

Bombardment of Strasburg begun. The French government declare that "there can be, for a moment, no question of negotiation of peace," 14 Aug. Blockade of the German ports on the Baltic, from 15 Aug., announced by the French admiral.......14 Aug. Many French volunteer sharpshooters (francs-tireurs) take the field (not recognized as soldiers by the Ger mans) ....about 14 Aug. Toul refuses to surrender. 14 Aug. The emperor retires to Verdun 14 Aug. Marshal Bazaine's army defeated in several long-continued sanguinary battles before Metz (which see): 1. Battle of Courcelles (Pange, or Longeville) gained by Von Steinmetz and the 1st army....14 Aug.

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Estimated German losses: killed, wounded, and missing, 2088 officers, 46,480 men; up to. 18 Aug. 1870 Severe bombardment of Strasburg. 19 Aug. MacMahon's army of the Rhine retreats as the Prussians under the king and crown prince advance; prince Frederick Charles opposed to Bazaine at Metz; [German armies in France about 500,000; the French armies about 300,000; communications between marshals Bazaine and MacMahon very difficult],

about 20 Aug. Lieut. Harth, a Prussian spy, tried and shot at Paris, 20 Aug. MacMahon raises his camp at Châlons.. .20 Aug. The troops extended along the line of the Marne, 21 Aug. Exportation of food prohibited.............. ..21 Aug. Bazaine at Metz said to be completely isolated, 22 Aug. MacMahon at Rheims with his army, including the remains of the corps of Failly and Canrobert; he marches in hope of joining Bazaine, 23 Aug.; the crown-prince and prince of Saxony start in pursuit, 23 Aug.; march upon Châlons.. .24 Aug. Prussian royal headquarters removed from Pont à Mousson to Bar-le-Duc (125 miles from Paris).. 24 Aug. The alleged violation of the neutrality of Belgium denied by its government... .25 Aug. The Germans enter the arrondissement of Vassy, 25 Aug. Germans repulsed in an attack on Verdun.......25 Aug. 800 French national guards captured at Ste. Menehould,

.12 Sept. 1870

Bridge at Creil over the Oise blown up..
Seven German corps (about 300,000 men) approaching
Paris, which is said to contain 300,000 combatants,
13 Sept.

M. Thiers arrives in London on a mission from the gov-
ernment
.....13 Sept.
.14 Sept.

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Colmar occupied by the Germans. Gen. Trochu reviews the troops in Paris, 13 Sept.; delivers a stirring address; the daily guard ordered to be 70,000... ...14 Sept. Estimated German loss: 60,000 killed and wounded; between 20,000 and 30,000 sick; about 1000 prisoners, 15 Sept. French prisoners in Germany: 62 generals, 4800 off.about 15 Sept. cers, 140,000 privates... Correspondence between count Bernstorff and earl Granville respecting neutrality said to have been broken; denied by the earl ..1-15 Sept. Siege of Paris begun; ingress and egress prohibited without a permit.. ....15 Sept.

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Châlons occupied by the Germans. Capitulation of Vitry, a small fortress... Formation of three German armies of reserve in Germany, and a fourth army in the field, under the crownprince of Saxony, to co-operate with the crown-prince of Prussia against Paris.. 26 Aug. Strasburg suffering much by bombardment...23-26 Aug. Powerful sortie of Bazaine from Metz repulsed..26 Aug. Phalsburg heroically resisting. .26 Aug. Thionville invested by the Germans.. ..27 Aug. Engagement at Busancy, between Vouziers and Stenay: a regiment of French chasseurs nearly annihilated, 27 Aug. Two German armies (220,000) marching on Paris, 28 Aug. Continued retreat of MacMahon's army; severe fighting at Dun, Stenay, and Mouzon.. .28 Aug. Nicholas Schull, a German spy, shot at Metz....28 Aug. Vrizy, between Vouziers and Attigny, stormed by the Germans.. .29 Aug. Municipal meetings at Berlin, Königsberg, and other German cities, protest against foreign intervention for peace. 30, 31 Aug. MacMahon's army, about 150,000, accompanied by the emperor, retreating northwards; part of it, under De Failly, surprised and defeated near Beaumont, between Mouzon and Moulins; several other engagements, unfavorable to the French, occurred during the day, 30 Aug. Count Bismarck-Bohlen installed governor of Alsace at Haguenau .30 Aug. The Germans enter Carignan; attack the French in the plain of Douzy; the French, at first successful, are defeated, and retreat to Sedan.. .31 Aug. A French army of old soldiers, about 100,000, is said to be forming near Lyons... .31 Aug. Bazaine defeated in his endeavor to escape from Metz; after a fierce struggle, retreats into Metz, 31 Aug. 1 Sept. Battle round Sedan: begun at 4 A.M. between Sedan and Douzy; the French at first successful; after a severe struggle and dreadful carnage, the Germans victorious; MacMahon wounded, 5.30 P. M.; gen. de Wimpffen refuses to accept the terms offered by the king of Prussia. .1 Sept. Capitulation of Sedan and the remainder of MacMahon's army; the emperor surrenders to the king (see Sedan) ..2 Sept. Vigorous artillery action at Strasburg; a sortie repulsed, 2 Sept. Revolution at Paris after the declaration of the capture of MacMahon's army; proclamation of a republic (see France).. .4 Sept. Rheims occupied by the Germans and the king..5 Sept. Jules Favre, the French foreign minister, in a circular to the French diplomatic representatives, says, "We will not cede either an inch of our territories or a stone of our fortresses" 6 Sept.

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Blockade of the Elbe and Weser non-effective...15 Sept. Circular letters of count Bismarck, recounting the history of French aggressions on Germany, and asserting the necessity of obtaining material guarantees for the future safety of Germany, and removing the frontiers and point of attack farther west.... ..13, 16 Sept. Important circular of M. Favre, condemning the war and recognizing the obligations of the country....17 Sept. Prussian headquarters at Meaux (20 miles from Paris), 18 Sept. 32 German merchant-ships reported to have been captured by the French fleet up to.. .18 Sept. Vessels sunk in the Seine and Marne, and other vigorous defensive measures adopted... 18, 19 Sept. Paris said to be completely invested; the fortifications reconnoitred by the king, who has fixed his headquar ters at Baron Rothschild's château at Ferrières, near Lagny.. .19 Sept. Three French divisions under gen. Vinoy attack the Germans on the heights of Sceaux; repulsed with loss of 7 guns and 2500 prisoners; the defeat attributed to the disorder of the Zouaves; the national guard behave well ..19 Sept. Count Bismarck consents to receive Jules Favre (about 16 Sept.); they meet at Château de la Haute Maison, 19 Sept.; and at the king's headquarters, Ferrières, near Lagny.. .20 Sept. Jules Favre reports to the government the result of his interviews with count Bismarck: Prussia demands the cession of the departments of the Upper and Lower Rhine and part of that of Moselle, with Metz, Château Salins, and Soissons, and would agree to an armistice in order that a French constituent assembly might meet; the French to surrender Strasburg, Toul, and Verdun (or Phalsburg, according to Favre), and Mont Valérien if the assembly meet at Paris; these terms are positively rejected by the French government.21 Sept. Versailles and the troops there surrender, 19 Sept.; entered by the crown prince of Prussia 20 Sept. A lunette captured at Strasburg. .20 Sept.

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Gen. von Steinmetz sent to Posen as governor general; prince Frederick Charles sole commander before Metz, 21 Sept.

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The blockade of German ports raised ; officially an.22 Sept.

The French government issues a circular expressing readiness to consent to an equitable peace, but refusing "to cede an inch of our territory or a stone of our fortresses" ..23 Sept.

Three conflicts before Paris: at Drancy, Pierrefitte, and Villejuif; the two last reported favorable to the French, 23 Sept. Toul surrenders after a most vigorous resistance, 23 Sept. Levée en masse of men under 25 ordered by the French government .23 Sept. Germans repulsed in conflicts before Paris; said by them to be unimportant .23 Sept. ..25 Sept.

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Gen. Vinoy and a corps sent too late to aid MacMa-
hon; retreat and arrive in Paris..
.6, 7 Sept.
...7 Sept. 66
.....8 Sept.
...8 Sept. 66

St. Dizier occupied by the Germans..
Strasburg invested by 60,000 men..
Verdun vigorously resisting ...
The German army, in five corps, advancing on Paris,
9 Sept.
Laon surrendered to save the town from destruction;
by the accidental or treacherous explosion of a maga
zine some of the German staff and many French perish,
9 Sept.
Metz, Strasburg, Thionville, Phalsburg, Toul, Bitsche, and
other fortified places holding out.....
10 Sept.
Messages between belligerents transmitted by lord Lyons
(at Paris) and count Bernstorff (Prussian minister) in
London
...9, 10 Sept.
10 Sept.

German attack on Toul repulsed

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The iron cross given by the crown-prince of Prussia to more than 30 soldiers beneath the statue of Louis XIV. at Versailles... .26 Sept. Circular of Von Thile, Prussian foreign minister, stating that, as the ruling powers in France decline an armistice, and as no recognized government exists in Paris (the government de facto being removed to Tours), all communications with and from Paris can only be carried on so far as the military events may permit, 27 Sept. Clermont occupied by the Germans after a brief vigorous resistance, overcome by artillery.. .27 Sept. Commencement of attack on Soissons. ...28 Sept. Capitulation of Strasburg, 27 Sept.; formally surren dered.. .28 Sept. Sortie of gen. Vinoy's army (at Paris); repulsed, after two hours' fighting-crown-prince present; above 200 prisoners taken; gen. Giulham killed.. ...30 Sept. Above 375,000 national guards said to be in Paris, 30 Sept.

46

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Conflict near Rouen; at first favorable to the French;
their loss 1200 killed and wounded; 300 prisoners,
30 Sept. 1870
.30 Sept.
..1 Oct.

Beauvais captured by the Germans..
Mantes occupied by the Germans
Circular from count Bismarck, disclaiming any inten-
tion of reducing France to a second-rate power..1 Oct.
The American gen. Burnside visits M. Favre......1 Oct.
Surgeon-major Wyatt writes that Paris is well provis-
ioned, and nearly inexpugnable.
...1 Oct.
M. Thiers's fruitless visit to Vienna, 23 Sept.; to St. Pe-
tersburg, 27 Sept.; dined with the czar.. ..2 Oct.
The grand-duke of Mecklenburg at Rheims appointed
governor of the country conquered in addition to Al-
sace and Lorraine.
...2 Oct.
M. Favre, in the name of the diplomatic body, requests
count Bismarck to give notice before bombarding
Paris, and to allow a weekly courier: the count declines
both requests, but permits the passage of open letters;
reported..
.3 Oct.
Count Bismarck, in a circular, corrects Favre's report of
the negotiations, and accuses the French government
of keeping up the difficulties opposed to a conclusion
of peace; reported...
.3 Oct.

.4 Oct.

Epernon and La Ferté occupied by the Germans after an engagement The king's headquarters removed to Versailles; arrival of the king, Bismarck, Moltke, and others.......5 Oct. The Germans victors in several small engagements, 2-6 Oct. Gen. Treskow, in command of a German army, to advance into southern France.. ....5 Oct. Colmar occupied by the Prussians for an hour....5 Oct. Battle at Thoury; gen. Reyan, with the advanced guard of the army of the Loire under gen. La Motte Rouge, defeats the Germans between Chaussy and Thoury, and captures some prisoners and cattle.........5 Oct. Fictitious manifesto of the emperor Napoleon III., entitled "Les Idées de l'Empereur," advocating peace on moderate terms, dated 26 Sept., published in the imperialist journal in London, La Situation, and in Daily News, 4 Oct.; disclaimed by the emperor.......6 Oct. M. Thiers's mission to foreign courts reported to be quite abortive.. ...6 Oct. Part of the army of Lyons, under gen. Dupré, defeated by the Badenese under gen. Von Gegenfeld near St. Rémy; French loss about 1500, and 660 prisoners; German loss about 430.. ..6 Oct. Gen. Burnside leaves Paris in order to meet count Bismarck... .7 Oct. Great sortie from Metz; the Germans surprised; 40,000 French engaged; repulsed after severe conflicts; French loss about 2000; German, about 600 .7 Oct. Estimated number of French prisoners in Germany, 3577 officers and 123,700 men.... Neu-Breisach bombarded..

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Breteuil occupied by the Germans after a sharp resist..12 Oct. Slight engagements (termed victories by the French) before Paris.. 13 Oct.

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All the Vosges district in arms; no regular army; the defiles occupied by the francs-tireurs.. 13 Oct. Reported successful sorties; Neu-Breisach completely invested.

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13 Oct.

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..8 Oct. 8 Oct. 66

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Gen. Boyer, aide-de-camp to marshal Bazaine, arrives at Versailles and meets count Bismarck... ...14 Oct. Gen. Trochu's letter to the mayors of Paris on reorganizing the national guard and repressing the ardent desire for immediate action. ...15 Oct. Soissons surrenders after three weeks' investment and four days' bombardment .16 Oct. French successes before Paris denied by the Prussians, who hold the same position as on 19 Sept......16 Oct. M. Gambetta proceeds to the army of the Vosges; gen. Bourbaki appointed commander of the army of the north; gen. Mazière appointed to a command in the army of the Loire.

.17 Oct.

Montdidier attacked by the Germans; 150 mobile guards captured .17 Oct. The emperor Napoleon declares that "there can be no prospect of peace, near or remote, on the basis of ceding to Prussia a single foot of French territory; and no government in France can attach its signature to such a treaty and remain in power a single day," 17 Oct. 4000 French attacked and defeated near Châteaudun after ten hours' fighting, and the barricaded town stormed .18 Oct. Circular of Jules Favre asserting that Prussia "coldly and systematically pursues her task of annihilating us. France has now no illusions left. For her it is now a question of existence. . . . We prefer our present sufferings, our perils, and our sacrifices to the consequences of the inflexible and cruel ambition of our enemy. France needed, perhaps, to pass through a supreme trial-she will issue from it transfigured," 18 Oct. Asserted repulse of the Germans at Fort Issy before Paris... .18 Oct. Despatch from earl Granville to count Bismarck urging the negotiations for peace on terms lenient to the French.. ..20 Oct. Conclusive reply of earl Granville to count Bernstorff's charge of breach of neutrality... .21 Oct. Vigorous sortie from Mont Valérien against Versailles; an engagement at Malmaison; the French retire after three hours' fighting, losing about 400 killed and wounded and 100 prisoners; German loss about 230 killed and wounded.. .21 Oct. Chartres occupied by the Germans under Wittich, 21 Oct. Intervention of the British government (supported by the neutral powers) to obtain an armistice for the election of a national assembly

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Prussian circular to the European powers regretting the obstinate resistance of the French government to peace, and foretelling the consequences-social disorganization and much starvation.

10 Oct.

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Ablis, near Paris, burned for alleged treachery (killing sleeping soldiers). 10 Oct. M. Gambetta escapes from Paris by a balloon, 7 Oct.; in his proclamation at Tours, states that Paris possesses 560,000 troops; that cannon are cast daily, and that women are making cartridges; he urges unanimous devoted co-operation in carrying on the war...10 Oct. Part of the army of the Loire defeated at Arthenay, near Orleans, by Bavarians under Von der Tann; about 2000 prisoners taken

Prussian attack on Cherizy repulsed..

French reply to Bismarck's circular on the negotiations, 10 Oct.

About 20 villages burned, and 150 peasants shot for illicit warfare.. .up to 11 Oct.

The French fleet appears off Heligoland.. 3000 national guard mobilized at Rouen.. Three first shots fired at Paris

Orleans captured by gen. Von der Tann after nine hours' fighting; the army of the Loire, defeated, retires behind the Loire. 11 Oct. Stenay captured by a sortie from the French garrison of Montmedy.. .11 Oct. Gen. Bourbaki accepts the command at Tours; gen. La Motte Rouge superseded in the command of the army of the Loire by gen. D'Aurelle de Paladines....12 Oct. Battalions of Amazons said to be forming in Paris, 12 Oct. Favorable intelligence from Paris by balloons received, 12 Oct.

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.21 Oct. แ .21 Oct. 20-22 Oct.

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22 Oct. 66 .22 Oct.

Fighting at Vouray, Cussey, etc., in the Vosges; French "army of the cast" defeated.

22 Oct.

German attack on Châtillon le Duc repulsed by gen. Cambriels .22 Oct. M. de Kératry assumes command of the army in Brittany... .23 Oct. St. Quentin taken by the Germans after half an hour's cannonading, 21 Oct.; evacuated by them.....23 Oct. แ Reported failure of the suggestions concerning an armistice, through Prussia demanding that France should consent to a cession of territory.. ....24 Oct. Gambetta informs the mayors of towns that "resistance is more than ever the order of the day". .24 Oct. Reported negotiations for the surrender of Metz..24 Oct. Thiers undertakes the mission to obtain an armistice, about 24 Oct. Capitulation of Schelestadt (2400 prisoners and 120 guns taken). ..24 Oct. A girl calling herself a successor of Jeanne d'Arc at Tours .24 Oct. Marshal Bazaine surrenders Metz and his army, "conquered by famine (see Metz and France, Oct.-Dec. 1873).. 27 Oct.

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The French defeated near Gray (Haute-Saône) by Von Werder. .27 Oct. 1870 About 2000 sick and wounded of both nations in Versailles... ..27 Oct. Le Bourget, near Paris, recaptured by the French. 28 Oct. A safe conduct given to M. Thiers to enter Paris for negotiation ...28 Oct. Despatch from count Bismarck to earl Granville, expressing desire for the meeting of a French national assembly to consider terms of peace; but stating that overtures must come from the French.. ..28 Oct. Badenese troops defeated near Besançon; Prussian attack on Formerie on the Oise repulsed.. .28 Oct. Gen. Von Moltke created a count on his 70th birthday,

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Calm, truthful proclamation of gen. Trochu at Paris,

14 Nov. 1870

The armies in central France have been placed under prince Frederick Charles and the grand-duke of Mecklenburg... .........14 Nov. Eleven French towns, 3653 guns, 155 mitrailleuses, nearly 500,000 chassepots, about 90 eagles and standards, and nearly 4,000,000l. in money taken by the Germans, up to 14 Nov. Montmédy completely invested.. 15 Nov. French sorties from Mézières repulsed, 15 Nov.; from Belfort repulsed... 16 Nov.

The grand-duke of Mecklenburg repulses the army of the Loire, near Dreux, which is captured by Von Treskow,

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28 Oct.

.29 Oct.

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.29 Oct. .....29 Oct.

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17 Nov. Successful French sortie from Mézières; 500 Germans said to be killed... .17 Nov. Germans victorious in an engagement near Châteaudun; French claim the success. ..18 Nov. Ricciotti Garibaldi said to have beaten 700 or 800 men at Châtillon.. .......19 Nov. The national guard at Évreux repulse a German attack,

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Prince Frederick Charles takes up a position near Orleans....

.24 Nov.

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Le Bourget retaken by the Germans; heavy losses on both sides; about 1200 French prisoners... ..30 Oct. Proclamation of Gambetta; accusing Bazaine of treason; the war to go on... M. Thiers enters Paris...

Garibaldi defending Dôle (Jura) with about 7500 men, 31 Oct. M. Thiers receives powers from the French defence government to treat for an armistice, and has interviews with count Bismarck... ..31 Oct. and 1 Nov. Gen. Bourbaki attempting to form an army of the north near Lille.. .Oct.-Nov. ..1 Nov.

Thionville invested.

The francs-tireurs dispersed in several slight engagements between Colmar and Belfort.. 2, 3 Nov. Letter from marshal Bazaine repelling the charge of 2 Nov. treason.... Count Bismarck offers an armistice of 25 days for the election of a French national assembly.. .3 Nov. Defeat of an attempted revolution in Paris (see France), 3 Nov. M. Favre declares to the national guard that the govern ment has sworn not to yield an inch of territory, and will remain faithful to this engagement.... ...3 Nov. Proclamation of Garibaldi to the army of the Vosges, and appealing to other nations .about 3 Nov. "Campagne de 1870; par un Officier attaché à l'état major general" (a pamphlet ascribed to the emperor), appears in the Daily Telegraph... .4 Nov. Failure of the negotiation, as count Bismarck will not permit food to enter Paris during the armistice without any military equivalent; M. Thiers ordered to break off negotiation. ......6 Nov. .....6 Nov.

Châteaudun recaptured by the French. The Prussian semi-official journal says, "The French government having refused to listen to reason, the cannon will be resorted to for giving them a lesson," 7 Nov. 7 Nov. Circulars on the armistice negotiations-of M. Favre, 7 Nov.; of count Bismarck. ..8 Nov.

Bombardment of Thionville..

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M. Thiers's report of the unsuccessful negotiations for an armistice. , dated 9 Nov. Reported naval victory of the Prussian steamer Meteor over the French steamer Bouvet off Havana....9 Nov. Continued fighting; Orleans retaken by gen. D'Aurelle de Paladines; French losses, 2000; German, about 700, and 2000 prisoners.. .10 Nov. Capitulation of Neu- Breisach; 5000 prisoners and 100 guns taken.. .10 Nov. The French repulsed near Montbéliard on the Swiss frontier.... .10 Nov. Von der Tann's army reinforced by 30,000, now 70,000, the grand-duke of Mecklenburg commander; the Loire army about 150,000, but only 12,000 regulars.. 12 Nov. Bankers at Berlin and Frankfort arrested for dealing in #rench war loan. ...about 12 Nov. Dôle, near Dijon, occupied by the Germans......13 Nov. 66

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24 Nov. La Fère surrenders, after two days' bombardment, with about 70 guns and 2000 men.. ..27 Nov. The Garibaldians defeated near Pasques (Côte d'Or) by Von Werder.. .27 Nov. The French army of the north defeated by Manteuffel between Villers-Bretonneux and Soleur, near Amiens, 27 Nov. Amiens occupied by Von Goeben after a severe engage...28 Nov. Severe engagement near Beaune la Rolande (Loiret) between part of the army of the Loire, under D'Aurelle de Paladines, and the Germans under Voigts Rhetz; prince Frederick Charles arrives and turns the day; the French retire; heavy loss on both sides...28 Nov. M. de Kératry resigns his command, accusing M. Gambetta of misconduct, 28 Nov.; Bourbaki appointed to command an army corps. .29 Nov.

ment..

Fruitless endeavors of the army in Paris and the army of the Loire to unite... 29 Nov.-4 Dec. Sorties from various parts of Paris repulsed with loss, 29 Nov. Great sortie of 120,000, under gens. Trochu and Ducrot, who cross the Marne; severest conflict between Champigny-sur-Marne, Brie-sur-Marne, and Villierssur-Marne; the French retain the taken possessions, but their advance is checked; great loss on both sides (chiefly Saxons and Würtembergers engaged)..30 Nov. The contest resumed at Avron; the Germans retake Champigny and Brie; the French retreat.......2 Dec. The army of the Loire: Chanzy defeated by the grandduke of Mecklenburg at Bazoche-des-Hautes, 2 Dec.; near Chevilly (the French report these engagements indecisive)... .3 Dec. Prince Frederick Charles dislodges an encampment in the forest of Orleans.. ..3 Dec. Ducrot bivouacs in the woods of Vincennes, 3 Dec.; he issues a final order of the day, referring to two days' glorious battles.. ..4 Dec. Gen. D'Aurelle de Paladines entrenched before Orleans; proposes to retreat; the government opposes him, but yields; he determines to await the attack; part of his army defeated by prince Frederick Charles and the grand-duke of Mecklenburg; he retreats with about 100,000 men; Orleans threatened with bombardment; surrenders at midnight... ...4 Dec. The Germans said to be in pursuit of D'Aurelle de Paladines (superseded)... ...5 Dec. 10,000 prisoners, 77 guns, and 4 gunboats captured at Orleans.. .5 Dec. Rouen occupied by Manteuffel, ..6 Dec. General order of the king of Prussia, "We enter on a new phase of the war. . . . Every attempt to break through the investment or relieve Paris has failed," 6 Dec. The grand-duke of Mecklenburg attacks gen. Chanzy and the army of the Loire near Beaugency; indecisive, 7 Dec.; the Germans victorious, taking about 1100 prisoners and 6 guns, and occupying Beaugency (severe loss to Germans). ...8 Dec. Gen. Manteuffel's army in two parts one occupies Evreux, and marching to Cherbourg; the other marching to Havre.... ..8 Dec.

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Conflict near Rouen; at first favorable to the French; their loss 1200 killed and wounded; 300 prisoners,

30 Sept. 1870 .30 Sept. ..1 Oct.

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..4 Oct.

Beauvais captured by the Germans... Mantes occupied by the Germans Circular from count Bismarck, disclaiming any intention of reducing France to a second-rate power..1 Oct. The American gen. Burnside visits M. Favre......1 Oct. Surgeon-major Wyatt writes that Paris is well provis..1 Oct. ioned, and nearly inexpugnable M. Thiers's fruitless visit to Vienna, 23 Sept.; to St. Petersburg, 27 Sept.; dined with the czar. .2 Oct. The grand-duke of Mecklenburg at Rheims appointed governor of the country conquered in addition to Alsace and Lorraine.. .....2 Oct. M. Favre, in the name of the diplomatic body, requests count Bismarck to give notice before bombarding Paris, and to allow a weekly courier: the count declines both requests, but permits the passage of open letters; reported. ....3 Oct. Count Bismarck, in a circular, corrects Favre's report of the negotiations, and accuses the French government of keeping up the difficulties opposed to a conclusion of peace; reported.... ......3 Oct. Epernon and La Ferté occupied by the Germans after an engagement The king's headquarters removed to Versailles; arrival of the king, Bismarck, Moltke, and others.......5 Oct. The Germans victors in several small engagements, 2-6 Oct. Gen. Treskow, in command of a German army, to advance into southern France. ..5 Oct. Colmar occupied by the Prussians for an hour....5 Oct. Battle at Thoury; gen. Reyan, with the advanced guard of the army of the Loire under gen. La Motte Rouge, defeats the Germans between Chaussy and Thoury, and captures some prisoners and cattle.... ...5 Oct. Fictitious manifesto of the emperor Napoleon III., entitled "Les Idées de l'Empereur," advocating peace on moderate terms, dated 26 Sept., published in the imperialist journal in London, La Situation, and in Daily News, 4 Oct.; disclaimed by the emperor. ......6 Oct. M. Thiers's mission to foreign courts reported to be quite abortive.. ...6 Oct. Part of the army of Lyons, under gen. Dupré, defeated by the Badenese under gen. Von Gegenfeld near St. Rémy; French loss about 1500, and 660 prisoners; German loss about 430.. .6 Oct. Gen. Burnside leaves Paris in order to meet count Bismarck. .7 Oct. Great sortie from Metz; the Germans surprised; 40,000 French engaged; repulsed after severe conflicts; French loss about 2000; German, about 600.. 7 Oct. Estimated number of French prisoners in Germany, 3577 officers and 123,700 men...

Neu-Breisach bombarded..

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.8 Oct. ..8 Oct.

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Breton volunteers organizing by M. Cathelineau; volunteers in the west organizing by gen. Charette (from Rome) ...8 Oct. German attack on St. Quentin vigorously repulsed, 8 Oct. Long despatch from count Bernstorff to earl Granville, complaining of the British supplying arms to France,

M. Thiers again at Vienna....

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Garibaldi arrives at Tours; enthusiastically received; reviews the national guard at Tours.. .9 Oct. Direct mediation declined by Russia, Great Britain, and Spain. ..10 Oct. Prussian circular to the European powers regretting the obstinate resistance of the French government to and foretelling the consequences-social disorpeace, ganization and much starvation. ..10 Oct. Ablis, near Paris, burned for alleged treachery (killing 10 Oct. sleeping soldiers). M. Gambetta escapes from Paris by a balloon, 7 Oct.; in his proclamation at Tours, states that Paris possesses 560,000 troops; that cannon are cast daily, and that women are making cartridges; he urges unanimous devoted co-operation in carrying on the war... 10 Oct. Part of the army of the Loire defeated at Arthenay, near Orleans, by Bavarians under Von der Tann; about 2000 prisoners taken

Prussian attack on Cherizy repulsed.

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15 Oct.

Gen. Boyer, aide-de-camp to marshal Bazaine, arrives at Versailles and meets count Bismarck............... ..14 Oct. Gen. Trochu's letter to the mayors of Paris on reorganizing the national guard and repressing the ardent desire for immediate action... Soissons surrenders after three weeks' investment and four days' bombardment... ..16 Oct. French successes before Paris denied by the Prussians, who hold the same position as on 19 Sept... 16 Oct. M. Gambetta proceeds to the army of the Vosges; gen. Bourbaki appointed commander of the army of the north; gen. Mazière appointed to a command in the army of the Loire.. Montdidier attacked by the Germans; 150 mobile guards captured .17 Oct. The emperor Napoleon declares that "there can be no prospect of peace, near or remote, on the basis of ceding to Prussia a single foot of French territory; and no government in France can attach its signature to such a treaty and remain in power a single day,"

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17 Oct.

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17 Oct. 4000 French attacked and defeated near Châteaudun after ten hours' fighting, and the barricaded town stormed. .18 Oct. Circular of Jules Favre asserting that Prussia "coldly and systematically pursues her task of annihilating us. France has now no illusions left. For her it is now a question of existence. We prefer our present sufferings, our perils, and our sacrifices to the consequences of the inflexible and cruel ambition of our enemy. France needed, perhaps, to pass through a supreme trial-she will issue from it transfigured," 18 Oct. Asserted repulse of the Germans at Fort Issy before Paris.. 18 Oct. Despatch from earl Granville to count Bismarck urging the negotiations for peace on terms lenient to the French.. ..20 Oct. Conclusive reply of earl Granville to count Bernstorff's charge of breach of neutrality.. .21 Oct. Vigorous sortie from Mont Valérien against Versailles; an engagement at Malmaison; the French retire after three hours' fighting, losing about 400 killed and wounded and 100 prisoners; German loss about 230 killed and wounded.. ..21 Oct. Chartres occupied by the Germans under Wittich, 21 Oct. Intervention of the British government (supported by the neutral powers) to obtain an armistice for the election of a national assembly 21 Oct. .21 Oct. 66 .20-22 Oct. "L 22 Oct. 64

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German attack on Châtillon le Duc repulsed by gen. Cambriels 22 Oct. M. de Kératry assumes command of the army in Brittany 23 Oct. St. Quentin taken by the Germans after half an hour's cannonading, 21 Oct.; evacuated by them.....23 Oct. Reported failure of the suggestions concerning an armis. tice, through Prussia demanding that France should consent to a cession of territory. 24 Oct. Gambetta informs the mayors of towns that "resistance is more than ever the order of the day ", 24 Oct. Reported negotiations for the surrender of Metz., 24 Oct. Thiers undertakes the mission to obtain an armistice, about 24 Oct. Capitulation of Schelestadt (2400 prisoners and 120 guns taken).. ..24 Oct. A girl calling herself a successor of Jeanne d'Arc at Tours .24 Oct. Marshal Bazaine surrenders Metz and his army, "conquered by famine" (see Metz and France, Oct.-Dec. 1873)... .27 Oct.

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