COMMANDERS OF THE FRENCH ARMY.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 735, 4 October 1870, Page 4

COMMANDERS OF THE FRENCH ARMY.

[NEW YORK HERALD.] Of the French commanders, the most cnnspicious are Marshals McMahon, Canroberfc, and Bazaine, who will, undoubtedly, have the principal commands. Marshal McMahon, a descendant from a family of Irish nobles who lost their all in defence of James 11., and remained in Prance, after the final overthrow of the Stuarts, began his military career during the war of Algiers, in 183 D, particularly distinguishing himself in the a3?anlt of Conshuitiuo. The re-establish-ment of the Empire in Prance found him a Brigadier-General and a devoted adherant of the Emperor. The Crimean war established his reputation as a soldier. At the head of the division formerly commanded by General Canrobert, he stormed and captured the Malakoff, one of the most brilliant feats in modern warfage. Following the war with Russia came that with Austria in Italy. In the campaign of 1859 he again distinguished himself by the celerity of his movements and the skill he displayed in handling his men. To his ability and dash were due the | great victory of Magenta, and as a reward for his services Napoleon created him a Marshal of France and Duke of Magenta. There is not in the French army a more dashing officer than Marshal McMahon. A close student of the millitary manouvrts of the first Napoleon, he believes in sudden and rapid marches upon his enemy. Marshal Canrobert is, if anything, better known as a soldier than Ma s'ul McMahon. Like the latter, his military career began in Algiers, and he first distinguished himself in the assault on Constantine. Subsequently, placed in an indejendent command, he defeated the Arab 3in three campaigns, in the last of which he displayed great military skill in the disposition of hia forces. When Louis Napoleon was President, General Oan-

robert was one of his aides-de-camp, and > aidtid in carrying out the coup d'etat. Sent to the Crimea in command of the First Division, he participated in the battle of the Alma, where be was wounded by a splinter of shell, which struck him in the breast and hand. After the resignation of Marshal St. Arnaud, General Canrobert took command of the Army of the East ; and at the battle of Inkermau greatly distinguished himself by his personal valour. He led the famous charge of Zouaves, during which he was slightly wounded. Bad health compelled him, in May, 1855, to return to France, on arriving in which the Emperor treated him with marked distinction. During the | Franco-Itaiian war of 3852 lie won fresh laureJa by his herxustn at Magenta, while at the battle of Solferino his famous movement in aid of Marshal Niel turned the scale of victory in favor of the French. I For these services he was made a Marshal of France. General Canrobert is one of the heroic men in Europe. In every engagement in which he has participated he has with almost reckless courage, exposed his person to the enemy. As a consequence, he is immensely popular with his men. Marshal Bazaine is well known to the people of the United States. He first distinguished himself in Africa, and subsequently served with credit in the Crimea. Dui'ing the Italian campaign he remained in France on home duty. In 1862 he was placed in command of the French expedition to Mexico, and succeeded Marshal Forey in the supreme command. In the sister Republic he greatly distinguished himself, considering the number of men at his disposal, and for his services he was created Marshal of France in 1864. Marshal Bazaine bears the reputation of possessing one of the most strategic minds in the French arm}'. There are several other French Generals of established reputation, who will, no doubt, take active part in the contest. Count de Palikao, General de Goyon, General Leboeuf, and Count deMontebello are skilful officers. Marshals Baraguay d'Hilliers and Randon are each seventyfive years of age, and will probably not take the field.