THE BATTLE OF WOERTH.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 737, 8 October 1870, Page 3

THE BATTLE OF WOERTH.

The following is the official report of Marshal M'Mahon to the Emperor of the battle of Woerth, or, it is called by the French, of Freichsweiller : — "Savernjs, August 7. " Sire, — I have the honor to accqnaint your Majesty that on the 6th of August, after having been obliged to evacute Wiessembonrg on the prevous evening, the Ist Corps, with the object of covering the railway from Strasburg to Bitsche and the principal roads connecting the eastern and the Western slopes of tho Vosges, occupied the following position : — The Ist Division was placed right in advance of Freiehweiller, and its left in the direction of Reibhshoffen, resting upon a wood which covers that village. Two companies were detatched to Neunviller, and one company to Joegersthal. The 3rd Division occuipied with the Ist Brigade some low hills which run from Freiehweiller and slope towards Guersdorff. The 2nd Brigade rested ibs left on Freichs•woiller and its right on the village of Elsasshausen. The 4th Brigade formed an uneven line to the right of the 3rd Divison, its Ist Brigade facing towards Gunstedt and its 2nd Brigade opposite the village of Marsbronn, which, on account of insufficient strength, it was unable to occupy. The Division Dnmesnil, of the 7th Corps, which had rallied to me early on the morning of the 6th, was placed in rear of the 4th Division. There were held in reserve the second division in rear of the 2nd Brigade of the 3rd Division and the Ist Brigade of the 4th Division. Finally, still further in the rear was the brigade of light cavalry under the command of General Septeuil, and division of cuirassiers under General de Bonnemain. Michel's Cavalry Bridade, under rhe command of General Dechesmes, was stationed in rear of the right wing of the 4th Division. At 7 o'clock in the morning the enemy appeared before the heights of Gnersdorff and opened the action with a cannonade, which he immediately supported with a sustained fire from his tirailleurs upon the Ist and 3rd Divisions. The attack was so vehement that the Ist Division was obliged to effect a change of front, advancing upon its right wing, in order to prevent the enemy from turning the general position. A little later the enemy largly increased the number of his batteries, and opened fire upon the other position which we occupied on the right bank of Sauerbach. Although even more heavy and more strongly marked than the first, which was still maintained, this second demonstration was but a feigned attack, which was warmly repulsed. Towards noon the enemy directed his attack towards our right. Clouds of sharpshooters, supported by considerable masses of infantry, and protected by upwards of 60 pieces of artillery, placed upon the heights of Gunstedt, rushed upon tho 2nd Division, and upon the 2nd Brigade of the 3rd Division, which occupied the village of Elsasshausen. Despite repeated offensive movements vigorously executed, and notwithstanding the well-directed fire of the artillery and several brilliant cavalry charges, our right was broken after many hours obstinate resistance. It was four o'clock, I ordered a retreat. Ib was protected by the Ist and 2nd, which presented a bold front, and enabled the other troops to retire without being too closely harassed. The retreat was effected upon Saverne by Niedei'broun, when the Division of Gen. Guyet de Lespard, belonging to the sth Corps, which had just arrived there, took up position, and did not withdraw until nightfall. I submit, enclosed with this report to His Majesty, the names of officers wounded, killed, or miss'ng which have been reported to me. Tl is list is incomplete, and I will forward a complete return as soon as I shall be in a position to do so. "M'Mahon."