DEATH OF GENERAL DOUAY AT WEISSENBURG.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 737, 8 October 1870, Page 4

DEATH OF GENERAL DOUAY AT WEISSENBURG.

(from the pall mall gazette.) General Abel Douay, whose loss is much regretted, is said to have perished in the following manner : — When the battle was lost, he stood upon a mound watching the last regiments of his division as they descended the hill decimated by the enemy's fire. He had done everything which was possible to retrieve the day. He had no longer a battalion or a company to fight with. He gave orders to the officers on his staff which dispersed them in various directions, and he descended the slope alone. Arrived at the bottom, he drew a pistol from his holster, killed his charger, and sword in hand began to ascend the hill in front of him. Soldiers belonging to various regiments and various arms threw themselves in his - way and tried to stop him. ' ' Where are you going ? " they cried. "To the enemy," was the answer ; and he marched on, followed by a handful of soldiers. A terrible fire flashed from the summit of the Prussian position, and here and there struck down the men electrified by the stoical calmness of their general. More soldiers arrived, and again attempted to persuade their chief to retire ; but he pointed with his sword to the top of the hill and continued to advance. For a time he escaped the balls which killed those marching at his side ; but at last he staggered, a soldier rushed forward and caught him in his arms — General Douay was dead.