A special to the New York Herald, dated London, Sept. 25, says : — Yovir special at Rouen sends to-day the particulars of tho action reported from Pontrase. It was a much more important engagement than the first account had led us to believe, and resulted in a complete defeat of the Germans. Tho action was fought on the line of the Orleans railroad, beyond Epinav station, about sixteen miles from Paris. A column of ten thousand Prussians, advancing from Spence, about two miles on Plateau Lonjumeau, attacked the French forces, inferior in number, but occupying a formidable position above or near Trettle, which commanded the roads to Balinvilliers, Cnchet and Laxles-Chratreaux. The attack began at six o'clock in the morning. The French forces, mainly consisting of the Gardes Mobile, with a battalion of the line, put six mitrailleurs iuto position. The French behaved with steadiness, and awaited the German attack without firing a shot. They retreated under cover of the woods and drew the Germans on until they were brought into range of the masked batteries, which then opened on them suddenly, and with tremendous effect. The Prussian column was cut, and the French, charging on their flank, drove the fragments, in hurried retreat, down a steep and rapid descent, beyond the town of Loutchoy towards Corbets and Loi3. There the Germans attempted to make a stand and re-form, but the French artillery, which had been brought up by the cross-roads of the country, here opened on them again, with more effect than before. The retreat was converted into a rout, and the German troops fled in all directions, throwing away their arms. The French captured all their artillery, batteries, and cannon, with two regimental standards. Between six hundred and seven hundred men, who surrendered in a body, were sent next day to Chartres. Among the prisoners are two colonels of the Prussian line and a number of Saxon officers. The news of the victory created rejoicings at Tours and Rouen. The troops engaged belonged to the army of the Loire.
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Bibliographic details
Grey River Argus, Volume X, Issue 760, 1 December 1870, Page 4
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340Untitled Grey River Argus, Volume X, Issue 760, 1 December 1870, Page 4
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