COMMANDERS OF THE FRENCH ARMY.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 720, 6 October 1870, Page 2

COMMANDERS OF THE FRENCH ARMY.

Of the French commanders, the most conspicuous are Marshals McMahon, Canrobert, 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 France after the final overthrow of the Stuarts, began hia military career during the war with Algiers, in 1830, particularly distinguishing himself in the assault of Constantino., The re-establishment of the Empire in France found him a Brigadier-Greneral and a devoted adherent 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 warfare. Following the war with Russia came that with Austria and 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 skill and dash was 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 tlte French army a more dashing officer than Marshal McMahon. A. close student of the military manoeuvres of the First Napoleon, he believea in sudden and rapid marches upon the enemy. Marshal Canrobert is, if anything, better known aa a soldier than Marshal McMahon. Like the latter, hia military career began in Algiera, and he first distinguished himself in the assault on Constantino. Subsequently, placed

to an independent command, he debated the Arabs in three campaigns, a the last of which he displayed great military skill in the disposition of his forces. When Louis Nopoleon was President, General Canrobert was one of his aides-de-camp, and aided 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 he was wounded bv a splinter of a 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 Inkerman greatly distinguished himself by his personal valor. He led the famous charge of the Zouaves, during which he was slightly wounded. Bad health compelled him, in May, 1855, to return to France, on arriving iuwhich country the Emperor treated him with marked distinction. During the Franco-Italian war of 1859 he won fresh laurels by his heroism at Magenta, while at the battle of Solferino | Ms famous movement in aid of Marshal [Kiel turned the scale of victory in favor of the French. For these ser- [ vices 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 (he Crimea. During 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 supreme command. In the sister republic he greatly distinguished himself, considering the number of men at his disposal, and for this service he ma created Marshal of France in 1864. Marshal Bazaine bears the reputation of possessing one of the most strategic Blinds in the French army. There are several 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 de Montebello are skilful officers. Marshals Hararguay d'Hilliers and Eandon are each seventy-five years of age, and will probably not take the field.—"New York Herald."