DIARY OF THE FRANCO GERMAN WAR 1870.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 739, 19 November 1870, Page 2

DIARY OF THE FRANCO GERMAN WAR 1870.

July 14th, French Army Reserves called out.

15. M. Olivier announces tha France has resolved upon war.

18. War credits voted of 515,000,000 francs.

21. The first shot of the war is fired in a skirmish. Bavaria declares war against France.

22. Prussians blow up the bridge at Kehl.

23. A French envoy notifies a declaration of war to the Prussian Government.

27. The Empress is appointed Regent during the absence of the" Einpcror.

28. The Emperor leaves St. Cloud for, the seat of war, and enters Metz at 7 p.m.

30. The first detachment of tho French army of Rome arrived at Marseilles.

August 2nd. The French attack

and carry the heights commanding Saarbruck. The Official Jownar declares that the war is to free the South German States and Denmark from the persecutions of Prussia. 4. A council of war is held at Metz, attended by Macmahon and Bazaine. While it is sitting a portion of ftfacmahon's army corps is attacked by the Crown Prince at Weissenburg; General Abel Douayis killed, and 800 prisoners are taken.

6. The Crown Prince, attacks Macmahon at Woerth and defeats him, after six hours' hard fighting, with the loss of 6000 men, 30 pieces of artillery, six mitrailleuses and two eagles. General Frossard's corps at the same time is driven back upon Metz, from the height above Saarbruck. This engagement is known as the battle of Forbach. 7. The Parisians demand arms. The department of the Seine is dei clared in a state of siege.

8. The Imperial Guard and Bazaine's, Ladmirault's and Frossard's corps, with a portion ofCanrobert's are concentrated at Mesz. 9. Strasbourg is invested.

10. General Palikao forms a new government. 14. The French are attacked near Pange and Courcelles. The fight is arrested by darkness under the walls of Metz. Both sides claim the victory. 15. Bazaine appointed commander. in-chief. A retreat begins from Metz to Verdun ; embarrassed by Prussians near Gravel otte. 16. The march is resumed. Bazaine is attacked at Mars-la-Tour, and is driven back.

18. A bloody battle is fought at Gravelotte. Bazaine retires into Metz.

26. Bazaine makes an attempt to break out of Metz on the Courcelles road, but is repulsed.

30. De Failly, on the left hank of the Meuse, and Macmahononthe right, are attacked, and lose 7000 prisoners, with twenty guns. The Emperor narrowly escapes to Sedan. 31. A long and severe engagement between the plains . of Douzy and Bazeilles. The French fall back on Sedan.

September Ist A great and deci. sive action fought before and around Sedan. Thousands of French escape to the Belgian frontier. 2. General Macmahon who is wounded transfers his command to General Wiinpffen, who signs a capitu. lat ion, surrendering the whole army prisoners of war. 3. The emperor is sant to "Wilhelmshohe. Bazaine attempts to escape from Metz, but is thrown back. 5. The French Republic proclaimed. The King arrives at Bheims. The Empress flies to Belgium. 90,000 French prisoners are sent to Germany. 7. The Orleans Princes go to Paris and offer their services. The Germans announce that they treat all French Tireurs as bandits. The Prussians bombard and assault Montmedy, but are repulsed. 8. The Germans advance on Paris. Jules Favre says that France wishes peace, but will never cede one foot of territory, and will defend Paris to the last extremity. 9. The commandant of Strasbourg offers to surrender with the honors of war, which is refused. 11. The Prussians enter Meaux and Melun.

12. The Orleans Princes quit Paris. The Empress is at Hastings.

13. The Prussians advance to Charny, Compiegne and Provins. Thiers arrives in Loudon. United States, Spain, Switzerland and Belgium recognise the French Republic. 15. The bombardment of Meb commences. There is a resolute spirit throughout France. 16. The Prussians arrive at Join, ville, Lepont, Alport and Melum. The French blockade of the Weser and Elbe closes. The Italian troops occupj Civita Yeccbia. 19. Telegraphic and railway com. munication with Paris is totally interrupted. The Germans occupy Versailles.

20. The Russian garrisons in Poland and Volhynia are being reinforced. Seven divisions of infantry haye been sent to the Q-allician frontier.

21. The Prussians occupy Pithuriers. The investment of Paris is com« plete. The 53rd lunette of Strasbourg is captured by surprise. 22. Toul capitulated. Two thousand of the Garde Mobile are captured at Sedan. Favre offers terms of peace. 23. Negotiations for peace fail. Paris news announces the capture of the heights of Villejuif, four milei from Paris; also other small French victories. 25. Count Bismarck formally denies the French Government's statement that he demanded the surrender of Fort Yalerien. 27. Strasbourg surrenderd at 5 p.m; 17,000 soldiers and 451 officer* were taken. 29. Preparations making for it* siege of Mezieres. A sortie fron Metz is slightly successful. 30. Strong sortie parties attack the Germans round Paris. The French are driven back.