THE FRANCO-GERMAN WAR (PART II.) 
497 
tended in an arc from Dun to Chalons; their persistence and daring 
forming a strong contrast with the inaction of their opponents. 
Apprehensive of an attack from the south, Macmahon moved three 27th Aug. 
of his corps into the line Youziers-Buzancy; but as no attack was made, 
counter-orders were issued for the resumption of the march in a north¬ 
easterly direction. Resulting from these conflicting movements, but 
little ground was gained on this day. 
From the reports of the German cavalry, the presence of hostile 
troops of all arms at Youziers and Buzancy was clearly established, and 
the orders for a march northward accordingly confirmed. The Meuse 
Army seized with its leading corps the river passages at Dun and Stenay, 
while the III. Army, a long day^s march in rear, reached with its advanced 
troops the line Clermont-St. Menehould. 
In view of the threatening advance of the enemy, a retreat 28 th Aug. 
northward was determined on, and the relief of Bazaine abandoned. 
Unfortunately, the persistence of the War Ministry again constrained 
Macmahon to a course opposed to his military judgment, and counter¬ 
orders were issued for a continued advance eastward. The objective of 
Montmedy was clearly pointed out to the corps commanders, and the 
necessity of seizing the bridges over the Meuse at Stenay and Mouzon 
insisted upon. These constantly changing instructions led naturally 
to much discomfort and confusion; the roads were encumbered with 
baggage and provision columns in inextricable disorder, and but short 
marches were made. At nightfall the 5th Corps reached Bois-des-Dames 
(south of Beaumont) on the southern road, the XII. Corps the neigh¬ 
bourhood of Stonne on the northern, the two corps in rear gaining the 
line of the Bar. 
The IY. Army meanwhile moved up its rearmost corps along the left 
bank of the Meuse, still holding the river passages with its advanced 
troops, while the III. Army steadily advanced up the valley of the Aisne. 
On the evening of the 28th information was received that Stenay was 
occupied in force by Saxon troops, and the bridge blown up. As the 
army of Chalons had no pontoon train, it was decided to retire north¬ 
ward, making use of the bridges at Mouzon and Remilly and eventually 
gaining Metz through Carignan. 
The troops on the northern road were unmolested, but the 7th Corps, 29th Aug. 
harassed in rear by cavalry and impeded by bad roads, only succeeded 
in reaching Oches—half its destined march. The 5th Corps (owing to 
the capture of the officer carrying the order for retreat) continued its 
march on Stenay, was attacked by the Saxons at Nouart, and retired 
fighting, eventually reaching Beaumont much disorganised by its night 
march. 
On the German side there was a general tendency for the Meuse Army 
to halt till the III. Army came up into the line Grand Pre-Dun, the 
French movements being watched by cavalry. The XII. Corps was, 
however, pushed somewhat forward, and brought on the action above 
alluded to. Both German armies completed their deployment in the 
evening, and between the Meuse and the Argonnes six corps stood 
ready for advance northward—a general forward movement towards 
Beaumont being projected for the following day. 
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