which extends from Bazeilles to Sedan along the river, and on the left bank the high grounds are close to the edge of the Meuse from Vadelincourt to Romilly. The most important feature of the battle-field, so far as its topography is concerned, is the Bois de Garenne, which is about 3,000 yards in length north and south, by 2,000 yards broad. Scattered through the wood are several open spaces. From Sedan to the frontier of Belgium, as the crow flies, is a distance of about seven English miles.
The correspondent of the London Daily News, who accompanied the Germans, thus describes the advance to Sedan:
Hard marching it was, and the day was lovely. The bayonets of the infantry glittered in the sunshine. The valleys full of armed men, the white straight roads with rumbling trains of artillery and great masses of cavalry far to the front, where the first patches of woodland grew indistinct among the red and brown fields. The whole country southward of the road from Beaumont to LaChesse is alive with German troops. The Bavarians are in Beaumont. The 4th Prussian corps is further to the right, and closely round upon the line of the Meuse; the 5th Prussian corps is pushing toward Stonne and Chemery. Suddenly flashes of artillery are seen near Beaumont. Then an active cannonade begins on the distant ridge behind that place. The 1st Bavarian corps has surprised a French division in the little town, capturing a good deal of baggage. White puffs of smoke break out in all directions. The French are replying. There is evidently a sharp struggle on our right front about Beaumont, and Mouzon. It grows fiercer, and the troops bivouacked on the hill near Stonne are eager to be among the combatants; but they cannot get there to-night, but must rest in their position. With that dull rolling and grumbling of the cannonade, this fight was the preparation for the decisive closing in of August 31st.
The Germans were in light marching order, their knapsacks being carried in wagons which followed closely
