out at the Port de Balan. The houses of the suburb were already full of Prussians, who fired on the French out of every window. The church especially is thoroughly garrisoned, the heavy doors are closed. The general sent an officer to fetch two pieces of cannon. These soon arrived, and with them the door of the church is blown in. Two hundred Prussians are captured and brought back with the French, who, in spite of all their efforts, are forced to retire again into the town. It was the last incident of the battle—the last struggle.
By four in the afternoon the Germans were masters of the situation and the defeat of the French was absolutely certain. The Germans had contracted their circle close around Sedan, their artillery held possession of all the heights, and it was in their power to destroy the town and the army at pleasure if only their ammunition held out.
The battle of Sedan was chiefly carried on with artillery, in which the Germans were superior in numbers, weight, range, and precision. The field, after the surrender, presented a worse spectacle than any other of the war, owing to the terrible work of the artillery.
The impossibility of further assistance was evident, and the white flag was displayed from the walls of Sedan. Immediately the German fire ceased and the negotiations for surrender began. At first General De Wimpffen refused the terms offered, but on the next day, September 2d, he signed the capitulation of Sedan, and the whole army, including the emperor, who became a prisoner of war. In his interview with the king the emperor was downcast but dignified. From Sedan he was sent to the castle of Wilhelmshohe, near Cassel, and so ended his career as ruler of France. Two days later came the revolution in Paris, the overthrow of the empire, the flight of the empress, and the formation of the republic.
About 25,000 prisoners were taken during the battle of Sedan, and 83,000 surrendered the next day.
