A hundred years ago
From the 'Spectator,' 29 October /870—The last relic of the Army of France capitulated on the 27th inst. It-appears from a telegram sent to the Daily News that General Coffiniere, Commandant of Metz, informed Marshal Baiaine that he could no longer feed him, and advised him to cut his way out, leaving the fortress to defend itself; but the Marshal, affirming that the effusion of blood would be useless, agreed with the General to capitulate, and on the 25th inst. sent General Changarnier to obtain the best terms be could. Prince Frederick Charles refused, however, to accede to any terms except those granted at Sedan; they were accepted, and on the 27th Marshal Bazaine surrendered with the whole Imperial Guard, five. corps d'annee. and the garrison, making in all 150,000 men. This number, which is given by the King, must, however, include the National Guard of Metz, which had been pressed into the line. The quantity of cannon, munitions, and machines must be enormous, as Metz was the greatest arsenal in France, while her magazines have fed at least a quarter of a million of mouths for ten Weeks.
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