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Rh concert of operation; (3) their superior mechanism in equipment and supplies; (4) the superior intelligence, steadiness, and discipline of the soldiers; (5) superior education of the officers, and the dash and intelligence of the cavalry." The French and Germans were equally brave, but the French generals seemed to act often upon impulse, while every move of the Germans was the result of a carefully elaborated plan. From the beginning to the end Von Moltke seems to have left nothing to chance, and whatever his instructions to his subordinates they were faithfully carried out. Both armies were massed on their frontiers; that of the Germans being assembled much more rapidly than the army of the Rhine, which constituted the French force to advance upon Berlin. It is doubtful if the latter exceeded 270,000 effectives, though it had a nominal strength of 310,000, while the Germans had an active force of 447,000, divided into three armies, commanded respectively by General Von Steinmetz, Prince Frederick Charles, and the Crown Prince of Prussia. The armies confronted each other at the end of July, when the chief command of the French was taken by the emperor, and that of the Germans by King William of Prussia. On the 2d of August active hostilities began with an encounter at Saarbruck, the offensive being taken by the French, and the conflict resulting in their favor. On the same day the German armies began their advance, and on the 4th the battle of Weissenburg resulted in their favor, as the French were driven from the field after five hours of fighting, during which General Douay, the French commander, was killed. On the 6th was fought the battle of Woerth, in which the French made a stubborn resistance, but were compelled to retire. Weissenburg and Woerth were fought with the Crown Prince's army; meantime the armies of Steinmetz and Prince Frederick Charles had effected a junction, occupied Saarbruck and Forbach, and on the 6th had