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336 deal troubled by a flank fire from machine guns and small-arms. The fight at this point was maintained for at least two hours by the 11th corps, when it was relieved by the artillery of the Prussian Guards Corps which came in on the north.

While this was going on, the French attacked the 25th division with a furious artillery fire to the westward of Bois de la Casse. They were strongly posted at St. Privat and Amanvillers, and it was very evident that here some very hard fighting would be required to drive them out.

About noon, the Prussian Guards renewed the advance from Doncourt and Caulre-Ferme. The extension of the French right beyond Amanvillers made it necessary for the entire corps of the Guards to make a larger sweep than had been originally contemplated, in order to attack the French right wing in flank and double it up. Accordingly, Prince Frederick Charles, who had reached Verneville about one o'clock, ordered the Guards to march on Habonville, in order to make the movement which has been designated. The 12th corps had by this time brought its advance to Battilly. Constant reconnoissances showed that the French right extended beyond St. Privat, and that Marie aux Chenes was also strongly held. Prince August of Wurtemburg received orders to engage the enemy in his front with artillery, only keeping back his infantry until the 12th corps had been brought up. The 10th corps was at that time advancing to Battilly, and the 3d corps towards Verneville. General von Steinmetz waited until the sound of the cannonade from Verneville indicated that the 9th corps was engaged. He then commanded the 8th corps to advance into line of battle by way of Rezonville and Gravelotte. This occurred about mid-day, and before one o'clock the position east and south of Gravelotte had been occupied by the Germans, and they opened fire on the French with fifty guns. The machine guns and chassepots at St.