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352 French held it in force. When the fog that had been hanging over the valley lifted a little about six o'clock, the Bavarians were discovered and the French artillery opened a heavy fire upon them. The fire was rapid and well directed, and it caused much havoc among the Bavarians while they advanced over the cleared ground in front of Bazeilles. Report having been received that a serious engagement was going on at Bazeilles, the emperor and Marshal MacMahon started immediately in the direction of that village. On the way thither the marshal was wounded, as previously stated, and obliged to leave the field. The emperor examined the position at Bazeilles, and being satisfied that his troops could maintain themselves, then proceeded to make a tour of inspection along the whole line, partly for his own information and partly to encourage the soldiers by his personal presence.

The fighting at Bazeilles continued steady from 6, the German vanguard being reinforced by the main body of the 1st Bavarian division, and afterwards by the 2d division. The French commander held his position gallantly, and was greatly astonished when, about 8, he received orders from General Ducrot to move his command towards Illy. He protested against the order as most unwise, for the double reason that Bazeilles was an important position, and that a retreat in the middle of a battle would be demoralizing to the troops. General Ducrot explained that it was an imperative necessity, and the march must begin at once with all the forces not actually engaged in defending Bazeilles. The emperor, returning from an examination of the position at Moncelle, met these very troops that he had seen shortly before strongly posted, and asked General Ducrot what this new movement meant. The latter answered: "The enemy is only amusing us at Bazeilles; the real battle will be fought at Illy." Not wishing to interfere with General Ducrot's plans, the emperor said nothing. It was at this juncture that