edit.): "The battle which I had expected to take place on the 7th, and for which I had prepared a good scheme for turning the enemy's right flank, came on of itself to-day."] Throughout the day the French showed their usual dash and devotion, some regiments being cut to pieces rather than retire.

But by five o'clock the defence was outflanked on the two wings and crushed at the centre; human nature could stand no more after eight hours' fighting; and after a final despairing effort of the French Cuirassiers all their line gave way in a general rout down the slopes to Reichshofen and towards Saverne.

Apart from the Wuertembergers held in reserve, few of the Germans were in a condition to press the pursuit.

Nevertheless the fruits of victory were very great: 10,000 Frenchmen lay dead or wounded; 6000 unwounded prisoners were taken, with 28 cannon and 5 mitrailleuses.
Above all, MacMahon's fine army was utterly broken, and made no attempt to defend any of the positions on the north of the Vosges.

Not even a tunnel was there blown up to delay the advance of the Germans.