corps was sufficient to observe the city itself, and consequently withdrew all but the 1st corps. The 7th and 8th corps were sent over the Moselle and placed behind the 9th corps, where they formed the extreme right of the German army. The 8th corps and the 1st cavalry division, which were at the west of the St. Arnould wood, the 7th corps, occupying the valley between the Bois des Vaux and the Bois des Ognons, were ordered to remain in their positions. A few scouting parties of the French encountered the pickets of the 7th corps. Some sharp firing ensued but no serious damage was done, and the Germans had strict orders not to bring on a battle. General von Steinmetz made a reconnoissance on the Bois des Ognons, south of Gravelotte, and found that the French were in strong force in the vicinity of Gravelotte. Their number was estimated at fully three army corps, and from the commanding position where General von Steinmetz made his observation, it was easily perceived that the villages and farm-houses of St. Hubert and Point de Jour were occupied and surrounded by infantry and artillery. There were also many mitrailleuses, which fired vigorously on every Prussian skirmishing party that came within reach.
The positions allotted to the French forces on the 17th were not changed. Marshal Bazaine simply ordered the commanders to fortify themselves as much as possible. The slope of the left bank of the Moselle from the water's edge to the heights of St. Quentin and Plappeville is quite steep, and covered with a thin forest. There are two narrow valleys, or gorges, that cross this slope, both of them with very steep sides; one of them is about three hundred paces from the crest of the slope, while the other, farther to the west, is a deep ravine, running first in a southerly direction and afterwards towards the east. The French army was posted on the range of hills between these two valleys. The main road between Metz and Gravelotte passes through the southern part of this slope, with a great many
