do was to take position on the high ground beyond the west bank of the valley, the artillery in front and the infantry lying down to the rear of the artillery line. The position was a bad one, as it was under the direct fire of the Saxon, Bavarian, and Prussian artillery, whose guns were much more numerous and of greater weight of metal, but it was also enfiladed on the right by several batteries posted on the left bank of the Meuse. The French losses by the artillery fire were very heavy, and increased so rapidly as to threaten a panic among the troops. The Emperor Napoleon rode through the battlefield towards Sedan about ten o'clock, in order to consult with Marshal MacMahon, in case the condition of the marshal's wound would allow a consultation. General De Wimpffen rode out to the front and was soon convinced that the enemy's barrier of artillery was too strong to be broken down or forced. Finding that the 7th corps had lost very heavily, he abandoned the thought of breaking the German line, and sought only to hold his position until nightfall, when fortune might give an opportunity for the retreat of a portion at least of his army.
The 11th corps, forming part of the German left wing, was moving on the evening of August 31st to occupy Donchery. Early on the morning of the next day it was ordered to take up a position that would prevent the possibility of a French retreat upon Mezieres. The movement began a little before six o'clock, and the whole corps was very soon to the north of Donchery, and on the right bank of the Meuse. About nine o'clock it encountered the French pickets which were along the high ground around St. Manges. The pickets were easily driven in and the ground occupied. Then the corps advanced to Floing, through the narrow defile of St. Albert. Floing was already occupied by the 5th corps, and as there was no room for the two to march abreast, the 11th corps halted. The French had a strong position on the Plateau d'Algerie.
