Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

From the Liverpool Mercury of April 7.

FRENCH TACTICS.

Extract of a letter from an officer of the 6th regiment, dated Mount Maison, March 5.

"On the 27th we came up with the French, and our brigade came into play—We were stationed in a road, and the enemy in a large open field, without any cover. They were all on one knee, and kept a most regular line. I am sorry to say, our men did not keep any sort of line—and the consequence was they suffered the more. Well, we continued in this road for about a quarter of an hour when we were ordered to charge. Our gallant fellows rushed forward, when the French getting up, and filing off the right, exposed to our view another and much stronger line, formed in the same manner, which opened a most dreadful fire on us. It was here that Blood, the other officer at the colors, was shot by my side, and two of my color sergeants out of three, were killed all in a moment. I expected to fall next but thanks to God I escaped this time unhurt. We still continued advancing, and the French retreating in the same beautiful way—it was the admiration of every body. When they came to the place where they had been formed, we found the killed and wounded lying in regular files! Certainly their retreat in so masterly a manner did them the greatest credit—Indeed, no troops could have fought with more obstinacy; and I really think, if their artillery had been as well served as ours, it would have been a doubtful case."