Darkness alone put an end to the deadly strife.

Little more than two German corps had sufficed to stay the march of an army which potentially numbered in all more than 170,000 men.
On both sides the losses were enormous, namely, some 16,000 killed and wounded.

No cannon, standards, or prisoners were taken; but on that day the army of Prince Frederick Charles practically captured the whole of Bazaine's army.

The statement may seem overdrawn, but it is none the less true.

The advance of other German troops on that night made Bazaine's escape from Metz far more difficult than before, and very early on the morrow he drew back his lines through Gravelotte to a strong position nearer Metz.