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Leader (1850-1860), 3rd December 1853, Edition Town of 2, Page 1157, Untitled Article

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      CONTINENTAL NOTES . THE SEAT OF WAR . The following is the despatch received by the Seraskier from Omar Pasha , narrating the events of the 2 nd , 3 rd , and 4 th ult .: — - " The possession of the island situate in front of Turtukai haying been considered indispensable , I had effected the passage of troops , and in the space of the night of the 1 st managed to raise tolerably strong fortifications . On the following day , the 2 nd , two battalions of infantry , three p ieces of cannon , and a , hundred of the mounted police

      were conveyed in large boats to the locality , with ammunition , provisions , and great coats . They had scarcely landed , when from the batteries of Turtukai we opened a lire on the lazaretto situate on the left bank . After the first discharge , the Russians quitted this position , and the Imperial troops took possession of the building , which' is of solid construction , with vaulted chambers . Without loss of time 400 workmen , under the direction of staff officers , commenced raising fortifications , for Avhich purpose 2000 gabions had been already prepared . On the 3 rd , again , other troops were sent to fortify the tete de pont .

      "As soon as the Imperial troops had landed on the left bank of the river , the Russians , quartered in a large village at about an hour ' s distanee , turned round , and began to retreat . A body of cavalry was despatched to reconnoitre , and , having encountered at Oltenitza an outpost of Cossack cavalry , they killed five , and rejoined our lines with a loss of three men . We found at Touzla , on the left bank , a great number of boats , which were sent to Turtukai . "The number of boats at our disposal having facilitated the construction of the bridge , we were enabled without delay to place in the fortifications twelve large guns , which were brought from Schumla .

      " On the 3 rd , at 4 p . m ., three battalions of Russian infantry , with eight cannons , a regiment of cavalry , and a party of Cossacks , entered the village of Oltenitza . Our troops , posted within the works constructed on the left bank , waited them with firmness . This same night I caused a bridge to be constructed at the conflux of the Argisch and Danube , and flanked it with redoubts . " Yesterday , November 4 , at . 6 a . m .,-we began to perceive the movement of tlie Russian forces . As soon as their march , was well defined , I caused a reinforcement of one battalion to be embarked and conveyed to the lazaretto . The evening before I had placed on even ground a battery of guns calculated to check any attack winch might be made . The Russian forces amounted to twenty battalions , three regiments of cavalry , one of Cossacks , 16 mounted batteries , and 16 on foot . They formed in order

      of battle , with 14 pieces of cannon in the rear of 12 battalions , and the regiment of Cossacks in lines beyond the reach of our guns , and fronting the centre of our works . They advanced , supported by the fire of their artillery , and at the same time two battalions , with two cannons , came on , threatening our left flank . Having commenced the assault , another stronger division , consisting of six battalions , with four cannons , and having in the rear three regiments of cavalry supporting and outstripping their left flank—took its position and formed in two lines , with artillery , horse , and foot , info echelons , attacking our right flank . After an exchange of some cannon shots , the centre gave the assault , whereon they charged both our wings . The centre attacked three different times , and each with a fresh battalion—twice on the left , and once on the right .

      A well-directed fire from our fortress at Turtukai soon dispersed their right column , and the centre gradually fell back , after having suffered severely , and half its numbers being disabled . Tlio battery of tlio island , also mounted with powerful guns , and commanded by Khalid Pasha , did admiral )! ,, execution on the enemy ' s right wing . Theltuswans advanced with coolness arid resolution almost to tho Drink of tlio trench , and on this account their loss was considerable , amounting to a tjiouaand men lulled , and double wio num ber wounded . "Tho engagement lasted four hours , from noon till four P- in ., and during this interval tho wagons never ceased car rying off then- dead , and ' 20 were observed heavily laden < jveu after ill 0 conflict . With a view of facilitating this < lul y , IIH long UH it lusted , we rt . l > Ktaim < d fi-nm Ttwih'flMnn . »! . />

      < ' » emy and from firing a singlo nhot , but found , novortheiw . H , 800 bodies on the field . A private carriage , moreover , was _ remarked , and from l , ho pains taken in tho search wo ° <>» . ] ecture it must have been destined to receive tho body ol general officer . J "At r > p . m . n total confusion ensued in tho Russian relics ; their Jines were completely broken and their retreat l > i'eei |> itutii . An hour later Home ' fevv rallied in the neigh'owniifr villages , but the remainder fled in disorder . Some ' "in men pushed forward in pursuit . of thorn beyond tho ""• 's , hut wore summoned buck by trumpet to their own quartern .

      oH ( 'V li } m lim (> un < 0 ( 1 to im m < 1 " - We found on the field Outtlo 600 muskets , sans , cartridge boxes , equipments i no resumption of oflenuivo operations on an ox" ixled scale l , y the Turku along tho Danube , some "' tfin ( u :: mt , indications of the determination of the JCm-}> v'mv -Nicholas i , o carry on tho war with vigour , and ¦ l ' » account of ouo or ' lwo affairs in the Black Hoa bo-: w l <> m tho moHt authentic data on which that rcnum 6 iH UllHcd

      t (> ¦ > ' » tho 2 J Ht ult ., at night , tho Turku forced tho Russians _ quit ( , | , o isluiid opposite ( Jiurgovo . Two attcmptH i 'f « Jnado by tlut Russians to rotako tho inland , but ' *« »«>]) u 1 ho < 1 . In tho noooud attempt tUo itusaian lUlW ( J l >» a to bo ibjrooa iuto tho lira

      Between seven and eight in the morning of the 24 th instant the Russians retook the island . During the night of the 25 th the Turks made another night attack , but were repulsed . . On the 25 th the Turks advanced from Kalafat twelve English miles towards Krajova , and formed an intrenched camp for 8000 men . Large bodies of Turks at the same time passed up and down the Danube . The next day the Turks constructed a bridge between Rustchuk and the Island of Moknan . The advance inland from Kalafat would thus appear once more to foreshadow an approachinff combat at Krai ova ,

      perhaps at Bucharest . Considering the srnallness of Prince Gortschakoff ' s army , and the length of time which must elapse before any fresh troops can arrive to his support , it is not unlikely that Omer Pacha has discovered his enemy ' s weakness , and is inclined to make a fresh attempt to expel him from the Principalities . This view seems all the more probable from the fact that we are still without any official explanation of tJie . motives which have induced Omer Pacha to retire behind the Danube , and more than one account states that Prince GortschakofF is completely puzzled at the tactics of the Turkish commander .

      The Turks had been bombarding the Russian position at Ginrgevo from Rustchuk , for some days previous to the 26 th , with their long range artillery , among which there is one of such calibre that the balls it projects fall not only into Giurgevo , but even beyond the barrier situated on the road to Bucharest . The Russians have been making furious attempts to expel the Turks from their position at Piva Petro , near Hirsova , at the confluence of the Talonitza and the Danube ; there , however , they had uniformly failed , the Turks having successfully resisted all their efforts . . ' .

      Servia is doing her best to assert her neutrality , both against Russians and Turks ; but her sympathies , if not her fears , seem to incline rather to the Czar than to the Sultan . A detachment of Turkish rroops , or of Bosnian militia , in attempting to crosa ' the Servian frontier from the Drina was resisted near Utschitza . The Porte , it is known , holds by right the six chief fortresses in Servia . Among these is the important position of Belgrade . Izzet Pacha , a man who distinguished himself for his energy in the command of Vaina in 1828-29 , now commands the fort of Belgrade .

      On Sunday , the 13 th , Izzet Pacha declared to the Servian Government that he would not allow the Russian Consul-General and his personnel to continue their functions , and added that , if they did not retire within three days , they should consider the town in a state of rebellion , and bombard it . The Prince remonstrated with the Pacha , in order to make him change his resolution , but in vain . The last day of the delay fixed by the Pacha expired on Sunday , and on that day , according to Christian usage , the Russian Consul hoisted his flag . In the evening a considerable movement was observed among the Turkish garrison , and it was every moment feared that hostilities would breakout . The Austrian Consul-General

      went to tho fortress , and solicited the Pacha to spare the town , particularly on account of tho number of Austrian subjects which wero therein . On the following day tho Russian Consul suspended his functions , and Russian subjects wero placed under the protection of the Austrian Consul . This was in consequence of M . do Moukhine , the Russian Consul-General , assuming his functions after the commencement of hostilities between his Government and tho Porte . M . do Moukhine struck his flag and retired to Vienna , which he reached on the 24 th ulfc . Tho latest accounts state that tho Servian Government now demands tho return of tho Russian Consul-General , and insists on his receiving his exequatur .

      Tlio following is tho reply of Prince Alexander of Servia to tho application of tho Ottoman Porto to declare himsolf on tho conflict between it and Russia : — "Imperial Majesty ,- —I believo if ; right to rnako tho following reply to tlie letter which tho Minister of Foreign Affairs of your Majesty addressed to me on the 28 tli ult . Tho Servian Government will bo always disposed to second tlio Sublime Porte , as much at least as existing treaties pot-mil ;; but nevor can it submit Io a thing which appears to it incompatible with its duty . Kuch a circumstance presents itself at this moment , in the sad dissension which lias broken out botween your Majesty and tho powerful Czar . May Heaven cause this conflict to turn to fho advantage of ' your Majesty ! Jiul ; tho Servian Movornmmit ,

      cannot , lake part in a conflict between the two 1 ' owern lhat protect Servia . It can only adopt a policy of neutrality and impartiality , it results from thai ; that tho Korviu ' n ( Jovcrnniont cannot ; permit ; a body of , troops to erotm its frontiers . That would be contrary to the policy which circumstances command . The dlovornmout of your Majesty will be obliged l <> admit that in so acting tho' tforviaii' Government only follows the counHclsof moderation , and that they will alwayn nerve it as a guide . To make its policy of neutrality mom energetic , it hint given orders to all the inhabitants of the Principality to hold themselves in roadinesH to execute all fho orders if may transmit . Lot your Majesty receive , as heretofore , tho assurance of juy profound uovofeduosa , " Ar / roxAKDiiijt QkOKQHJWIJBOM . Jforatfu-UowtttZi OtU Novomlior . "

      It is rumoured that the Austrian Minister at Constantinople , M . de Brack , has fallen out with Rescind Paslia on the subject of this declaration of the Prince of Servia .

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      ¦ The- naval movements in the Black Sea surest important eventualities , Muchaber Pacha ( Admiral S $ f- P ™ ff > witl > a reinforced squadron , in the direction of ¦ fcebastopol , to look out for the crazy Russian " gun-boxes , " of which he will , doubtless , be able to render a good account to his Government if he meets them . Meanwhile , intelligence having reached Lord Stratford de Redciiffe , at Constantinople , on the 15 th , that *^ e Russians were manoeuvring to add to the natural difficulties which exist to the passage of vessels of

      burthen over the Bar at Sulina , to the detriment of a fleet of wheat-laden vessels coming down the Danube most of them English , Admiral Dundas despatched the Retribution , Sampson , and Tiger steam-frigates , and the Niger steam-corvette , into the Black Sea , one or more of which vessels will proceed to the mouth of the Danube , to sec that British interests are not wantonly trifled with ; whilst the others will cruise along the European and Asiatic coasts , visiting the several ports , where many British subjects are established , and much British property is at stake .

      The French Admiral would , it was reported , push a reconnoissance , with a detachment of steam-frigates , along the Asiatic coast as far as Trebizond . The Russians have lost a powerful war steamer , with 1500 troops on board , off Batoum . Only twentyfive were saved , and by the Turkish boats . It is the same steamer that took Prince Menschikoff to Constantinople , and from which he dated his insolent ultimatum . From " Varna , of the 8 th November , we learn that a Russian steamboat had visited the harbour , and after

      making a tranquil inspection of all the batteries , returned so close to Cape Galata , at the entrance of the harbour , that the guard stationed there , which consisted of twenty-five men , levelled their guns at the vessel , and waited with matches alight for a signal from the fortress to fire . An officer on board ° frigate was distinctly seen sketching the fort of Galata . A report , not well authenticated , from Constantinople , states that the Russian steamer Wlculhnir ha s been taken by an Egyptian steamer , and a Turkish gun boat by the Russian steamer Bessarabia .

      All accounts from "Wallachia concur in representing the exasperation of the people at the conduct of the Russians . The administrative Council has entered a protest against the incorporation of the Wallachian militia with the Russian regiments . Political discussions are strictly prohibited under threats of the most ferocious kind , and one of the Boyards who were lately arrested has been sent to the fortress of Bendor , in Bessarabia .

      In Asia the Russian forces are worsted at all points . Not only have they been unsuccessful in attempting to retake St . Nicholas , but other fortresses have fallen to the Turks , powerfully backed as they are by Schlamyl in tho Caucasus . It is again reported from Affghanistan , that Dost Mahomed has announced to tho Shah of Persia his intention of making war against the Russians , and marching against them through tho territories of tho Shah . Tho Auf / sbmuj ( hizcttc . reports the approaching recall of tho Russian Ambassadors in London and Paris . The same journal contains violent attacks on Turkey and her Western allies .

      ^ ijio Lloyd reprcHoutH the present , Htatts of things in Europe as follows : — - "Russia probably now desires ponce , an tho Gorin . 'iri powers do , and have done from tho very beginning . Lord Aberdeen will keep England at peace as long ; as be can . Hut Napoleon ?—Russia baa manngod matters so cleverly that tho Cabinet of the , Tuilorios ban just now inoro political influence than it has ovor had ' since the days of tho firnt Napoleon . " Gonoral JJaraguay d'llilliers , the new military

      ambassador from . ' Louis Napoleon to tho Sultan , attended by a largo suite of ollujors , lias readied Oonst . 'Uitinoplo , and Ivan been received in gnuul audience by tho Sultan , who treated him with marked cordiality and respect . The General advocated peace so far as it , wiih compatible with the in ( lo |> eM < loneo of the I ' orto . Tho Sultan pointed out the ncccsnity of putting a term to the demands of Russia , < i , nd declared ( . hat tho Principalities muni ; 1 ) 0 evacuated before- any negotiations could Ihj renewed .

      M . do la (' our , the late French ambassador to t . ho i ' orto , has arrived at Trieste , on his return to 1 ' ar ' m . ¦ Notwithstanding tlio excitement of ( ho recent victories , ( JioTurkiHli populationa , t Constantinople ronui , inn perfectly calm , and no disturbance has been approhondod over since hostilities bugan . Tho "indefatigable impotence" of diplomacy in utill labouring painfully , if wo aro to believo report , , at , all sorts of abortive negotiations . The tuo . st , authentic wo

      have noticed elsewhere with : xh mncli m .-h-i ; ,. nl .,.. ; # . have noticed olHovvlioro with hh much particularit y : m they duHorvo . Whatever form those nogotiatioiiH ' may assume , Ik . ussia , is Hiiro to be the gainer by diplomacy . . It , is Htatod that , another circular , by M . do NesMelrodo " dufmintf a mih-iih MM bolwoon Russia and t , bo Western . Powers , is iimxiatonco , uccoiujoauivd . by a now luauifoufco of fcko Ozoi-.

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      December 3 ; 1853 . ] THE LEADER . 1257

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), Dec. 3, 1853, page 1157, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2015/page/5/