The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1855-11-13 00:00:00

THE BATTLE OF KARS.

FOREIGN-OFFICE, Nov. 10.
The Earl of Clarendon has received a despatch from Major-
General Williams, Her Majesty's Commissioner with the
Turkish Army in Asia, of which the following is a copy :
KARA, Oct, 3.

My Lord,—l had the honour to announce to your'Lordship,
on the -evening of the 29th ult., the glorious victory gained on
the morning of that day by the Sultan's troops on the heights
above Kars, over the Russian army commanded by General
Muravieff, and I now beg to furnish your Lordship with the
principal incidents of that sanguinary battle.
Your Lordship will, perhaps, recollect that in my despatch,
No. 123, of the 28th of June, I stated that the Russian Gene-
ral, after his second demonstration against the southern face
of our•cntrenchments, which is flanked by Hafiz Pasha Tabia
and Kanli Tabia, marched south, and established his camp at
Bugah Tikine' a village situated about four miles from Kars.
Knowing that General Muravieff served in the army which
took- Kars in 1828, I conceived his last manoeuvre to be pre-
paratory either to a reconnaissance, or an attack upon the
heights of Tahmasb, whence the Russians successfully pushed
their approaches in the year above cited.
While, therefore, the enemy's columni were in march to-
wards Bugah Tikme, I visited those heights with Lieutenant
Colonel Lake, and, after studying the ground, decided upon
the nature of works to be thrown up ; these were planned
and executed by Lieutenant-Colonel Lake with great skill and
energy. I enclose for your Lordship's information a plan
made by that officer of the . town and its. neighbouring
heights, which are situated on the opposite side of the river of
Kars Chai, over which three temporary bridges had been
thrown to keep up our communications. As all verbal des-
criptions or bird'seye views of ground convey but au imperfect
idea of any locality, I beg to enclose a sketch made by Mr.
Churchill, which will, I trust, tend to elucidate my descrip-
tion.

Your Lordship will observe that, while our camp and ma-
gazines in the town were rendered as safe as circumstFices
would allow, the hills above Kars commanded all, and were,
therefore, the keys of our position.
The intrenchments of Talimasb, being those nearest the
enemy's camp, demanded the greatest vigilance froni all in-
trusted with their defence. General Kmety, a gallant Hun-
garian officer, commanded the division which occupied this
eminence; he was assisted by Major-General Hussein Pasha
and my Aide-de-Camp, Major Teesdale, who has acted as his
Chief of the Staff.

Throughout the investment, which has now lasted four
months, the troops in all the redoubts and iutrenchments have
kept a vigilant look-out, during the night, and, at their ap-
pointed stations, stood to their arms long before day dawn. In
my depatch, No. 155, of the 29th ult.; I informed your Lord-
ship of the arrival of the news of the fall of Sebastopol, and
of the landing of Omar Pasha at Batoum. I also acquainted
your Lordship with the fact that. the Russian General was
engaged in sending off immense trains of heavy baggage into
Georgia, and showing every indication of a speedy retreat.
This in no wise threw as off our guard, and Lieutenant-Colonel
Lake was directed to.strengthen many paints in our extensive
and undermanned lines, and among other works the tabia
bearing my name was constructed.
At 4 o'clock on the eventful morning of the 29th the ene-
my's columns were reported to be advancing on the Tahmasb
front. They were three in number, supported by 24 guns ;
the first or right column being directed on Tahmasb Tabia,
the second on Yukseh Tabia, and the third on the breastwork
called Rennison Lines. As soon as the first gun announced
the approach of the enemy the reserves were put under arms
in a central position, from which succours could be despatched
either to Tahmasb or the English lines.
The mist and imperfect light of the dawning day induced
the enemy to believe that he was about to surprise us ; he ad-
vanced with his usual steadiness and intrepidity ; but on
getting within range he was saluted with a crushing fire of
artillery from all points of the line. This unexpected recep-
tion, however, only drew forth loud hurrahs from the Russian
infantry as it rushed up the hill on the redoubts and breast-
works. These works poured forth a fire of musketry and rifles
which told with fearful effects on the close columns of attack,
more especially on the left one, which, being opposed by a
battalion of 450 Chasseurs, armed with Minid rifles, was, after
long and desperate fighting, completely broken and sent head-
long down the hill, leaving 850 dead on the field, besides those
carried off by their comrades.
The central column precipitated itself on the redoubts of
Tahmasb and Yuksek Tabias, where desperate fighting oc-
curred and lasted for several hours, the enemy being repulsed
in all his attempts to enter the closed redoubts, which mutu-
ally flanked each other with their artillery and musketry, and
made terrible havoc in the ranks of the assailants; and it was
here that Generals Kmety and Hussein Pasha, together with
Major Teesdale, so conspicuously displayed their courage and
conduct. Lieutenant-General Kereen Pasha also repaired to
the scene of desperate strife to encourage the troops, and was
wounded in the shoulder and had two horses killed under him.
The right column of the Russian infantry, supported by a
battery, eventually turned the left flank of the intrenched
wing of the Tahmasb defences ; and while the Russian bat-
tery opened in the rear of the closed redoubt at its salient
angle, their infantry penetrated considerably behind our
position.
Observing the commencement of this movement, and anti-
cipating its consequences, Lieutenant-Colonel Lake, who had
taken the direction of affairs in the English Tabias, was in-
structed to send a battalion from Fort Lake to the assistance
of the defenders of Tahmasb, and, at the same time, two bat-
talions of the reserves were moved across the flying bridge,
and upon the rocky height of Laz Jeppe Tabia. These three
reinforcing columns met each other at that point, and being
hidden from the enemy by the rocky nature of the ground,
confronted him at a most opportune moment. They deployed,
and opened their fire, which stopped and soon drove back the
enemy's reserves, which were then vigorously charged with
the bayonet, at the same moment when General Kmety and
Major Teesdale issued from the redoubts at Tahmasb, and
charged the assailants. The whole of that portion of the
enemy's infantry and artillery now broke, and fled down the
heights under a murderous fire of musketry. This occurred
at half-past 11, after a combat of seven hours.
In this part of the field the enemy had, including his re-
serves, 22 battalions of infantry, a large force of Dragoons and
Cossacks, together with 32 guns.
While this struggle which I have attempted to describe was
occurring at Tahmasb a most severe combat was going on at
the eastern position of the line, called the English Tabias.
About half-past five o'clock, a.m., a Russian column, con-
sisting of eight battalions of infantry, three regiments of
cavalry, and 16 guns, advanced from the valley of Tehakraak,
and assaulted those small redoubts, which after as stout a
resistance as their unavoidably feeble garrison could oppose,
fell into their hands, together with the connecting breast-
works, defended by townsmen and mountaineers from La-
zistan, whose clannish flags, according to their custom, were
planted before them on the epaulements, and, consequently,
fell into the enemy's hands ; but ere the firing had begun in
this portion of the field, Captain Thompson had received
orders to send a battalion of infantry from each of the heights
of Karadagh and Arab Tabia to reinforce the English lines.
This reinforcement descended the deep gully through which
flows the Kars river, passed a bridge recently thrown across
it, and ascended the opposite precipitous bank by a zig-zag
path which led into the line of works named by the Turks
Inglik Tabias' (the English Batteries). Their arrival was as
opportune as that of the reserves directed towards Talunasb,
which I have had the honour to describe in the former part of
this despatch. These battalions, joined to those directed by
Lieutenant-Colonel Lake, gallantly attacked and drove the
Russians out of the redoubts at the point of the bayonet, after
the artillery of the enemy had been driven from those lines by
the cross fire directed from Fort Lake and from Arab Tabia
and from Karadagh, by Captain Thompson. This officer de-
serves my best thanks for having seized a favourable moment
to remove a heavy gun from the eastern to the western ex-
tremity of Karadagh, and with it inflicted severe loss on the
enemy.
_

After the Russian infantry was driven from the English
redoubts, the whole of their attacking force of cavalry, artil-
lery and infantry retreated with precipitation, plied with
round shot from all the batteries bearing on their columns.
During their temporary success, however, the enemy captured
two of our light guns, which the mortality among our horses
from famine prevented our withdrawing from their advanced
position. He also carried off his wounded and many of his
dead; yet he left 363 of the latter within and in front of these
intrenchments ; and his retreat occurred at least an hour
before the assailants of Tahmasb were put to flight.
During this combat, which lasted nearly seven hours, the
Turkish infantry, as well as artillery, fought with the most
determined courage ; and, when it is recollected that they had
worked on their entrenchments and guarded them by night
throughout a period extending to nearly four months, I think
your Lordship will admit that they have proved themselves
worthy of the admiration of Europe, and established an un-
doubted claim to be placed among the most distinguished of
its troops.
With regard to the enemy, as long as there was a chance of
success he persevered with undaunted courage, and the
Russian officers displayed the greatest gallantry. Their loss
was immense; they left on the field more than 6,000 dead,
which it took the Turkish infantry four days to bury. Their
wounded and prisoners in our possession amount to 160, while
those who were carried off are said to be upwards of 7,000.
As the garrison was afflicted with cholera, and I was appre-
hensive of a great increase of the malady, should this melan-
choly duty of the burial of the dead not be pushed forward
with every possible vigour by our fatigued and jaded soldiers,
I daily visited the scene of strife to encourage them in their
almost endless task ; and I can assure your lordship that the
whole battle-field presented a scene which is more easy to
conceive 'than to describe, being literally covered with the
enemy's dead and dying.
The Turkish dead and wounded were removed on the night
of the battle. The dead numbered 362, the wounded 631. The
townspeople, who also fought with spirit, lost 101 men.
unusualwhich period has shown
ofee v e such u
hours
h o
u a
rs desofperat
His Excellency the Mushir has reported to his government
u gi
hn an n t
thearmy
those officers who particularly distinguished themselves—a
valourdfffi u tt
throughout
unin-
terrupted combat.-1 have, &c., W. F. WILLIA.ms.
The Earl of Clarendon, &c.

Wheat .
Barley ..
Malt....
eats ....
Beans ..
Peas
Flour
METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET.—Trade dull for every
description of meat, at 2d per stone reduction. • Beef, 3s 6d to
4s 10d ; Mutton, 3s 8d to ss; Veal, 3s 10d to 4s 10d ; Pork,
4s to ss. Beasts, 5,691 ; Sheep and Lambs' 24,120 ; Calves,
265; Pigs, 200. Arrivals :—Holland Beasts, 2,259 ; Ditto
Sheep, 3,360 ; Ditto Pigs, 24 ; Ditto Calves, 228 ; Scotch
Beasts, 50; Spanish Ditto, 400.
LONDON PRODUCE MARKET.—In Coffee much done, and
prices are advancing, Native Ceylon, 555. Tea active and
higher; sound common Congou, Sid. In Rice, large sales at
an advance. Tallow fully as high and wanted. Several
parcels of Cotton sold at full rates.

- GLASGOW PIG IRON MARKET.—Market firm, at 765. 9d.
MANCHESTER STOCK EXCHANGE.— East Lancashire, fl
3-16 ; Lancashire and Yorkshire, 75i ; North Western,
944 ; Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln, 221 -1 i.; £lO Pref.,
12; ; Midland, 661.
WIND AND WEATHER REPORT.—London, wind S.E., Bos-
ton, E.S.E., Lowestoft, W., fog ; Swansea, S.E., Leicester,
Lancaster, S., Yarmouth, N.E., Gainsborough, N.W., Whitby,
Ipswich, W., Great Grimsby, S.S.W., Gloucester, Haverford-
west, Nottingham, Perth, Edinburgh, S.W., fine; Sunderland,
S.E., Bristol, Cardiff, Carlisle, Cowes, Stoke, Aberdeen, S.
Southampton, Poole, Sheffield, N.E., Dundee, W., Glasgow,, Exeter, S.S.W., Shrewsbury, Derby, Dublin, Manchester,
Maryport, Scarborough, S.W., cloudy ; Plymeth, N.W.,
unsettled ; Whitehaven, S.W., rain.

LATEST SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.
The Abbey Land, from Quebec, arrived at Deal on the 12th
inst. Sailed—all the outward bound.

BRIDLINGTON, Oct. Witch, for Sunder.
land, and Convent, for Shields, are ashore, but likely to get
off. The Gem, of Exeter, ashore, and likely to become a wreck.
DARDANELLES, Nov. 2.—The steamer Pacific, with 500
men of the Army Works Corps, was reported on shore, last
evening, at the entrance of the Dardanelles. H.M. steam-tug
Redpote, having started a bolt in her boiler, was unable to
assist her. A French steamer was sent to help her off. No
news yet of her having done so. .

BETTING AT TATTERSALL'S—Turs DAY.
SHREWSBURY HANDICAP.-4 to 1 aget Quince ;7to 1
agst Pantomine ; 8 to 1 agst Polestar ; all tk.
COPELAND NURSERY.-4 to 1 agst Maid of the 3E11; 7to
1 agst British Brandy; 10 to 1 agst lone Colt; all tk.
COLUMN HANDICAP.-10 to 1 apt Acrobat, tk.
DERBY.-8 to 1 agst Fly-by-Night; 15 to 1 agst Corone;
33 to 1 agst West Langton : all tk.

CRIMEAN PIIOTOGRAPHS.—The splendid and interesting
collection of Photographs, made in the Crimea, by Mr. Roger
Fenton, is now in the course of exhibition here by Messrs.
Agnew and Sons, of Manchester, at whose instance Mr.
Fenton proceeded to the seat of war, for the express purpose
of taking those truthful sun-pictures which are here displayed.
The collection is to be published under the direct patronage
of Her Majesty, the Emperor of the French, and Prince Albert.
It embraces numerous views of the most celebrated scenes,
correct representations of many incidents connected with the
ever-memorable siege of Sebastopol, and a vast number of
groups and individial portraits, whose names and achieve-
ments will form lasting ornaments in the page of history.
The scenery is interesting on many accounts; and the series
of eleven views, representing a panorama of the Plateau of
Sebastopol, is suggestive of the most stirring emotions, con-
taining faithful delineations of Inkermann, Balaklava, Cath-
cart's Hill, Mackenzie Heights, and other places, as seen from
a point in which, by turning round, the spectator could com-
mand the whole of them, though distant. Another panorama
of interest is that of the country between Inkermann and
Balaklava, in five tableaux ; and a third is that of Inkermann
itself, including the Quarries, and the Valley of the Tchernaya.
The collection is also rich in incidents of camp-life, consisting
of groups of officers and soldiers, showing the pastimes of
military men of every grade, in the intervals of actual service
in the trenches. By far the most interesting portion of the
collection, to many spectators at all events, will be found to
consist of the various portraits of distinguished men who
.pfl
Amonga3
.yrclrs
tjcaholenspsepe
sit
eubrse,
found
ap ae rntes i r
faithfulal
3 ot
shq e
ekt greatnseisrs
likenesses
V.
and fatal
corodd drama.gtloann
Sir J. Simpson, Sir John Burgoyne, Sir De Lacy Evans, Sir
Harry Jones, &c., &c., with the names of all of whom the
reader is familiar. In every instance, the representation,
whether of place, incident, or individual, is marked by that
wonderful fidelity which constitutes the main charm of
photographic pictures. The collection, which has been greatly
admired by connoisseurs of every rank in London, will afford
a high treat to those of our fellow-townsmen who take an -
interest—and who does not P—in the subject of the Crimean
war.

LIE Ml•ron AT ST. PETER'S CIIIIRCH.—On Sunday the
Mayor, John Stewart, Esq., attended St. Peter's Church, on
the occasion of the annual sermon in aid of the Blue-coat
Hospital. It is usual for the Mayor to be accompanied upon
the occasion of his attending St. Peter's Church immediately
after his election, by the members of the town council and
some of the leading men of the town, and perhaps never on
any occasion was there a larger attendance than on Sunday.
The usual ceremonies were observed. The Mayor met the
members of the town council and his other friends at the
Town-hall. The boys from the Blue-coat School, headed by
Mr. E. G. Deane, the treasurer, and the churchwardens, Messrs.
Woodruff and Shaw, arrived in front of the Town-hall shortly
before eleven o'clock. They formed the front of the proces-
sion. Immediately after them came thirty men of the fire
brigade, under the command of Mr. Superintendent Hewitt,
then the regalia of the corporation, and next the Mayor and
the gentlemen who had assembled to accompany him to
church. He was supported by Mr. T. B. Horsfall, M.P. for
the borough, and the Rev. Rector Campbell, the preacher for
the day. The members of the council and the friends of
Mr. Stewart followed. Amongst those present were Messrs.
Alderman J. B. Moore, M.P., Charles Turner, Alderman J.
H. Turner, H. Littledale, Alderman Dover, Alderman Cooper,
J. P. Campbell, J. Tyrer, Alderman Gardner, J. A. Tobin,
(ex-mayor,) Alderman Robinson, Alderman Toulmin, W.
sit•eriei cl.,
Potter, Alderman S. Holme, Alderman Shand, Alderman
Bennett, Mr. J. Johnson, Woodruff, Shaw, C. Reade, T.
Avison, W. Nicholson, A. Stone, T. Branch, J, M`Guffie,
Rawle, Entwistle, Bradley, Haydock, J. Thomson, Lieutenant
Lord, P. F. Garnett, R. A. M`Fie, Aked, Mellor, Waterhouse,
J. C. Fernihough, C. Hart, 21. Litherland, Thomas Haigh, J.
'um W
Farnworth, Jones, Roberts, J. Radley, J. Gaineir:ijikili R.
P. Jeffreys, Robert Horsfall, G. H. Horsfall, Jnonheir, J. wa
Hutchison, Carnes, Cranford, Chesney, H. BA
J. B. Brancker, &c. The route wasn a
very
ugjohhiel asLtlaew-
large crowd Tr
Lord-street, and Church-street,a 1
pass by. The church was
persons witnessed the processionieTi sermon was preached by the
crowded on the occasion.
staff, H. Banner, jun., T. D. Anderson,thro
Matthew
Campbell, from St.
Rev. Rector xxviii. 17, 18, 19
him they worshipped him, but some
" And when they saw
doubted. And Jesus came, and spake unto them, saying All
me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, there-
fore, and teach
all nations, baptising them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." The sum of
£B7 13s. 9d, was collected at the termination of the service,
being about £3 more than was contributed after the annual
sermorOlast year.
,
power is given unto