The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1853-12-06

than that which he acquired for tho higher
military qualities, althouh, "a dashing leader
and individually one of the bravest of the
brave. He was brought to bay in 1892 by
Con. Rosen, at a, place called Gamri Encir'
cled on all sides. almost the last scrap of food
devoured, nothing remained in the opinion oi
Kasi- Moah and about thirty of his most zeal
ous disciples, but to hew fol. themselves path
through the Russian Bayorets, to freedom OF
to Puradise-either alternativea welcome one
This resolution finally taken, they suddenly O.
merged from tho fastness they could no longer
hold, and bust-npon the Russian troops with
tho shock of an avalanche, and the furious
discordant yes OF troop of madmen. For
ono or two brief moments, IL seemed that they
must escape, so far through the beeaguring
kcrclo of their foes did they clcaye their despe-
rate way, before tho momently- -recoiling ranks
closed around thon, and they fell by twos and
threes, wildly fighting to the last, riddled by
musket balls and bayonot-stabs. Kasi-Mollah
died with his hand upon his beard, and Q last
prayer nfurmnring from his lips;" and his pu-
pills perishcd with him, all save one, and ho
tho bravcst and fiercest of them all, who broke
through the encircling bayoncts, dashed at head
long speed past the more distant lines of run
ming fires unharmcd-- -reined suddenly up as he
reahed the anglo of mountain gorge, into
which he knew none dared to follow, shook
his red scimitar, and hurled defiant execra-
ton in the faces of his baffled foes; and the
next moment. with an exuting shout of "Al-
lah! l Alahl' disappeared in the dark noun
tain pass
This fortunate horseman was Schamil, the
Imam (preachor), tho prophet soldier of the
Caucasus, whose Cscape, as just described, ma
ny Of his followers to this day believe was duo
to the direct interposition of the angel Gabriel
Seham who is one of the dark-eyed dark
haired, partly Tartar race of Tchetchentzes
was horn at Tschrske a place of about 5000
Inhabitants: and after his escape from Gumry
he employed several years in preambulating
the Mountains of tho Lesehiun chain, preach
ing wherever he went with fervid eloquenco
upon the sacred duty, devolved by God. upon
all true believers to exterpate the intrusive in
fidel. and the paradisa rewards which death
in so high and holy cause must nfalliby in
sure. This prophct-call, as it was deemed to
battle from tho cupoas and minarets of the
sublime and towering Alps gradually kindled
the latent fanaticism of the movntancers to
flame, which soon communicated itself to the
dwcers in tho ctios and steppcs of Daghis.
tan. and tho Adjacent valleys and pa ns. -
General Resen, bv favor of the archangel Ga
briel was repeated from month to mouth with
endless variations and additons-hs daring.
skill, and success as soldier confirmed the
Illusions of credulous bigotry; and no grad
ualy drew around his standard: and bent to
his sway the multitude of rugged warriors
whose swords havo inscribed so mony victories
upon tho backs of the Russian armies, and to
this hodr present an inyinciblc front to their
dsmayed, and practically discomfittcd advcr-
saries.
"Many well aulheiicaled instances of his
a.. Il.
interest the reader at this juncture:-In 1890,
-,~-'r--.t. .S..s's. ''t'''s~ie IUuIled bv Con
Grabbc and Il. 900 veteran Russian troops, at al
Achulke. kind of mud cncampment perched
upon the top ofa rock on the banks of Koisu
Tho position of this place was so strotg. that
the attempt to storm it was Abandoned after
the loss of 1900 men, bnt Schamil had soon a
deadlier foe than General Grabbc to contend
with-bunger; hunger. vcrglng upon famine,
camc before week had passed. This was
known in tho Russian camp. and tho place
having been invested OH all sides, it was GER
tain that the surrender conld not bo long de-
laycd. On the last day but ono of August
General Grabbe learned, from an emaciatcd
Lesghan, whom his soldiers had caught while
attempting to crawl past the blockading lines.
that not a article of food was left in Achulko.
that Schaml Bcy proposed to escape that very
night, with one or two chosen comrades, By
means of rope lowered down the face of tho
rock 10 tho Kosu: and Achulko, he added
would be surrendered immediately afterwards.
A strict watch was Immediately ordered to be
kept at the indicated spot, and directions wero
given to awaken the General at whatever hour
of the night the capture of the redoubtod Scha-
nj might be effected.
"Just before dawn, one--two-three mon
were seen to cautiously descend by rope, lot
gently down the river side, as predicted. who
were of course instantly secured and hurried
off to tho generals tent. Ono of the captives
admitted, in the furry of surprise, as was sup
posed, that he was Schamil and this was con-
frmed by the Lesghian, through whose nfor. |
nation tho important prize had been secured |
Gen. Grabbe was delighted, and an estafctte
was forthwith dispatched with the ;idings, that |
the notorious rebel. Schamil Bey, had been
caught, and ordered to be shot out of hand
Whilst I'll this was going on, the rope, which |
had been quietly drawn up again, was once
more lowered, and this time only one man do
ccnied by it, who reached the river unob-
served, leaped upon raft that just at that !
critical moment swept by, and the too hastily /
,xultont Russian General was aroused to /
knowledge OF tho trick that had been played |
iim by shouts of 'Schami! Schamil!' from
he mud walls Achulko, in exulting reply to
ne waving OF small green nag, Oy tho true
Schami as no swept down the swift Koisu in
he Gawning sunlight, presently to find him
elf amidst bills and amongst friends, that
would render successful pursuit, if attempted,
impossible. Achulko surrendered at discro-
ion, the huts were burned, and General Grabbo
eiraced his steps in very angry mood. which
daring attack on his rear guard, by tho ub-
Iuitous and indefatigable Schami at tho head
# large body of horse. oxaspcroted to fury
Tho Imam was beaten off with some difficulty,
nd the victorious generals march was sullen-
y resumed, and concluded without further
1t has been reported that ABDEL-KADEE has
lso been offered command in tho Asiatic di-
ision Of the Turkish army. and he has accep-
cd on condition that Louis Napoleon gives
is consent. This renowned warrior, whose
is ory and character are well known. would
)rm tower of strength at tho head of n band +,
{ those devoted followers who worship bin ,
ot only rs prophet but as warrior. 1t is :
} be hoped for tho sake OF Turkey that he :
i'll be permitted to throw his influence and
is strength in her favor. MIAMI.