The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-12-14
Schamil, the Leader Of the Circas-
slams,

Ii is almost certain that the Circa ssians
will take an active part in any war accept
ed by Turkey against Russia; and il is as
certain that in such an event we shall hear
of daring exploits on the part Of Schamil.
their brave chief We have every reason
to believe that Schamil has succeeded in
bringing about defensive union between
all the tribes Of the Caucasus, and that he
possesses their unrestricted confidence.
Some accounts represent him as being al
most an idol, and the people as imagining
him to have a charmed life. Their enthu |
siasm, indeed, may we'll have been stirred
by his past career.
The first time we hear Of Schamil is in
1882. In that year, devout Mussulman.
Kasi Mollah, held a chief command in the
bands of Lesghians; Tehetchentzes, and
other tribes of the eastern chain, and the
steppes abutting on the Caspian and ira
versed by the Koisu. Kasi Mollah's repu
tation Tor sanc,ity was greater than tha,
which he acquired for the higher military
qualities, although dashing leader, and
Individually one of the bravest of the
brave, He was brought to bay in 1889.
by Gen. Rozen. at place called Gumri.
Encircled on all sides, almost the last scrap
OF food devoured, nothing remained, in the
opinion of Kasi Mollah, and about thirty
OF his most Jealous disciples. but to hew
Tor them path through the Russian bay
onets, 10 freedom or to Paradise -either
alternative to them was a welcome one!
This resolution fin ally taken, they sudden
ly emerged from the fastness they could
no longer hold, and burst upon the Rus
sian troops with the shock Of an avalanche,
and the furious distorted yells of troop
Of madmen. For one or two brief mo.
ments, it seemed that they must escape, so
far through the beleaguering circle of their
foes did they cleave their desperate way.
before the momently recoiling ranks re-
closed around them, and they fell by twos
and threes, wildly fighting to the last. rid
died by musket balls and bayonet stabs.
Kasi Mollah s'died with his hand on his
beard, and last prayer murmuring from
his Iips;' and his pupils perished with
him.. all save one, and he the bravest and
6ercest Of them all, who broke through the
encircling bayonets. dashed at headlong
speed past the more distant lines OF run
ming fire unharmed; reigned suddenly up
as he reached the angle Of mountain
gorge, into which he knew none dared to
follow, shook his red scimitar, and hurled
defiant execration in the faces of his
baffled foes, and the n ext moment. with an
exulting shout Of "Allah, ii Allah?' dis
appeared in the dark mountain pass.
This fortunate horseman was Schamil.
the future Imam (preacher,) the prophet
soldier of the Caucasus, whose escape, as
just described, many Of his followers. to
this day, firmly believed was due to the
direct interposition Of the angel Gabriel!
Schamil, who is one Of the dark eyed,
dark. haired, partly Tartar race OF Tchet.
chentzes. was born at Tschirsker, place
of about 5000 inhabitants; and after his
escape from Gumri, he employed several
years in perambulating the mountains OF
the Lesghain chain, preaching wherever
he went with fervid eloquence upon the
sacred duty, devolved by God, upon all
true believers to extirpate the intrusive in
fidel. and the paradisal rewards which
death in so high and holy cause must
irfaliibly insure. This prophet call. as it
was deemed, to battle from the cupolas