The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-12-14

Alps, gradually kindled the latent fan att
cism Of the mountaineers to flame, which
soon communicated itself to the dwellers
in the cities and steppes Of Daghistan, and
the adjacent valley and plains. The story
OF Schamil's miraculous escape from Cen
eral Rosen, by favor Of the archangel.
Gabriel, was repeated from mouth to
mouth with endless variation and addi-
tions-his daring skill. ard success as a
soldier confirmed the illusions Of credu-
lous bigotry; and he gradually drew around
his standard, and to his sway, the multi
tude of rugged warriors whose swords
have inscribed so many victories upon the
backs of the Russian armies. and to this
hour presented an invincible front to their
dismayed, and practically discounted ad-
versaries.
Many well authenticated instances ol
his daring are related in number OF
Chambers excellent Repository" pub
lished some months since. One or two oi
these may interest the reader at this juno
ture:-
In 1880 Schamil found himself sur
rounded by General Grabbe. and IL 600
veteran Russian troops, at Achulko, kind
Of mud encampment perched upon the
top of rock upon the banks of the Koisu.
The position of this place was so strong.
that the attempt to storm it was abandon
ed after the loss of $4,000 men; but
Schamil had soon deadlier foe than
General Grabbe and his army to contend
with-hunger; hunger, verging upon fam
inc, came before a week had passed
This was known in the Russian camp. and
the place having been strictly invested on
all sides, it was certain that the hour OF
surrender could not be long delayed:
"On the last day but one of August,
Gen. Grabbe learned. from an emaciated
Lesghian, whom his soldiers had caught
whilst attempting TO crawl past the block.
aiding lines. that not particle of food was
left in Achul1o; that Schaml Bey propos-
ed to escape that very night, with one or
two comrades, by means of rope lower.
ed down the face Of the rock to the Koisu;
and Achulko, he added would be surreil-
dered Immediately afterwards. A strict
watch was Immediately ordered to be kept
at the indicated spot, and directions were
given to awaken the General at whatever
hour Of the night the capture Of the re-
doubted Schamil might be effected.
'sJust before dawn, one-two-three
men were seen to cautiously descend by a
rope, let gently down on the river side. as
predicted, who were Of course Instantly
secured, and hurried off to the General =
tent. One Of the captives admitted. in the
furry of the surprise, as was supposed.
that he was Schamil; and this was CON
6rmed by the Lesghian, through whose
information the important prise had been
secured. General Grabbe was delighted
and an estafette was forthwith dispatched
with the tidings, that the notorious rebel.
Schamil Bey. had been caught. and order
ed to be shot out OF hand. Whilst all this
was going on, the rope, which had been
quietly drawn up again, was once more
lowered. and this time OILY one man de-
scended by it, who reached the river un :
observed, leaped upon raft that just 1T
tha: critical moment swept by, and the too
hastily exultant Russian General was
aroused to knowledge Of the trick that
had been played him, by shouts Of s.Scha-
mii!'' from the mud wall OF Achulko, in
exuting reply to the waving OF small
green flag by the true Schamil, as he swept
down the swift Koisu, in the dawning sun
light. presently to find himself amidst hills
and amongst friends, that would render
successful pursuit, if attempted, hopeless
impossible!
"Achulko surrendered at discretion; the
huts were burned; and General Grabbe
retraced his step in very angry mood, with
daring attack upon his rear guard, by
the ubiquitous and indefatigable Schamil
at the head of large body Of horsemen.
exasperated 10 fury. The Imam was beaten
off with difficulty; and the victorious gen
erals march was sullenly resumed, and
concluded without further moIestation.