New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-08-15

learn nucleus of artillery was organized among them
by Polish officers which promised great success In view
Of all these facts it is easy to perceive that Russia apart
from the insurmountsble obstacles resulting from
mountainous SOIL coveredwth dense and inPene'rsoie
forests as in Circsssa, has met with another oos'a
Gle Of more Importance, in 3 regularly organized
and increasing military power. The best PROOF oil TINS
is shown in the fact that all attempts on the part oil
the Russians to subdue the hero in question have en-
trey failed. Properly speaking all the offensive
operations Of the Russian army in Caucasus OF to-day
are exclusively directed against Shanyl.
At first Shamyl was only st the head OF the kabarda
Circasaus half civilized and most warlike nation on
the northern banks Of Terek distinguished for their
skill in the use of arms. A few years afterward his
small army was enlarged by the addition of two pow
erl tribes the Lesshians and Tshetshens who areihe
terror of the Russians Love of freedom, as they un
derstand it, renders them formidable to their oppo'
nepts. The year s43 proved highly favorable to the
cause of Shamyl then nearly all the tribes oil the
surrounding territories between Daghestan and the
coast of the Caspian Sea rose in arms and throwing
of all allegiance to the Car joined shamy with Po
tcal and religious sympathy. In loii the Russians
poured in swarms into these regions ana, after I'm
mense sacrifices their part, partly succeeded In re-
gaining their former position. Subsequently 'hey maae
a vigorous effort to subdue the Lesghians and the
Tshetshens: but in this unlucky expedition beside
contendng with the unparalleled ardor OF these peo-
pie they encountered rocks, crags precpces and tor
rents. which rendered the mountains almost mac
cessible and forced the invaders to retire with great
loss Of life.
Since that time Shamyl has become the acknowledged
chief of Circasia part Of the neghborng province
of Daghestan. At this immediate period the allied
fleets in the Black Sea- enable the Turks to
throw supplies and men into Crcassa and the neigh
boring provinces while Persia is strictly neutral; aud
accordingly it seems evident that the whole OF the
warike tribes on and about Caucasus must rise and
recognize the authority of Shamyl.
The only particulars we have been able to lean about
the pri vate life of this remarkable chief the follow
ing: He was born in Little Kabards. His father, who
was slain by tS Russians while he was boy, was
cassan nobleman-a mere title which is assumed by
every one in Crcassia who owns superior horse and
is armed with pistols dagger and the shas1a, or Cir
cassian sabre. Early in life Shamyl made himself
conspicuous by his warlke spirit his unequaled skill
in the use the sabre, his piey and yet more by his
superior ntellecthe last quality chiefly contributing
to his boundless sscendancy over his countrymen lie
is of lofty stature of dark complexion and his eyes
are bright and piercing He is distinguished for the
extraordinary strength of his frame. Although OF en-
gazing manners there is still about him something OF
stern melancholy which at excites respect, and
causes many to trembe who happens to approach
him for the first time He is now between 40 and As
wears of age Byconsant study of Turkish Arabic and
the different dialects in the mountains he has become
maste of the languages of his terrory but he speaks
very little except on solemn occasions.
He gives audience freely to strangers of distinction;
receives them with open arms; listens TO their advice;
and the numerous improvements now in progress in
Crcassa, such as gun and powder factories the intro
ducton of artillery in his army and FORTH are imme
daey the result of his contact with foreigners Except
when on public affairs his time is said to be chiefly
devoted to prayers great thing in the political ma
chnery of the Orient.
Although of unbending will and remarkable energy
he is not considered cruel On this point he differs
much from his predecessor, Kay Mollah, who, not
whstanding his aspiration for independence, was one
of the most thorough yrants the world ever ssw-the
slightest infringement to his will being merclessy
punished with death and most atrociOus fortunes.
The habits and manners of Shamyl are plain and
assuming. He Is distinguished from his fellow-coun-
TRUMAN only by the richness of his gay ornamented
arms and by his superior horse. The rest OF his cos
tune, as well as his dwelling is the same in style as
that of other mOuntaineers
He is said to have but one wife, by whom he had
two sons These two boys, while of a very tender
age. both became prisoners OF war of the Russians
This occurred as far back as 1884 or 1885, during
night attack on the camp of Shamyl. The General
then commanding in Caucasus sent them triumphantly
to St. Petersburg 1t was reported that the Emperor
received them very well and from policy treated them
ss his own children. AS such he had them educated
in military school at ST. Petersburg and as soon as
tfey had completed their studies, he sent them back
in safety to their fathergenerOsity which was by no
means subsequently acknowledged by shamyl.
The favorite residence is Temir Khan Choprs,
village situated in the south of Daghestan few
miles distant from Dargo, which latter place was cap
tured by Prince Woronzow in lS45 but again re!aken
BY the Circsssians.
One of the most probable denouements of the polit