Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1854-03-07
PARTICULARS OF THE,
GREAT BATTLE OF CITATE.

On Friday, the 9th of January, the Turkish
troops under the orders of Ismail Pacha, and
Ahmed Pacha, marched to attack the Russians.
who had fortified themselves lin the village of
Citate which is about five hours, march from
Kalafat. The force of Ismail Pacha was com.
posed OF three regiments Of regular cavalry atd
one regiment BaShl- Bazouka, with six guns
Ahmed Pacha was stationed at some distance
from the village with some reserve troops, con.
ssting of five battalions, and also six guns
The Russian force in the village consisted of
three battalions of infantry, commanded by
Col. Bonnegarde, three squadrons of hussars,
and two squadrons of Cossacks, with six guns.
The Turkish troops, were as will be seen,
superior IN number; but the position of the Rus
slams, who were distributed in all the houses of
the village, which is of great extent and which
is surrounded by double ditch, rendered the
attack extremely perilous as the enemy we'll
sheltered, were enabled to direct murderous
fire upon the Turks, without the latter being
able to reply to it.
In spite of this evident disadvantage Ismail
Pacha gave orders for the attack, and threw
himself iuto ths village under shower of balls
from all the widows. At first the Turks re-
eeived very serious injury; but although this
circumstances somewhat disorganized their at
tack, their impetuosity was by no means check
ed. The greater portion of, the soldiers, who
had never before been exposed to musketry,
nevertheless displayed indomitable courage.
After desperate struggle they attacked the
houses and fought hand to hand with sword
and bayOnet. The massacre was frightful. In
the fever of The fight the Turks listened to moth
ing, and slaughtered, without pity, all who fell
under their hands. The Musselmans of the
Crimea, incorporated with Russian army, in
vain appealed to their character of Mussemans.
No quarter was given them. Cutters of blood
ran down the streets from this wholesale hui
man slaughter. To add to the horrors of the
scene, it may be stated that number of briggs
which had been let loose, were seen eating the
dead bodies.
All who could escape took in redoubt at
the head of the village, and thence recon-
menced murderous fire upon the Turks, who
returned it vigorously, but not without receiv-
ing considerable injury from the Russian guns.
At last the enemy, incapable of any further
struggle, decided on abandoning the entrech-
ments A number of Russian troops had alrea-
dy evacuated the place, when Colonel of
Turkish cavalry conceived the unfortunate idea
of endeavoring TO oppose the passage.
The Russians, finding themselves surroun-
ded, and having no outlet for escape, and no
resource but the terrible energy derived from
despair no other alternative but to conquer or
die; recommended the fight with desperation,
and in vigorous SOrtie the succeeded in cap
turing two guns. 1t should be stated that the
Turks, upon their first success In the entrench-
ments committed the incredible fault of not de-
strOying the enemy guns.
While the battle was thus going on in the vii
lage twelve battalionS of infantry of the Rus
sian army and squadron of cavalry, with six
teen pieces of cannon were bought to the as
sistance of the besieged and attempted to place
the Turks between two fires, Information of
this was given to Ahmed Pacha, who, by
skiful maneuvre, directed his soldiers to the
point, in order to prevent the junction with
the besieged troops. For this movement
he made use of three of his reserved battal-
ions.
The advantage of the position was now on
the side of the Turks, who were on the ground
which stopped towards the Russians; but the lat
ter were in three times greater number than the
Turks In spite of this inequality, however,
the Russians were entirely beaten, and fed in
the greatest disorder. They we're completely
routed, a fact constituting feat of arms on the
part of Turks which does great honor to them
and establishes another important truth-that
the Russians cannot cope with Turkish troops
in equal numbers to themselves in open field,
and that they can only hope for any success
when they have much more powerful force
than their enemy. Their losses in these two
simultaneous affairs amount to nearly 1000
men, among whom are included so superior
officers The Turks had about 800 killea and
800 wounded, who were sent to the hospitals of
Widdin, and of whom it is hoped the greater
part may be saved.
According to the opinion of some superior
officers now at WIddin, this affair is most glo-
rious one for the Turks, and, if not productive
of any material result, will at least prove of
great moral advantage to them.
On the next day the Russians attempted to
reoccupy the redoubt from which they had been
driven in the night but the appearance of some
Turkish battalions discouraged them from the
attempt, and they beat a retreat.
Al the time of the attack the village, the
Turkish soldiers, particularly the Bash-Baz-
ouks, committed the fault of stopping to pillage
before entirely assured of victory and by this
means, in despoiling the dead obtained some
trifing articles, much to the prejudice ofthe
genralnterest 1t is to be regretted that it has
not been possible to derive all the advantages
from this affair of which it is susceptiable, at
least so far as regards material benefit; but as
far as regards the moral affect, there is nothing
J to desire.
Ismail Pacha fought like lion, and more
like soldier than a general. He had two hor-
SEES killed under him. He was grazed with two
balls, one on the shoulder, and another on the
wrist. 4 third ball struck the scabbard of his
! sword
| The Turks took from the field of battle, be-
sides number of horses great many mus
kets, sabres, uchakos, epauletts, and decora-
tons, and also many wounded. The latter
consoled themselves for their wounds by the
sight of watches or handfulls of gold, gathered
in the midst of danger, which they placed in
their beds of pain as a so,ace to their suffer
ings.
Justice has been done to the bravery of the
Russian officers, who courageously did their du-
| ty,but were badly seconded by the soldier,whom
it was often necessary to prick with the point of
the bayonet, in order to prevent them from ru-
lining away. Some of the Wallacbian militia
were Incorporated among the Russian troops;
but the former force was in very bad order with
the Russian officers, and were continually sub
jected to their jeers. A Wallachian captain
refused to march against the Turks, and he
consumated his refusal by blowing out his
brains. These facts may relied on.
The Walachian soldiers are continually de-
sorting to the Turks, whose position is decided
| ly becoming advantageous. 1t is believed that
they will shortly undertake : new expedition.
Besides this, although 1 do no state the
facts as certain, it is said that Omer Paeha is
about to proceed to Widen. At all events,
the Turks will ba recaivad in Wallaohia az 1ih.