Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1854-07-06
A.,snI.h,nx The Ru..,.n,,

A late English paper contains the fol-
lowing interesting anecdote. illustrating
the value of a recent American inYen-
ton:
In Daghestan, a young Lesghian
chief, being severely wounded during
one of the frequent razzias of the Rus
SLAMS, took refuge in a ruined sakli, in
order to apply bandages to his wounds.
While thus employed, he was discov-
cred by party Of twelve dismounted
dragons, who Immediately gave chase,
on his taking fight. Being feet on
foot, for a short while he outrsn them,
during which time such of them as had
their carbines, loaded and fred at him
Intellectually. Having crossed one of
the flexible bridges, common in that
country, and which was over a rapid
torrent at the foot of mountain, the
fugitive finding himself unable to pro-
ceed much further, and having time to
put his arms in order, stood at bay un-
der projecting rock. With yells Of de-
light and uplifted sabres, the Russians
approached the bridge.
The foremost nearing him, cried,
Yield dog Not whilst have'twelve
lives at my girdle,' cried the undaunted
mountaineer.
The Russians in the rear laughed
loudly at the boast; but he in advance
fell dead-pierced through and through
by bullet, nearly at the feet of the
Lesghian. The second soldier stumbled
over his dead comrade, and as he rose,
received a shot which caused him to
fall severely wounded. The next, see
ing the same weapon, which had twice
been discharged, still pointed, rushed
on; but to the surprise of the Russians,
a third shot was fred at him; untouch-
ed, however, he was about to cut down
the Lesghian, when fourth discharge
scattered his brains on the rocky para
pet, and his lifeless body tumbled in the
torrent beneath. Three Of the Rus
SLAMS had now fallen.
What devil of a pistol is this, that
speaks so often?' cried the survivors to
each other.
The Lesghian still stood firm; merely
folding his pelisse of sleeps skin round
his left arm, ready to receive blow, q
precaution not unneeded, since now two
Russians abreast were on the point of as
sailing him. Certain of their prey,
these advanced more cautious than their
predecessors. This time, two deliber.
ate shots brought them down, right and
left; each fell, pierced near the region
of the heart. The remaining soldiers
were amazed.
Tne Lesghian, faint with loss of blood
and feeling his strength fast ebbing, now
drew forth another pistol, a movement
unobserved by the enemy, and rapidly
fred three shots at the group of Rus
slams some fifty yards distant, at the
other end of the bridge. Owing to his
sight now being dim, only one shot took
affect, wounding one of the dragons in
the shoulder.
Let us fy,' they cried, it is the evil
spirit of the mountains; he will kill our
whole army
Accordingly, they precipitately fed,
just as the Lesghian sank down at the
foot of the rock. At distance they
ventured to look back. 1t hath van
ished in the mist cried the supersti-
tious Muscovites.
The Lesghian chief was succored by
some of his own people, and ere long
recovered from his hurt, as did the
wounded Russian. At his bridal feast,
some four months after, the pistols,
which were a pair of Colts revolvers,
and presented to him by an American
traveller, Captain K, to the youth
full hero of the Causcssus, were handed
round, amid general benedictions Of the
party. The bride is said to have kissed
them, saying:
'Ahl my Dehemet, were all the brave
Circassians armed like thee, there
would not be so many fearful maidens
arsJ bereaved widows in Daohestan.'