The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1859-10-19
! . ~ va - From fte philadelphia Press.
SchamyI, the Caucasian A bd-ei-
Hr7I Kaher.

The hast received foreign journals, bring
information that Schamyl, the gallant Cau-
casslan chief has been captured by the Rus
slams and was on his way TO st. Petersburg.
The history of this leader is worth reia-
Schamyl, prophet-warrior, and supreme
chief of the Caucasian tribes in the vicinity
of the Caspian Sea, was born in 1871, from
an obscure Tartirian family, in the village
of Himry, in the north Of Daghestan. Rig
idly holding the popular doctrines of Sou
fisme, he passed through the four degrees OF
religious perfection, as it is called, and, un-
der the title of Mourchid, professed to have
been chosen by God TO become leader,
champion, and liberator
In 1924, he commenced his public career
10y throwing himselfintoa Holy War against
the Russians, which the Circassians main
tanned, with more or less success, during
the following seven years. At last, the
Russians, led by General de Rosen, ad-
vanced in great numbers, drove the Circas-
slams, from all their positions, besieged them
in Himry,S and, themselves sustaining great
losses before that petty village, slew the
greater part of the Circassians and Kasi-Mol-
lab, their leader. Schamylwa left for dead
on the field, and, when he reappeared, his
people claimed, in his person, the miracle OF
resurrection. Hamfad-bey, however, was
elected chief over his head, and Schamyl
aSsented without a murmur. a short time
after, Hamfad-bey was assassinated. with
many of his immediate followers, constitut-
ing the chiefs Holy Guard, and Schamyl, a
second time left for dead, again returned to
his people, almost mirIculously preserved
The result was, that they believed him
sent by God, and hailed him as a Prophet,
and Sultan of the Caucasus. A rival, one
Paschaw- Hadschi disputed the leadership
with Schamyl, during several years, ending
in 1887, when Schamyl, with brilliant suc-
cess, defeated the Russians under Generals
Ivelitsch and lIai, and from that moment,
all opposition to the chief was lost in the
general enthusiasm of his nation. The war
then paused for a couple of years, during
which Schamyl prepared for a renewal OF
the war with the Russians.
/ In 1889, Schamyl recommended this war
fare, which, after twenty years continuance,
has now ended in his captivity. During all
these years, Schamyl and the Caucasians
waged regular guerilla warfare among
their mountain taStnesSes--a warfare crowd
ed with bold exploits, chivalrous episodes,
and romantic adventures. Most prodigious
feats of valor were among the ordinary cir
cumstances OF thIs strife. One after another,
As many as ten Russian generals were de-
fcatel, Including Grabbe, Golowine, and
others scarcely less distinguished, ending
with the formidable Woronzow himself,
who fought with loo, 900 men in the Valley
of Akiai, and was only saved by the ar.
rival ofGeneral Frietag aud large reinforce
ments. Ht. .-ft.f
Tue Russians vainly introduced new mill
tary tactics against this formidable foe, and
even resorted to the expedient of setting the
forests OF fire.. Schaniyl, instead of retreat
| ing, as was expected, made a lateral move
| ment, and falling on the weakest flank o
lhe unprcpare, foe, despoiIed the Russian
camp, invaded the trans Caucasian prov
| inceS, ana returned back with immense
booty. During the Crimean war, this con
test with Russia was earnestly kept up by
Schamyl, and seriously weakened the army
OF the Car. Every now aud then "a report
! spread over Europe thai the Imam S:haniy
twas slain, but shortly after the news woul,
follow that, with his usual audacity aIl.
spirit, Schamyl had again repulsed the Rms
/ slams Particulars of his captuTs. had no
! been published when the last received for
eign Journals were issued. IL WAS simpl,
photographic announcement, which has oh
tanned general crelence.
! Some years ago, Schainyfs son, capture,
by the Russians, was conveyed To st. Pc
tcrshurg. The Emperor Nicholas, was mucl
interested in the lad. He was detained fo
several years in Russia, in honorable duress
and, when his cdusation was there compile
tel, was nIagnanimously- restored, withou
I condition, To his father arms.
/ The idea that Schamyl was not only TIN
Add el-kader, but also the Mohammed q
\ the Caucasians, is broached 10y NJ. Vapereau
in Ills Dictionnare UHirerset des Contempo
rains, a work which, with many shorlcom
Il ings, and not n few omissions and inaccura
cies, is a valuable addition to the fund of in
formation respecting living persons Of emf
nence or notoriety. Schamyl is there des
cribed rs having marvelously sustained hi
role of Prophet; the beauty of his feature:
his unalterable calmness, his haughtinesi
his inspired eloqueuce, his remarkable ten
perance, contributed largely, with the mira
cles of his story, to make him accepted a
envoy sent from Heaven.
" In his government, he signalized his ad
ministration 10y wisdom and economy.
1853, drama, called Schamyl, written
7 Paul Maurice, was played with success !