The New York herald., 1873-11-19


whole supply from being Immediately exhausted; &;
ana, although Kaulmann gave orders to have three
more wells dug, each OF which offered more or less
water, two or three OF the native guides twhose
names, by some oversight, had not been inscribed)
died OF thirst The sqerings or the troops for two
or three days. until the water became more plenti-
fui were very great. In the meantime as there
was not enough water for the camels, Kaufman
sent the whole train back to Adam Koorugan to let
them drink and to get a fresh supply OF water be-
fore making another attempt to proceed. They
were sent with escort OF four companies or
600 men, and it was against them that the
troops OF the Khan made their FIRST serious move
ment Sadik, then probably camped on the
Amoo having been informed by his spies that
Kaufmann had sent all his cdmels back under a
small escort, determined to faii on them
and cut them of. He took 500 Tnrcomans
each provided with two horses, and, passing
Kauimann at Alti Koodo0k, reached Adam koor-
ngan early on the morning Of the 18th OF May
The attack was conducted with considerable spirit
and vigor, Sadik having very well comprehended
that If he could capture Kauimann's camels the
army must perish. 1t was about four O'Clock In
the morning when the Russian pickets were
driven in and the alarm was given The troops i'm
mediatey seized their arms and by the time they
were ready to receive the enemy he was within 200
yards. The Turcomans advanced with loud cries
custom they have, partly to irghten the enemy,
partly to keep up their own courage, showing con-
siderable temerity and evidently determined to
make vigorous attack. Their standard was borne
by Sank himsel on a splendid white horse. and he
advanced SO near that II any of the sharpshooters
had known IL was Sadik they would certainly have
picked him OF; but by this time the sharpshooters
had got fairly to work and the rurcomans did not
even approach near as before. Soon percelving
itU M o1v in fac NJ ia
perior arms OF the Russians, they finally retreated,
completely discounted Sadik, as appeared from
the reports of the prisoners taken, had been con-
ndent OF g complete victory, having been misin-
formed as to the real number of troops he would
have 10 deal with, supposing he would only find a
mere handful Of men, and had actually brought a
supply cords to bind the prisoners he should take.
This was the first serious encounter the Khivans
had with the Russians. They were very much dis
couraged by it, although still not without hopes
that Kaufman would be unable to reach the river.
THE PERILs OF THE MARCH.
Kaufman in the meantime suffered the greatess
anxiety and his soldiers the greatest hardships on
account OF the want of wafer. Only those who
nave experienced it can form an idea OF the
horror OF being among a mass OF men
who are suffering the pangs of thirst,
and, although the remarkable discipline OF
the Russian troops prevented anything like the
least disorder, the CONSCIOUSNESS on the part of
the officer that the time might come when no
discipline would be possible, and that then they
would fall an easy prey to the enemy, who were
prepared and relying upon such an eventuality,
was not the least among their woes. Gradually,
however, the water grew better and more pent-
ful, the daily wants of the army supplied, and
that immediate pressing need was not felt but
their iorebodlngs for the future were OF the
darkest. week had been consumed by the
return to Adam Koorugan, the camels were grow
ing weaker every day and less capable oil carrying
their burdens; many OF them would certainly
have to be left on the way, for, although
very strong beast and capable of carrying
immense burdens and enduring great fatigues
when in good condition, once enfeebled by a sue
cession of long, hard marches, as were Kaufmanns
camels, it soon becomes worthless and months of
repose are required to restore it. The camel it
must be remembered, plays the same role in this
war that railroads do in European war, and for
the army to be deprived of this quadruped here in
the desert, either by the Turcomans, or by hunger.
thirstan fatigue was TO perish Instead or load OF
GOO pounds, the burden allotted to each camel at the
commencement OF the expedition this beast was
now only capable OF carrying 200, and even 100
pounds and every day the number of these animals
which became too feeble to carry anything in
creased.
Inc auAlety tneH Ol hdullHdnH eaSlly DC llll-
agned, with only the success of the expedition,
but the life OF every one of his men, dependent on
him (for a disaster here would be certain death to
every soul in the detachment) and the distance to
the Amoo still matter OF conjecture. At last,
after week had been consumed a fresh supply Of
water was taken, the camels returned to Alti Koo-
dook, anu on the 21st OF May they started once
more for the Oxus, with the only alternative left
them OF reaching of leaving their bones in the
desert.
1t had been found, however. that the camels that
we're still in condition to travel would not be able
to carry the whole OF the baggage so, very reluc-
family, orders were given to leave nearly the whole
of 1t behind, together with four OF the six iron
boats Kaufman had specially made for the passage
Of the Oxus two pieces of artillery and nearly all
their remaining supply OF forage taking with them
only what was of the most absolute necessity.
Two companies were lett behind to protect the
baggage, and this is why found troops at Alti