The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1877-06-29
THE WAE-BATTLE OF ZEIDIKAN
Sharp Fighting in Asia Minor.

Sharp Fighting in Asia Minor.
The Turks brought on the fight by
advances on the 18th instant The
whole day was spent in ali artillery
duel, but on the 10th the Russians be-
gan the execution of what was evi
IDENTIFY a settled plan. Six bodies of
Russian infantry advanced at o'clock
under the cover of terrible artillery
fire. Notwithstanding the Turks re-
turned a steady fire, the enemy con-
tinued to advance, and, finally, by
detaching strong body, turned the
Turkish right flank, seized the COM
manding hill, and quietly threw up
breastworks, and there established
four field guns, which enabled them
to rake almost the entire front of the
Turkish line. From this movement
the losses of the latter were serious.
Their men fell rapidly, and their ar
tilIery was dislodged, and Infantry
exposed, without support, to mur-
derous fire. For over twenty minutes
the Ottomans stood before this new
attack, and at this crisis Mehemet fell.
To increase the difficulties the ammu-
milton fell short. At 10 o'clock, the
height which the Turks held at the
opening of the battle was no loASFr
tenable, and by midnight the last
Turk was driven off. Then the caval
ry Charge followed, converting the de-
feat into rout What followed is
not yet clear. One account says the
Russians advanced into the Plain of
Pakin, two miles from Mukhtar's posi-
tion, which is very precarious. This
is apparently confirmed by Russian
official dispatch saying that General
Tergukasoff has left Zeidikan, and
is marching upon Kuprikoi. On the
other hand, Mukhtar Pasha's main
position was, at last accounts. near
Zewin, and it is certain that the Aras,
which is not fordable az this season,
flows between him and the troops
beaten on Saturday, which would
protect him from the Russian left
.
that some of the army around kars
has advanced toward EIzeroum. which
may explain Mukhtar Pasha's threat
ened position. The latest Turkish
advices, dated June II, say that the
Turkish left wing is retreating on
Erzeroum, followed by a Russian
General.
The passage of the Danube was
effected near Ibrail, on the night of
the 21st, and the war may be said to
have fairly begun. a decisive battle
is looked for daily. Beside the cross
ing at Ibrail crossings at other points
have been effected.
ERZERoUM. June 25.-After the bat
tie of Zeidikan, June 10th, the Turks
having fallen back on Delibaba, the
Russian left wing took possession Of
the Delibaba pass ard forfeited it.
The Russian right wing having retired
somewhat, Mukhtar Pasha telegraphed
Rachid Pasha to join him with nine of
the twelve batallions forming the
Turkish left wing. Mukhtar quilted
his headquarters at Zewin on the night
of June 18th for Delibaba to take
command of the Turkish right in per-
son. On the following day he received
reinforcements which raised the
strength of the right wing to nineteen
battalions, four cavalry regiments and
three batteries. The Russians in the
Delibaba pass numbered 200, OOO with
four batteries. Several skirmishes
we're fought on June Goth. On the 21st,
Mukhtar attacked the pass. The fight
ing lasted from 6 o'clock in the morn
ing till s in the evening. The Russians
were, at first, driven from their posi-
tions, but they afterward recaptured
them and attacked the Turkish posi-.
tions on the heights with infantry and
cavalry. The Turkish front gave way
for a short time, but afterwaId rallied,
charged the Russians aud drove them
back. The Turks then opened ter
rible artillery fire and compelled the
Russians to fall back with heavy loss.
The Turks acknowledge loss of 4C0
killed and about the same number
wounded. 1t ia reckoned that the Rus,
sian losses were at least double that
number. On the 22d Mukhtar again
fought a severe battle. Russian cav.
airy were placed in an entrenchment
to act as infantry, but, ultimately, the
Turks drove them out and pursued
them, the Russians retreating in dis
order for Zeidikan. The whole of the
fighting lasted thirty-two hours rbe
Turkish loss, according to the latest
accounts, is upwards of 1000 and the
Russian much heavier. ~. ...- .-.r..
The Turkish headquarters are still
at Z-w;n, where twenty four battalions
and two batteries occupy an excellent
position, which is unassailable in front.
On the 23d 10000 Prussians began to
advance against this position. The
main body of this force is at Saricka-
mich. five hours march from Zewin,
and its advance guard is at Yenitokoy.
lt is very probable that battle will
lie fought in this quarter. The Turks
await the assault, and if it is not at
tempted they will advance and en-
deavor to crush this corps. Ismail
Pasha, Governor of Erzeroum, COM
nands tie centre during the absence
of Mukhtar Pasha. So far, all attacks
Oh Kars have been repulsed with loss.