The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-06-25
ON THE DANUBE.
The Russians Across and Matchin
CAPTURED,

The Russians Across and Matchin
Captured.
NEW YORK, June 23.-Kiernan's London
despatch says that the latest advices from the
war state that 10000 Russian troops crossed
the Danube yesterday, between Galatz and
Matchin. Immediately upon landing forward
march was made, and the heights behind
Zizila were taken possession of. The Russians
are now firmly intrenched on these heights,
and preparations are being made for an attack
on Matchin. The Turks are reported abandon
ing the town. The passage of the Russians
before Galatz is no longer opposed by the
Turks.
1t is stated the Gear Iconsents to the Rou-
manian army cooperating with the Russians
on the Turkish side of the Danube. The
Roumanans will cross near Kalafat and hold
in check the Turks in Widdin, while the
Russians are operating elsewhere.
Details of the Passage.
NEW YORK, June 24-The Herald cable
dispatches contains the following details of
the Russian crossing of the Danube Friday:
1t having been ascertained by spies that the
Turkish forces at Matchin were in no condition
to oppose the crossing, if made in force, and
only struggling bands of Bashi-Bazouks were to
be met among the low lands along the river,
before dawn a few barge loads of Cossacks
were sent from Galatz to Ghiacet. The
crossing was assisted by small steamers. They
remained close to the river, having no sentres
my. The guns in the forts at Gaatz fully
covered the cavalry. The same movement was
made at lbrail and several hundred men we're
landed opposite that place. The telegraph was
put in requisition from Ibrail and stimuli
taneous movement took place, the Cossacks
advancing with great rapidity on the Dobrud-
scha. The force landed at 1brail had a more
difficult task, for they were compelled to ex-
tend their line to the utmost, while the detach-
ment from Galatz advanced along the main
md ho lorU of WI
was impossible for the enemy to approach
them because of the marshy condition of the
country. In less than two hours the two lines
of horsemen had formed a junction.
The distance between Galatz and Ibrail
measured on the inside bend in the river only
IS miles, Under cover of a Gordon of Cossacks
the pontoons were towed into position and
bridges at the two points were soon laid. No
sooner was the last plank laid in the main
structure than 5000 men and two batteries of
artillery passed over as rapidly as possible,
each battalion foIming directly as it reached
dry ground. By the time the guns were ready
to be brought over preparations Tor landing
them across the marsh were furnished. The
enemy in the shape of scattered irregular cav
airy had shown themselves at various points,
and when the main body of troops had formed
and the batteries been placed the Cossacks
were ordered forward to drive back the
vdettes. The advance was made toward
Matchip, the object being to attack it at once
found posted on a range of hills to the north
westward of the town. The batteries on these
hills opened on the invading troops and strong
attachments of irregulars sailed out to meet
the Cossacks. They did not risk close en-
counter, however, and a few shells from the
Russian battery posted on the assailed flank
dispersed the Bashi-Bazouks Without delay
the Russians were ordered to advance and
charge the batteries After a severe handtO
hand fight the outlying Notifications were
captured and the guns turned upon the fleeing
Turks The second assault followed as soon as
the men could be reformed, and with the aid of
the newly acquired field pieces the heights
were carried by storm.
These struggles continued till late in the
afternoon Driven from their intrenched posi-
tion, the Turks fell back on Matchin. The
Russians bivouacked for the night in the
deserted camp. During the night the utmost
activity prevailed in camp, and it was soon
generally known that Matchin was to be
attacked tomorrow