The Portland daily press., 1877-07-02
ON THE DANUBE.
The Turks Reinforced Before Sistova

hC uThH AhtAukOfCcu he1OfC SlatOVa.
=, New YORK, june 3O.-Cable specials state
that troops from Rustchuk have fastened to
support the Turks, who retreated from Sistova,
and detachments from Shumla and Bolgrad
are making forced marches to the scene of con-
Hct below SistOva near the river Jantra.
ltis stated that the Turkish gunboats broke
the Russian pOntoon bridge during the crossing
at Matchin, and for time 5000 Russians who
had crossed were isolated, and if the Turks
had had sufficient force they could have slaugh-
tered them all.
Kiernan's despatch says corps of Russian 3
that crossed the Danube at Turnu Magurel Ii
have Joined the Grand Duke at Sistovs, below
which place fierce battle is progressing
The Cars Movements.
BUCHAREST, July There is no further
information here about the fighting opposite
Sinnitzs. Tne Gar witnessed the lombard.
After the fight at Sistova he assisted the
wounded at Simnitza and decorated several
who had especially distinguished themselves.
He afterwards crossed the Danube and was ioy.
JULY welcomed by the Bulgarians.
A Great Battle at SisfOva-The Result
Unknown-The Russian Strength.
LONDON, July IA great battle has occurred
at olstova and Nicopolis. The Turkish official
accounts represent that the Ottoman troops
successfully resisted the Russian attack and
repnlsed them with great slaughter. Every
available man is hurried to resist the Russian
advance. 1t is reported the struggle is pro-
crossing along the whole line of the Danube,
Latest reports Saturday state that the result
OF the battle is UNKNOWN. No crossing has
taken place at Turnu Magurelli, but demon :
straton there was made in such force and
with such preparation as regards boats and
material for pontoon bridges that it would have
turned into an actual attack had fair chance
OF success offered. The appearance of the
Gar there induced the concentration of the
Turklsh forces and the Russians accordingly
made real attack at Simnitza The Russian
forces were massed at Draga, 10 miles back
from the Danube, and the neighboring villages
about an equal distance from Tunu Magurelli
and Simnllza, enabling quick concentration
upon whichever point proved weakest
The great camp OF the Russians is now situat-
heights
The following is the strength Of the Russian
forces: Their infantry divisions the Sth, 18th
and Goth: two divisions of artillery, one brigade
OF ritiemen, two regiments of Cossacks and
several miscellaneous detachments
The town of Sistova was occupied by the
Russian forces without serious opposition on
the afternoon of the 9th. On Thursday noon
the approach of a Turkish monitor suddenly
raised an alarm ard it stoppedlthe construction
without firing. On Friday the Gar and Caro- |
witch visited the wounded They then crossed |
the river and amid deafening cheers from the |
soldlery, the Gar embraced Gen. Dragniroff |
Hallng MIN as 'Ihe hero OF the crossing"
ssThe Observer has the following special de-
spatch from Constantinople dated Saturday
evening:
a terrible battle is progressing near Sistoya.
Kelntorcements are being hastily forwarded |
from Rustchuk, Shumla and Nikopolis. The |
Turks are still holding sheir ground and their |
artillery ID lndlctlng great loss upon the Rus |
SLAMS
A Reuter- despatch from Constantinople "A |
hours later date says Abdul Kerim replying to /
telegram sent him today Sunday by council /
OF Ministers, reports that up to the present |
$4,000 Russians have crossed the Danube. A |
battle is imminent at Bjela, which is expected |
to last for several days.
aG Various. Rumors.
IA special to the Standard from Shumla,
July ], reports large force of Russians ad
vancing inland have been defeated at Bila with
considerable loss.
The Daily News special says mirderous
smeute has broken out at Rlstchuk against the
Christians.
The Daily News despatch dated Friday mid
hight says report has Just arrived here
Simintza) that Turkish army left Rustcbuk
and ls on the march towards Sistova Prince |
Mlrskys division which is on the flank next to
is entrencbing itself as precautiop-
ary measure, but it is the purpose and policy of
'he Russians to.take the offensive.