The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-08-21
ON The EVE OF A GREAT BATTLE
Immense Russian Force Gathered
in Bulgaria.
WHY GOURKHA REITERATED
Germany's Protest Against the Release
Of the SaIonica Murderers.
TBy CABLE TO THE HERALD


LONDON, August 81, 1877.
The HERALD correspondent at Kurukdara
telegraphs that the army of General Loris
Melikof the divisions Of which were com.
manded by Generals Heyman, Devel and
Kamaroff, attacked the Turkish line al
three different points on Sunday. The en-.
gagement was very severe, and lasted, with.
out intermission, for eight hours.
sroRM1NG THE TURKISH WORKS.
The fight began by furious cannonade
from the Russian batteries all along the
line, the Turkish artillery replying with
great vigor. The Russian fire was very we'll
directed, and did great execution among
the masses of Turkish infantry posted
behind their works Under cover of this
artillery fire the Russian infantry moved
out and advanced to the attack of the
Turkish.
THE TURKS DRIVEN OUT.
The advancing Russian columns were
subjected to terrific fire from the Turkish
batteries. but the men moved briskly on,
taking advantage of every accident OF
ground that afforded cover, and their
skirmishers keeping up lively fusillade.
When they came within o short distance Of
the Turkish line they dashed forward and
A.. :.1~ ~1~c. r,sk
impetuosity that overcame all resistance in
an incredibly short time
RESTING ON THEIR LAURELs.
After short, sharp struggle the Turks
were driven out of their intrenchments at
the bayonet's point. They retired sullenly
on their second line, under cover Of brisk
cannonade, which kept the Russians at
respectful distance. The second Turkish
line being extremely strong and completely
dominated by heavy batteries on some
heights in the rear, the Russians did not
make an attempt to capture it.
THE RUSSIANS RETIRE.
The attack was really feint, intended to
keep the attention Of the Turks occupied
while movement of great strategic impor-
lance was being carried out in another direc.
ton. A constant fire was kept up during
the greater part of the evening, but toward
nightfall the Russians retired on their for.
mer position, according to the plan already
determined upon.
HEAVY LOSSES ON BOTH SIDES.
The loss on both sides was heavy.
The Russians had 3O4 men killed and rs
wounded. Among the latter are four off,
cers-viz., Major Esigoveritsch, Captain Mi.
cellaeff and Lieutenants Makropolof and
Comoroff. The Turks are reported to have
had 800 men killed
ON THE EVE OF BATTLE IN BULGARIA.
The HERALps special correspondent with
the Turkish army in Bulgaria telegraphs
that as junction has been effected by all
the forces under Mehemet Ali and Suleiman
Pacha at Statariger the Turkish commander
is resolved to offer battle to the Russians.
The Grand Duke Nicholas has assumed per.
sonal command of the Russian forces, and
altogether there will be over two hundred
and ten thousand men engaged.
MUKHTAR's ESTIMATE OF LOSSES.
A telegram from Mukhtar Pacha received
in Constantinople gives the Turkish losses
in Saturdays battle as 100 killed and 339
wounded and the Russian loss rs 1900
killed.
THE RUSSIAN CAVALRY RAIDS.
A correspondent at student, the headquarters Of
the Grand Duke Nicholas referring to the dispatch
of the Fourth Cavalry Division on an independent
expedition for the purpose Of stopping Turkish
munication with Sophia by blockadng the Ochordik
Pass telegraphs as follows:''lt is fclt here that
this should have been done earlier but If success
full now it will still have good results. .In the
event OF crushing Turkish defeat at Plevna it
would go far to make 1t another Sedan. The expe.
dition is obviously hazardous
ARE THE TURKS TO MOVE FIRsT9
He also says:-"The activity OF the Turks al
Plevna in sending out cavalry "Reminiscences
seems as though they had some intention OF taking
the OFFENSIVE. The weather is now fine again and
the roads are rapidly changing from mud to dust
/ am informed that the recent rains have not ma
terially affected the health of the troops"
RUSSIAN cANDOR.
The narrative OF the battle of Plevna sent by the