Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1877-07-11
The Passage of the Danube at Simnitza.

The Passage of the Danube at Simnitza.
A London dispatch published on the
morning of the Goth of June, saws of
the passage of the Danube at Simnitza.
The preparations for the crossing at
that point began in the swampy
meadows below Simnitza, where the
troops where ass embed on the even.
ing Of the 25th at dusk. Silently and
steadily battalion after battalion and
battery after battery moved into its
assigned position, the greatest possible
care being taken to avoid attracting
attention. The most perfect order and
discipline prevailed, and ever man act
ed as if the issue of the war de-
pended on the manner in which
he executed his individual duty. The
point selected for the landing ON
the Bulgarian side was about two miles
below Sistova, where it had been pre-
Viously ascertained by efficient Russian
spies that the circumstances were
favorable. The men slept little that
night, the ground being damp, and Il G
morning was awaited with feverish
anxiety. Not sound was heard but
the tramp OF men as they moved into
their places, or the dull noise made by
wagon or artillery wheels. The orders
were given in subdued tones, and as
few lights as possible were visible.
At dawn next morning, the order to
move was given. Every man fell into
his place, and the work of crossing the
river in the face of the enemy was be-
gun. A number of boats had been
collected, and into these the first de-
tachment stepped. After few en-
couraglng words from their officers the
boats were pulled briskly out into the
stream and made straight for the Bul-
garlan shore, followed 10y the eager
eyes of their comrades in arms. Their
movement was observed from the Bull
garian side, and a heavy fire was
opened Oh the boats from the Turkish
artillery. The boats pushed calamity
on, however, and as they neared the
other shore the Turkish infantry
commenced vigorous fusilade.
i'Nbtt1iiIINilt tillCl lOl-
lowed from the Russian side
in boats, and, as they ran in toward
the enemy's position, they returned
the musketry fire with good effect.
The Russian batteries meanwhile kept
up a terrific cannonade to cover the
landing.
AS the first boat dashed into the
bank, the men leaped ashore with
ringing cheer, and Immediately formed
a strong skirmish line to protect the
landing. Boat after boat pushed IN,
and company after company dlsem-
banked, and soon a sufficient force was
assembled to justify Az attack on the
nearest Turkish position. The IN
Iantry were vigorously charged, and,
alter a brief buo desperate struggle,
We're driven from TIE landing-pl al
the point of the bayonet.
BY seven o'clock whole brigade was
across, and the movement was kept up
without a moments Interruption or
delay. Everything had been provided
for with wonderful foresight, and the
orders of the commanders were exc
cuted with the greatest prompthess
and precision. At noon a whole dl-
vision was over and another ready 10
start at moments notice on the R0u-
manian shore.
At nine O'Clock in the morning
body of Turkish infantry, 5000 strong;
was pushed forward, and commenced
an attack on the troops that had been
landed. y sharp fight ensued, but the
Turks were, in Il short time, driven
BACK by the fire of the one
hlne Brigade. This brigade, following
up Its first victory, soon after TOOK
possession of the heights near Sisto'a,
and established themselves nFlhi!
there, so as to protect the landing u
the troops which followed them.
30 successful has the movemeh.
across the river been at this point tha'
the Turkish resistance has been coh-
pletely overcome, and the Russians
occupied Slstova on Thursday. 40
soon as that operation was compleseu
4 bridge was thrown across the Dah
lbe, and the whole Eighth Corps mo'eu
1Ipr n tho Rt,1, side