Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1877-07-12
The Crossing of the Danube.

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The following account of the crossing g
of the Danube, by the Russians, at Sim
nitza, is given in London telegram of
the Goth ult.:
The preparations for the crossing at that
point began in the swampy meadows be-
low SimnitZa, where the troops were as
sembled on the evening of the Goth, at
dusk. Silently and steadily battalion aft
er battalion and battery after battery
moved into its assigned position, the
greatest possible care being taken to avoid
attracting attention. The most perfect or
der and discipline prevailed, and every
man acted as if the issue of war depended
on the manner in which he exc
cuted his individual duty. The
point selected for the landing on the Bull
garian side was about two miles below
S stova, where it had been previously as
certained by efficient Russian spies that
the circumstances were favorable. The
men slept little that night, the ground
being damp, and the morning was await
ed 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 begun. A
number of boats had been collected, and
into these the first detachment stepped.
After few encouraging words from their
officers the boats were pulled briskly out
into the stream and made straight for the
Bulgarian shore, followed by the eager
eyes of their comrades in arms. Their
movement was observed from the Bull
garian side, and a heavy fire was
opened ON the boats from the Turkish ar
tillery. The boats pushed gallantly on,
however, and as they neared the other
shore the Turkish infantry commenced a
vigorous fusilade Detachment after de-
tachment followed from the Russian side
in boats, and, as they ran in toward the
enemy's position, they returned the mus
kerry fire with good effect. The Russian
batteries meanwhile kept up a terrific can
nonade to cover the landing.
AS the first boat dashed into the bank,
the men leaped ashore with a ringing
cheer, and Immediately formed strong
skirmish line to protect the landing. Boat
after boat pushed in, and company after
company disembarked, and soon suf-
ficient force was assembled to Justify an
attack on the nearest Turkish position.
The infantry were vigorously charged,
and, after brief but desperate struggle,
were driven from the landing place at tie
point of the bayonet.
By seven o'clock a whole brigade was
across, and the movement was kept up
without moments interruption or delay.
Everything had been provided for with
wonderful foresight and the orders of the
commanders were executed with the
greatest promptness and precision. AT
noon a whole division was over and
another ready to start at moments no.
tice on the Roumanlan shore.
AT nine o'clock in the morning a body
of Turkish infantry, 5000 strong, was
pushed forward, and commenced an at
| tack on the troops that had been landed.
A sharp fight ensued, but the Turks were
| in a short time driven back by the fire of
| the Yoliehine Brigade. This brigade fol
| lowing up its first victory, soon after took
possession of the heights near Sistova, and
| established themselves firmly there, so as
| to protect the landing of the troops which
| followed them.
So successful has the movement across
| the river been at this point that the
| Turkish resistance has been completely
overcome, and the Russians occupied Sis
tova on Thursday. AS soon as that op,
Grafton was completed bridge was
thrown across the Danube, and the whole
Eighth Corps moved over to the Bulga,
rian side.
"A man by the name Of Cast, in Gin.
cinnati, lost his little girl three years old
A young lady found the waif and cared
for her tenderly for week at great
trouble, and finally discovered who hel
| parents were. and borrowed a hat and