New-York tribune., 1878-02-19
ERZERUM UNDER SIEGE.
APPROACH OF THE RU>sIANs-THE INVESTING FOR


APPROACH OF THE RU>sIANs-TBE INVESTING FORCE
sickness AND WANT IN THE CITY.
rraOu An OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT TIE TRIBUNR.l
ERZERUM, Jan. 10.-rhe close siege predicted in
my last letter has been.upo US for live days. Inc
first ntimation that it was actually Mt hand was
given last Sunday, when some Persian wagoners who
were taking freight to Trebzond, were turned back
at Iliieh, three hours distant. There they found
the Russians in strong force. few days ago. with
nv field glass, | their long train skirtng tho
plain seven miles away. Their nearest approach 70
us IN passing was near Chiftlik. but now, with a
force Of about 10000 men, they have laid fast hold
of the link which connects Erzerum with the out
side world cutting the telegraph wires in various
places and interceptng our postal communication.
II is as difficult now as it has been throughout the
campaign to predict the movements OF the RUSSIANS
General Hcyman is said to be at Hnsk, lying at the
head OF the plain. At that place, and between it
and Iljeh, are about 10000 Russian soldiers, and
in our near vicinity are probably 10000 more.
This formidable force is thought by many to indi-
cate bold assault upon tn, town. Certainly hui
manity would plead for such a course, rather than
protracted investment, whether the suffering in
this city or that among their own soldiers be con-
sIdered.
Strange 10 say, there is little excitement here
about actual hostilities. We live in comparative
Quiet except for the multitude of sick and needy
creatures who throng our doors with supplications
for relief and the want which war has brought en-
Cages FAR more OF our thought and attention than
the war itself Typhus has increased to an alarm
ing extent Mt the hospitals and among the ply
sicans Of whom not fewer than ten have yielded to
its malignant attacks. OF the desttu;cn in this city
have written in former letters. Our list now num-
bcrs $50 families. Just after my last letter was
dispatched received telegram from Ir. Dwight,
of Consantinople, announcing the receipt OF ( l2O
10 alG the work of relief. But already this sum has
been nearly all expended for -four, and at the pres
ent ratio the supply cannot last longer than
month. The suffering, which We have not means
TO mitigate leaves us no heart TO rejoice over
the relief which we have been able to render. There
is no fuel TO be had in town. During tho cold
weather the soldiers suffer most intensely. They
have cut down nearly all the scattered trees which
had done much to break the monOtony of this 0Tien-
tal city. If the Russians would only make short
work of capturing the town, thus opening the
avenues of supply there wOud be some relief.
An event Of no small Importance TO us personally,
and TO the interests of the Christians in general,
was the withdrawal of the English Consul who
during this trying season, has proved n sympathz,
ing friend and a safe counsellor. me french ahd
Persian cOnSuls, too, have treated us win nnlIOrn
kindness and consideration. Just before ne was
summoned away, had two interviews With Mukh;
tar Pasha. HIS presence is naturally pleasing, aud
he has had the advantage of European education;
lie assured us that he would be our consul, and
believe that his cOrdality was sincere.
Several DAYS ago one OF the Prophets flags" as
the Turks termed it, was brought into the city from
Constantinope. Many thought that this was a mere
fcint asserting that the flag sent ont Of the city
only that its return might iinspir!t faithful Mus
suln,ans The citizens went forth in crowds 10 meet
the stately procession which was bringing IN the
standard. Twice 1t has been out in the hands of the
citizens whom more especially il would serve to
rally. The first time, on the I'd inst, nothing was
accomplished beyond the exchange of few shots
between the oupoSts, but two days later brlsk
skirmish ensued, and for more than an hour the
sound of cannonading reached us from the banks OF
the Euphrates.
by malaria. and my spirit has been crushed by the
loss OF two Of my three little boys whom the pre-.
voiling sickness struck down within short time of
each other Though our people were kind, and did
all in their power, it was the father OF the dead
Children who had TO make most of the preparations
for their burial aud there was none but him to
duct the sad service at their lonely grave.