The New York herald., 1879-09-15
exceedingly interesting as we'll to tn. civilian as to


exceedingly interesting well to the civilian as to
the soldier.
In writing of the second battle of Plevns Lienten-
an. Greene says that the failure of tbs Russians on
that day rise much hard feeling aud recrini-
nation 1T is of our business TO follow these
controversies or to try 20 fix the responsibility OF
the failure ha writes. 'It is enough for us storegn-
ers to notice the plain facts which shown hav.
ing no redeeming feature except Skobeleis brilliant
mannuvres." The lighting at shipka Pass OF which
he was an eyewitness. he records remarkable for
impetuous assaults and tenacious, dogged defence.
for long continued lighting and physical endurance.
but not for any skilful maaeruvres The battle of
Cerkoya is describei AS being terribly mismanaged
by the Turks and can be only considered fasco.
though it may have been from causes beyond tho
control of Mehemet ALI Lieutenant Greene gives an
exhaustive account of the third battle Pcyna and
gives ii as his opinion 'that the Russians were de-
feated at Pevna not because the position was inn
pregnable. because they did not have sufficient
forces, hut because they ignorant OF the
enemys position. ani failed to concentrate their
efforts upon the decisive points, and this the
Grand Duke ana General Nepok ochitsky acknowl-
edged when it too late. OF Skobelens extremely
reckless courage this occasion he thinks
that "while it compols that personal admiration
which such qualities always command is of course
that he the commanding general all that
part of the line On the other hand he thinks that
there is no doubt that without the aid which this
display Of daring gave to his men the position
would not have been carried or held as 1t was"
Both Prince Imeretinsky and General SkobeleoR
personally stated to Lieutenant Greene q few days
after tho battle that their losses over eight
thousand men. Not only the Russians
unacquainted with the eaemy's position. but
there was no ono man in command at
Plevna. The chapter devoted to the fail
of Plevna is q literal translation of General
Todleben's report. which Lieutenant Greene thinks
best describes this affair. When Osman taken
prisoner Todleben asked him why he retreated to
Radomirtza Osman replied that he had thought
of retreatng. but ho did not give the true reason,
which ultimately made known-viz that the war
council at the Seraskierate in Constantinople had
teegraphed him positive and explicit orders not to
retreat under any circumstances. Lieutenant
Greene considers that the Turkish far
from being rendered hopeless by tho fall Of Plevna,
though it lost to them the best OF their armies and
possibly the best of their generals. For political
rather than military the Grand Duke deter
mined to strike again at all hazards Immediately
after capture of Plevna 1t thought that the
war would drift into the hands Of diplomacy, with
all its attendant complications including the prob
Turks in case peace was not made. "4
Lieutenant Greene. while avowedly sympathizing
with the Russians is very fair in his treatment OF
the Turks. The Russian campaign Of 1s77-s began
with the plan Of crossing the Danube. masking the
fortresses in the Quadriatera crushing the Turkish
fol lce in the field and marching the Balkans to
Adrianople. was brought to q sudden halt immedi-
acly after the first part OF the plan-tho crossing Of
the Danube-had been accomplished by two causes.
says this writer First. the total inadequacy Of
the forces with which the campaign begun. and.
second, the opportune arrival OF Osman Pacha's
army on the right flank OF the invaders. Until this
obstacle could be removed no further advance
possible, and. therefore. tor five months the cam
paigu was paralyzed aud no forward progress
made" The "overweaning confidence and
tempt for their enemy which induced the Russians
open the campaign with half the fOrce which was
found necessary to conclude it," continues tho
writer the lack of practical experience ut the begin
ming OF the war. which resulted in such ignorant
attacks. without reconnoissances, that of Schder
Schuldner ut Pievna on July 20; tho dispersion OF
the army into detachments scattered over an enor-
extent of territory; the assault of intrenche6
camps with forces Interior to those Of the defenders;
the lack of tactical ensemble in the assaults Theso
arc of the faults which characterized the first
two stages OF the war. and brought delay in the
progress OF the struggle and death to many brave.
willing man. But once this obstacle OF Pievna re-
moved by the capture of Osmans army. the whole
character OF the campaign changed; and among the
Of this century. since those OF the great Ma
poleon, will seek in vain an instance OF move
ment more bold In conception. moro energetic in
execution. moro Overwhelmingly successful in it's
results, than the passage of the Balkans during the
succeeding winter; and Russia owes lasting debt
Of gratitude to the Grand Duke Nicholas. who deter-
mined that there should be winter campaign; to
Generals Gourko. Radelzky and Skobeef, who
Quoted it; and above ALL to tho patience and willing
endurance of the Russa- soldier. which alone made
1t possible.
The concluding chapters of Lieutenant Grceno'a
valuable work devoted to the campaign In Armc-
MIA. Although he has not attempted anything moro
ambitious than report; he has made one that
should q model to succeeding writer's
on military subjects. Without going into pic.
turesque details. he has given volume that
may be road with interest by any one. and
has made valuable addition to tho literature
of war. His statements made with frankne
and justice and he has avoided technicalities and
made clear and graphic story Of the Russian cam-
paign in Turkey that is not only an honor to HIM
self but which reflects credit upon the government
wise enough to choose him Tor thu delicate
mission. The volume Of maps and plans OF battles.
twenty-six in number. accompanying this work. 10
invaluable In the perusal Of this page Of history.
Altogether Lieutenant Greene deserves tho highest
praise for his work. which ho has evidcntiy hse-
slowed many months of hard and conscien houS
study.