The news & observer., 1897-04-25
AMY NORTH CAROLINA DAILY PAER

munlcaitlOnS to Athens, received IN Lon-
don up to midnight confirm the previous
advices from Larissa, more complete de-
tails of the conflicts being given.
Regarding the battle Of Nezeros, the
correspondent of the Associated Press
wiring on April Is, describes the diff
ficulties Of dragging to the crest OF An
nunciation hill by mules and men four
guns wharved that morning. Many
hours were spent before this mountain
battery was placed in position on the
great ridge above the lake. Hardly had
it been located, and scarcely had the gun-
ners opened fire, before the enemy, de-
bouched from the thick wood on top of
Marcasi hill, and forming steadily into
q column, swept rapidly toward the Greek
position. Then the value of the mountain
battery became Immediately apparent.
Two shells from the guns commanded by
Captain Pieris, fell in the centre OF the
Turkish column, exploding with great
havoc. The column wavered, halted and
retired for shelter in the wood. Later
the Turks, adopting the plan of open
formation, three times attempted to rush
to the top Of the hill, coming on impet-
uously. and animating each other with
loud cries, but the EvzOnes, whose disci-
pline was of the very best, extended their
ranks in admirable order on the lower
slopes Of Annunciation hill, and poured
in steady and we'll aimed fire, which
was we'll supported by the shells from
Captain Pieris's guns. Their position
proved insurmounta BILE and when night
fell hostilities ceased. The Greeks
strengthened their position. The next
day, in obedience to orders from the
Crown Prince, they acted strictly on che
defensive. The Turkish fire was poor.
OF the Greeks eight were killed and
twenty wounded.
While Captain Pieris successfully bonn
barded several Turkish blockhouses be-
fore dawn, Greek reinforcements arrived
and were posted by Col. Fouros along the
eastern slope Of Annunciation hill. As
dawn broke at FIVE o'clock on Sunday
morning, the Turkish jattalions debouch-
ed from the woods of Marcasi hill. The
first line rushed forward to occupy en-
trenchments dug during the night and
facing those occupied by the Evz0nes.
The second Of the Turkish battalions took
up a position higher up the slope, while
the third was held in reserve. On the
Greek side the four gun battery on the
crest was supported by artillery and by
the Evzones, some in extended order,
some under cover of trenches or rocks,
while the second battery with the Ev-
zones, as supports, was held in reserve at
the lake side. The action began with a
slow rife fire on both sides. At $50
o'clock the Turks, springing into the en-
trenchments, rushed on the Greek posi-
ton, but the Evzones responded with the
bayonet, driving the Turks back in a
most gallant manner. BY six O'Clock
in the morning it was light enough to
employ the battery, the gunners opened
fire and the engagement became gener-
al. The Greeks who numbered 1,20O, in
obedience to orders refrained from at
tacking the Turkish position. They kept
up gallant FIRE, and after shelling the
positions Of the first battalion, compelled
the Turks belonging to that organization
to seek the cover Of the woods. Two of
! the guns of the Greek battery were
thrown out of action, breaking their
trunnions, owing to the force Of the re-
coil.
The correspondent Of the Associated
Press says:
"Up to the time that I returned to
Nezeros on Sunday evening the Turks
had not attempted a combined assault
on the Greek position. The villagers Of
Nezeros fed to the mountains, led by
their pastor with rifle flung over his
shoulder"
| GREEKS LOST MATT.
! Athens, April 24.-Midnight-Sp Special
dispatches received from the frontier as
sert that the Turks while attacking
Matt, were repulsed several times yes
terday. At six o'clock in the evening the
. Greek forces were obliged to give way.
The Greeks retreated in good order ON
Karacles, where they are entrenched.
From Arta the Greeks occupied the
heights of Pontepigadia. 1t is believed
that the military operations in Epirns
. will soon be terminated.