My Dear Mrs. Freemantle,Tellme how Tom is? I hope he has saved his arm. Mine is off; but, thank God, I am as well as I hope he is.Ever Yours,HORATIO NELSON.
My Dear Mrs. Freemantle,
Tellme how Tom is? I hope he has saved his arm. Mine is off; but, thank God, I am as well as I hope he is.
Ever Yours,
HORATIO NELSON.
SARATOGA, BURGOYNE’S SURRENDER AT.—General Burgoyne, commander of a body of the British Army, after a very severe engagement with the American Provincials in the American War of Independence, October 17th, 1777, surrendered to the American General Gates. No less than 5791 men laid down their arms. This was the greatest check the British suffered during the war.
SCOPOLO.—On July the 5th, 1808, a desperate action was fought off the island of Scopolo, between a large Turkish frigate and corvette, and the Seahorse thirty-eight guns, captain Stewart, exhibiting the skill and gallantry of the latter against a great disparity of force, by which his own ship was so well preserved, while that of his opponent was ruined. The action began at half-past nine in the evening, the Turks under easy sail, a little off the wind, and continually endeavouring to board. At ten o’clock, after a quarter of an hour’s hot fire, the small ship was silenced; the large ship, which had during this time fallen a little to leeward, and thus been prevented from assisting her consort, recovered her position; the action was recommenced; and the resistance of the Turks was so obstinate, that it was not till a quarter past one she was rendered a motionless wreck. As they would neither answer nor fire, captain Stewart, knowing the character of the people, conceived it most prudent to wait for daylight to send on board her. At daylight, observing her colours upon the stump of the mizenmast, the Seahorse poured a broadside into her stern, when she struck. She was named the Badere Zaffer, of fifty-two guns, with a complement of 500 men, commanded by captain Scanderli Kichuc Ali, who had been prevented by his own people from blowing her up. Her loss was prodigious—165 killed and 195 wounded. The Seahorse had only five killed and ten wounded.
SEBASTOPOL.—The celebrated city besieged during the Crimean war. SeeBombardment, first and second (final) of Sebastopol; also,Mamelon,MalakoffandSortie.
SEDGMOOR, BATTLE OF.—Fought, July 5th, 1685, in which the Duke of Monmouth was completely defeated by the army of James II of England. The Duke, who was the natural son of Charles II, by Lucy Walters, one of his mistresses, was made prisoner, and soon afterwards executed.
SEIDLITZ, BATTLE OF.—Fought, April 10th, 1831, betweenthe Poles and Russians. The Poles obtained the victory, after a bloody battle, taking 4000 prisoners, and several pieces of cannon. The killed and wounded, on both sides, amounted to many thousands.
SEMINCAS, BATTLE OF.—FoughtA.D.938. One of the most bloody battles ever fought. Between the Moors and Ramirez II, King of Leon, and the Austrians. More than 80,000 of the infidels were slain, the dead lying in heaps for miles around.
SEMPACH, BATTLE OF.—Fought, July 9th, 1386, between the Swiss and Leopold, Duke of Austria. The heroic Swiss, after prodigies of valour, gained a great and memorable victory over the Duke, who was slain. By this battle they gained their independence, which they possess until this day; and they annually commemorate, with great solemnity, this victory.
SERGEANT.—The highest non-commissioned officer of a company. This word enters into the title of different officers, as sergeant-major, color-sergeant, &c.
SERINGAPATAM, BATTLE OF.—This first battle, called also the Battle of Arikera, in which the British defeated Tippoo Saib, was fought May 15th, 1791. The second, in which the redoubts were stormed, and Tippoo reduced by Lord Cornwallis, fought February 6th, 1792. After this capture peace was signed, and Tippoo agreed to cede one-half of Mysore, and to pay 33,000,000 of rupees, about £3,000,000, sterling to England, and to give up his two sons as hostages. In a new war the Madras army arrived before Seringapatam, April 5th, 1799. It was joined by the Bombay army, April 14th, and the place was stormed and carried by Major General Baird, May 4th, same year. Tippoo was killed in this engagement.
The following account gives the particulars of the 1st engagement previous to the capture of Seringapatam.
“On the 27th of March, 1799, at three o’clock p.m., the right wing (of the British army destined for the capture of Seringapatam) moved slowly off the ground of encampment, along a heavy sandy road, impeded in their progress by the ponderous battering-train of guns, each 42 pounder being drawn majestically along by thirty, forty, and sometimes fifty bullocks, harnessed four abreast; and even these numbers were frequently found insufficient to extricate the wheels of the carriages fromthe deep sloughs into which they often sank, even up to the axles, when the aid of elephants was required; these sagacious animals would wind their trunks or probosci around the nave and between the spokes of the wheels, and thus lift gun and carriage from the impending difficulty, whilst the bullocks were being goaded and whipped with leather thongs. The ponderous machines were thus drawn forward. It was indeed an admirable and beautiful sight to observe the sagacity of these huge creatures; for when one only was brought up to assist, if the weight was too considerable for its animal strength, a shrill trumpeting proceeding from its proboscis would instantly proclaim this deficiency in strength for the object required, when the keeper would call for another elephant, and then the united power of the two, simultaneously applying their whole force, would speedily overcome almost insurmountable difficulties; though, when guns and carriages were embedded up to the axles of the four wheels, several of these noble animals have been required to lift the machines bodily from the tenacious clay into which they had sunk.
Clouds of looties, or irregular predatory horsemen, were on the right flank of the line, who fired incessantly on the British as they advanced; and when a stoppage occurred, to extricate the guns, large bodies of these looties would suddenly dash through the intervals, cutting down the artillerymen, maiming the bullocks, and destroying the whole paraphernalia of harness; and this in spite of all the exertions of skirmishers to keep them at a respectable distance. The fierce sun was almost intolerable, and many Europeans fell dead fromcoups-de-soleil. Only three miles and a half could be marched from three o’clock until nearly twelve, when the little mud-walled fort of Malleville was descried, with the gallant 19th dragoons, drawn up in close column under the walls, to shelter them from the enemy’s brisk cannonade. At a hill fortress (Amboor), previous to mounting the Ghauts and entering the Mysore country, the British army had been joined by about 10,000 of the Nizam’s troops—a disorderly set of savage, undisciplined barbarians (clothed in stuffed cotton jackets, covered with steel-chained armour, capable of resisting a musket-ball), prancing and skirmishing about the country in every direction, wielding their long lances with uncommon dexterity, managing their horses with grace and ease, almost to perfection in the equestrian art—sometimes casting their spears, and then, at full gallop, bending the body so low under the horse, as to recover possession of the spear that lay flat on the sand. This heterogeneous force was certainly an additional strength to the numerical force of the British, but, in amilitary point of view, of dubious advantage to the invading regular army, whose movements they frequently disconcerted by dashing furiously through the intervals between the columns on the line of march, and, being often mistaken for the enemy’s irregular horse, were fired at accordingly, many of them perishing in this unprofitable manner; and had any adverse fortune occurred in the campaign, confusion and defeat must have ensued, as these disorderly masses would inevitably have incommoded, and rendered all military discipline abortive. Accordingly, to protect them from absolute annihilation, the 33rd regiment of infantry, under command of the hon. colonel Wellesley (the Duke of Wellington), was attached to this disorderly crew, and acted with them during the advance to Seringapatam. The movements of the whole army was entirely confided to the management of Colonel Barry Close, a Company’s officer, and adjutant-general to the forces—a man of extensive capacity, who had displayed eminent talents in both civil and military departments during his long residence in India. He was an ornament to his profession, and, had fortune favoured him, might have proved a first-rate general. For his amiable and conciliatory disposition, he was beloved and esteemed by all who enjoyed the advantage of his society.
During the march, the towns and villages were involved in flames in every direction, and not an atom of food or forage was anywhere procurable (every officer of the army was provided with three months’ provision of biscuit, &c., borne on the backs of bullocks in various numbers, according to the grade of the officer), and every tank or pool of water was impregnated with the poison of the milk hedge, large quantities of the branches of which the enemy had industriously thrown in—so that many horses, bullocks, and even, in some instances, men, fell victims to the deleterious infusion.
As the head of the British column passed the little fort of Malleville, the quarter-master-general was observed marking out the site for encampment on an extensive sandy plain in front of the fort. The booming of distant heavy ordnance was plainly distinguishable. The lascars had commenced pitching the tents and marquees for the reception of the exhausted troops, but were suddenly interrupted in their occupation by the successive bounding of cannon-balls amongst them, when they precipitately quitted the dangerous situation, and fled for protection to the rear of the approaching troops. The enemy were posted on a commanding eminence about two miles distant, at the extremity of the sandy plain, supported by a long range of numerous heavy artillery and strong imposingbodies of regular cavalry. The English pickets, commanded by Captain Macpherson, of the 12th foot, pushed on towards the enemy’s left flank with two 12-pounder galloppers, and the action became brisk in that quarter—for, having ensconced themselves in a wood, they were thus secure from the charges of hordes of cavalry surrounding, whom they saluted with reiterated discharges of grape-shot from the galloppers. In the interim, whilst this scene was agitating, the right wing of the British army formed, on the intended ground of encampment, in contiguous close columns, and in this form cautiously advanced towards the eminence in front. I now, for the first time, became acquainted with the whirring, hoarse noise of cannon-balls—the phitz, phitz, of musket-bullets passing close to the body—and the ping, ping, of those flying distantly over head: fortunately, the balls, rockets, &c., were ill-directed, and did little execution. As the columns approached nearer the enemy’s position, the heavy guns were withdrawn behind the eminence (Tippoo Saib fearing nothing so much as the capture of his artillery, which he had invariably lost in his former battles with lord Cornwallis, in 1782), and ultimately disappeared! In this short advance, Captain Whitley, of the grenadiers of the 12th (to which company I was attached), observing, I presume, the unaccustomed paleness of my countenance, turned round and offered me a refreshing draught of brandy and water from the contents of his canteen, or leathern bottle attached to his side, which I gratefully accepted; for at eighteen we have not the nerves and stamina of a man of forty years old. Untried individuals may sarcastically sneer at this apparent indication of pusillanimity; but never, during all my service, did I observe soldiers enter on a scene of action with that calm, florid appearance, denoting a sense of health and security: did man ever yet exist exempt from the common feelings of human nature? In point of fact, there is an evident, palpable alteration of feature in every man, at the commencement of a battle; as it rages, this marked difference in the lineaments of the countenance disappears, and the excitement of exertion soon produces the usual effect of renewed animation, with a spirit of recklessness indifferent to the consequences of existing danger.
The advancing columns having approached within a few yards of the summit of the eminence, halted, and deployed into line, and thus marched on, when having reached the apex of the ascent, the formidable army of the redoubtable Tippoo Saib appeared drawn up on the plain below in battle array, with woods on both flanks, covered with tens of thousands of horsemen: the first indication of a serious attack proceeded from a bodyof cavalry, who charging the light infantry skirmishing front, soon drove them with headlong speed into the British line, where they rejoined their battalions; this body of horse, of about 1500, was formed in a compact wedge-like shape, with the front angle headed by two enormous elephants (saddled with howdahs, filled with distinguished officers), having each a huge iron chain dangling from the proboscis, which they whirled about with great rapidity, a blow from which would have destroyed half a company of infantry; at the first superficial view they were mistaken for the Nizam’s troops, but as they rapidly approached (firing their pistols and carbines, which produced some trifling effect) towards an interval of a few yards extent between his majesty’s 12th regiment and a battalion of Sepoys on the right, it was soon obvious they intended passing through this interval to the rear of the British line; fortunately, at this momentous crisis, a detachment of the Company’s native cavalry suddenly galloped from the rear, and completely filled up the space, when the enemy edged off, and directed their whole column to the front of the 12th regiment. General Harris, the commander-in-chief, suddenly appeared in the rear, vociferating aloud, “Fire, 12th! fire!” To their eternal credit, coolness, and unexampled discipline, be it recorded, that although standing with recovered arms, not a shot was fired, nor even a movement made, that indicated indecision; the men knew it was not the voice of the colonel, who, however, thus pressed by the authority of his superior officer, now gave the command—“Steady, 12th! and wait until these fellows are within ten yards of you,—then singe the beggars’ whiskers.” This order was implicitly obeyed. At the word “Fire!” a volley was effectually poured into the wedge of cavalry, followed by a rapid and well-directed file-firing, which produced the happiest effect; for on the smoke clearing away, a complete rampart of men and horses lay extended on the earth, in front of this invincible old corps! The elephants, maddened, with pain from their innumerable wounds, were shuffling away with speed, and swinging the enormous chains to right and left amidst the retiring cavalry, many of whom were thus destroyed. The howdahs (from which the leading chiefs had directed the charge) were dashed to atoms, and several of these brave men’s heads hung from the backs of the enraged animals; horses rearing, and crushing the riders to death—other loose and wounded horses scouring the plain on all sides—the scene was awfully terrific! Just at this eventful period, two 9-pounder field-pieces replaced the cavalry in the interval alluded to, at once opening a destructive shower of grape-shot on the discomfited horsemen, who were attempting to jointheir main body stationed in the woods below; these latter, perceiving the entire defeat of the “Forlorn Hope,” poured forth their tens of thousands, scouring rapidly over the sandy plain, exposed to the exterminating effects of the British artillery. The battle now became general along the whole line—infantry, cavalry, and artillery, all exerting their utmost efforts of destruction. Unfortunately, a large body of the Mysorian cavalry outflanked and cut into the rear of the British line, destroyed crowds of sick men and lascars, who were considered safe from such indiscriminate and inhuman butchery. Many of these gallant fellows, although in the last stage of human debility, crawled out of the doolies (rough palanquins for sick men), and fought manfully to the last gasp. On the extreme right of the line, the hon. colonel Wellesley was stationed, with his majesty’s 33rd regiment of foot, surrounded by the Nizam’s cavalry. The Mysorians at once charged the Nizam’s horse, who as suddenly scampered off. When the 33rd regiment were first observed by the enemy, the usual cry of “Feringee bong chute!” (“Rascally English!”) was uttered, and Tippoo’s cavalry fled in confusion, leaving several battalions of infantry to receive the dreadful charge of the British regiment! One hurrah! and the opposing infantry came in contact; several thousands of the Mysorians were bayonetted, the rest retiring in dismay, followed by the 19th dragoons, who cut and slashed without mercy. The right wing of the enemy being thrown into irretrievable confusion, and all parts of their line wavering, the battle was soon ended, Tippoo Saib drawing off with all possible haste. The British line now began to advance from their fighting position; but so numerous were the dead bodies of men and horses in front of the 12th regiment, that some difficulty was experienced in surmounting the obstacle! Two or three horsemen, in the attack of the wedge of cavalry, cut through the 12th regiment, but were immediately shot in the rear. To give an idea of the temper, sharpness, and weight of the swords of these men, who had all drugged themselves with bang (a narcotic herb, resembling opium in its effects on the human frame), for the attack, I have only to mention, that the barrel of one of the European’s muskets was completely severed by one cut from a Moorman’s sabre, the blade of which was three and a half feet long, half an inch thick at the back, and four inches broad, weighing fourteen pounds!
It is now only necessary to add, that the victory was in favour of the British, who with the right wing of their army (about 16,000 men) had engaged the combined forces of the sultan, destroying several thousands,with the loss only of a few hundreds. No guns were captured on either side. About six o’clock in the afternoon, the only indication of the proximity of an enemy was the distant booming of heavy artillery. The British, on reaching their original ground of encampment, were congratulated by the left wing of the army (just encamping, after a tedious hot march) on the success of the engagement, expressing regret that they had not arrived in time to participate in the glory of the day.”
SERINGAPATAM, OPENING THE TRENCHES BEFORE.—“On the morning of the 5th April, 1799, the British army encamped on their permanent ground for the siege of the celebrated fortress of Seringapatam; and, after due deliberation, it was decided to open the trenches, if possible, the same evening. In accordance with this determination, two separate bodies of troops were ordered to parade, at six o’clock in the afternoon—one destined to drive the enemy from the dry bed of a nullah, or narrow river—the other to take possession of a small wood situated in a line on the right of the river, and rather nearer the encampment, which had been occupied the night before by a detachment of flankers under General Baird, and evacuated, the enemy having silently retreated from it on the approach of the English. Both these positions were, on the 5th, strongly occupied by select bodies of Tippoo’s troops. To accomplish these arduous enterprises, his Majesty’s 12th regiment, with a proportion of sepoys or native troops, consisting of about 2000 effective men, under the command of lieutenant-colonel Shaw (of the 12th foot), marched from the British lines at a quarter past six o’clock, to take possession of the bed of the river; his majesty’s 33rd regiment of foot, with a detachment of sepoys, amounting, in toto, to 2000 men, under the command of colonel Wellesley (now the duke of Wellington), quitted camp about the same time, to occupy the tope, or wood, on the right of the bed of the river. The two posts were intended to be carried at or near the same time as possible, for the mutual protection and security of both detachments—as one position was almost untenable without the occupation of the other. The British encampment was situated three miles from Seringapatam, on a rising ground gradually sloping up from the fortress, with the exception of partial undulations, which, however, did not prevent a perfect view of the whole intermediate spaces. The two posts (nullah and top) were midway between the camp and the besieged town. Scarcely had these two little columns quitted the camp, than they were assailed by showers of rockets and blue lights from every direction infront, which completely illumined the atmosphere, and exposed the British to the fire of Tippoo’s tiger sepoys; heavy masses of whom poured death into Shaw’s force, with the most terrific effect. Still this gallant little body moved slowly on (as the night was exceedingly dark), although more encumbered each moment with dead, dying, and wounded: the rockets and musketry from upwards of 20,000 of the enemy were incessant—no hail could be thicker; with every blue light came a shower of bullets, and several rockets passed through the head to the rear of the column, causing death, wounds, and dreadful lacerations:[2]the cries of the wounded were quite awful. Not a shot did the British fire, nor had the men even loaded their pieces; a caution from the brave old colonel Shaw, that “all must be done with the bayonet,” needed no repetition to ensure obedience; but scarcely had this caution been conveyed through the ranks, when a tremendous peal of musketry was heard on the right flank, in the direction of the wood, which caused Shaw’s force to halt, as the attack became so formidable from the front, and both flanks, that it would have been an useless sacrifice of the men’s lives to stand up; they were consequently directed to lie down for a few minutes, to avoid the effects of the enemy’s scorching fire, which now proceeded from a very few yards’ distance—the brilliant light of their fire-balls or blue lights exposing Shaw’s column to the full force of their musketry; and imagining, from the recumbent posture of the British, that the majority was killed, a large column of the tiger sepoys ventured an attack with the bayonet, and drove in the battalion of the Company’s sepoys, who were a few yards in advance on the right, and killing their major. The command, “Up, 12th and charge!” was no sooner given, than each man sprang up and advanced to the charge in silence and compact order. The tiger sepoys stood, until a very few yards intervened between the combatants, when a general shout of “Feringee bong chute!” (“the rascally English!”) was uttered, and the enemy dispersed on all sides in considerable confusion; but, shortly after, again threw out their blue lights, and recommencedtheir murderous file-firing, which once more compelled the British to resume their prostrate posture. It was now about twelve o’clock at night, when the solemn trampling of a body of troops was plainly distinguished, approaching from the right flank in a hasty and rather tumultuous manner. Once more Shaw’s column were on their feet and preparing to charge, when a few stragglers from the hon. colonel Wellesley’s force rushed in, and announced that the detachment had been repulsed from the wood, and that the approaching trampling was part of the force coming to join Shaw—that two companies of the 33rd, with their colonel (Wellesley), were missing! A few minutes after this report, major Shea (second in command to Wellesley) joined Shaw’s force with the remains of that detachment: he stated that colonel Wellesley, with two companies of the 33rd regiment, had been either taken prisoners or had retreated to camp! As second in command, he had considered it his duty to traverse the wood in search of him, which proving unsuccessful, and the fire from the enemy becoming so exceedingly heavy, had induced him to lead the remaining troops to colonel Shaw, for the purpose of obtaining information, and receiving instructions how to act. Colonel Shaw replied, ironically, “that he had better follow his colonel to camp”—a hint that was implicitly and immediately complied with. Indignation here overcame prudence, as Shaw soon saw the enemy pouring in from all sides, and the stoutest heart in his force predicted a fatal result, from the united and concentrated efforts of so numerous an enemy. Large quantities of ammunition were sent from camp during the night, for the supply of Shaw’s column, as, from the tremendous firing, it was naturally apprehended that all their cartridges had been expended; but these incessant peals of musketry had all proceeded from Tippoo’s troops (not a single shot had been returned by Shaw’s column). The oldest soldier in camp declared they had never heard so tremendous a fire: in fact, it continued for twelve hours without intermission, blue lights and rockets illuminating the air the whole time—beautiful, though terrific. It was generally imagined in camp that Shaw and his detachment must have been inevitably annihilated; but this gallant old officer only waited the dawn of day, to exhibit one of the most glorious and impressive spectacles that ever added lustre to the annals of British military fame! The appearance of Wellesley in camp, followed by part of two companies of the 33rd regiment, reporting that the remainder of his detachment had been cut to pieces, increased the probability of the inevitable destruction of the other attacking column, and all was anxiety and commiseration, in camp, for the fate of this devoted little band.
At five o’clock on the morning of the 6th April, the fire of musketry began to relax; the whole were under arms, and generously anxious for the safety of the column under Shaw’s command: but scarcely had the day dawned, than a glorious and exhilarating scene was displayed: the gallant old 12th, and the sepoys in line with them, were seen rushing on the entrenched enemy at the point of the bayonet, and driving them from the bed of the river, in spite of a heavy cannonade from the fortress of Seringapatam, and the resistance of the numerous columns opposed to them. Never did men more heroically perform their duty: the conflict was excessively murderous and obstinate, as the tiger sepoys were brave, numerous and well-disciplined. For some time the result of the attack appeared most dubious, as a considerable body of French troops persevered in most gallant style, in leading on Tippoo’s sepoys. The rapid charge of the 12th regiment, supported by the sepoys composing the force, excited the admiration of the whole British army. General Harris was heard to exclaim, “Well done, old 12th! why, they are going to take Seringapatam!” The occupation of the bed of the nullah being at length achieved by Shaw’s column, it had scarcely secured itself under the embankment of the river, from the thundering cannon of the fortress, when the enemy in the wood (who had opposed and put Wellesley to flight) opened a destructive fire from several field-pieces, which completely enfiladed Shaw’s post. A mound of earth was quickly thrown up on the right flank of the 12th regiment, to protect them, as much as possible, from this fresh annoyance; but this precaution could not have prevented the British from being dislodged from the bed of the river, had not several brigades from camp been observed advancing to support the position of Shaw’s post, and to drive the enemy from the wood. The certainty of speedy support inspired Shaw’s column with renewed ardour, and a fire was for the first time returned, with a rapidity and effect that completely disconcerted the enemy, who retired in good order, ever and anon facing about and firing a volley of musketry.
They were not relieved until the close of the evening of the 6th, as the enemy’s firing from the fortress of Seringapatam was so destructive, that Baird’s brigade was compelled to halt and return to camp; the other brigade, under Wellesley, advanced and took possession of the wood which the enemy abandoned, and thus relieved Shaw’s post from an annoying enfilade of cannon and musketry, from which they suffered for at least an hour and a half after daybreak, with the greatest constancy and courage. Eleven officers and 180 rank and file were killed and woundedin this small force during the night and morning of the 5th and 6th April. About seven o’clock in the evening of the latter day, the 74th regiment relieved the 12th, who were right happy to break their fast after twenty-four hours’ hard fighting and fasting.”
SEVILLE.—Surrendered to the French, February 1st, 1810; taken by assault by the British and Spaniards, after the battle of Salamanca, August 27th, 1812, when the French left it, at the general evacuation of the south of Spain, in consequence of their signal defeat in that battle.
SHERRIFMUIR, BATTLE OF.—Fought, November 12th, 1715, between the Royal army, under the Duke of Argyle, and the Scotch rebel forces, who favored the Pretender, and commanded by the Earl of Mar. The insurgents were defeated. Fought on the same day in which the rebel forces were defeated at Preston.
SHREWSBURY, BATTLE OF.—Fought, July 21st, 1403, between the Royal army of Henry IV, and the army of the Nobles, led by Percy, surnamed Hotspur, who had conspired to dethrone Henry. Each army consisted of about 12,000 men, and the engagement was most obstinate and bloody. Henry was seen everywhere in the thickest of the fight, while his valiant son, who was afterwards the renowned conqueror of France, fought by his side, though wounded in the face by an arrow, still kept the field and performed astonishing deeds of bravery. On the other hand, Hotspur performed prodigies of valour; 2300 gentlemen were slain, and about 6000 private men. Hotspur was killed by an unknown hand, and his death decided the fortune of the day.
SHROPSHIRE, BATTLE OF.—In which the Britons were completely defeated, and Caractacus, their leader, taken prisoner and sent to Rome; foughtA.D.51.
SIEGES.—Numerous in History; the following are the most important:—
Acre, 1799, by Bonaparte; siege raised after sixty days, open trenches.
Algiers, 1816.Seethis article.
Almeida, August 27th, 1810.
Antwerp, 1576, use of infernal machines; also besieged 1583, 1585, 1706, 1792, and 1814.
Badajoz, March 11th, 1811, but raised June 9th. Taken by escalade on the night of April 6th, 1812.
Bagdad, 1248.
Bayonne, 1451.
Berwick, 1293.Seethis article.
Bommel, 1794; the invention of the covert-way used here.
Burgos, September to October, 1812, raised; the French in their retreat blew up the works, June 13th, 1813.
Calais, 1347; British historians affirm cannon first used here at this siege.Seethis article.
Candia, 1667; the largest cannon then known in Europe, used here by the Turks.
Carthagena, 1706.
Chalons, 1199.
Cherbourg, 1650.
Ciudad Rodrigo, 1706, July, 1810; January, 1812.Seethis article.
Constantinople, 1453.
Copenhagen, 1700, 1801, and 1807.Seethis article.
Cracow, 1772.
Dunkirk, 1646, 1793.
Frederickshall, 1718, Charles XII killed here.
Gibraltar, 1704, 1799, and 1782; red hot cannon balls used here to burn the French fleet.Seethis article.
Ismael, 1790.Seethis article.
Kars, 1855.Seethis article.
Londonderry, 1689.Seethis article.
Mons, 1572, 1691, 1709, 1746, 1792, and 1794.
Mothe, 1634; the French taught by Mr. Muller, an English engineer, first practised the art of throwing shells.
Naples, 1381, 1435, 1504, 1557, 1792, 1799, and 1806.
Orleans, 1428, 1563.
Philipsburg, 1644, 1675, and 1688; first experiment of firing artilleryà-ricochethere, also besieged 1734 and 1795.
Romorentin, 1356; according to Voltaire, artillery first used here in sieges.
St. Sebastian, September, 1813.
Salamanca, June, 1812.
Saragossa, oftener spelledZaragosa,—appended to this article is a graphic account of the 2nd siege. It was besieged three times, in 1710, 1808, and 1809, the two last were dreadful sieges.
Schweidnitz, 1762 and 1807. Here was the first experiment to reduce a fortress by springing globes of compression.
Sebastopol, 1854 and 1855.See this article under the heads ofBombardment of Sebastopol,Mamelon,Quarries,Rifle Pits,Sortie, &c.
Seville, 1096, 1247, 1248, one of the most memorable sieges mentioned in Spanish history.
Silistria, 1854.Seethis article.
Stralsund, 1675, 1713, and 1807; the method of throwing red hot cannon balls first practiced here with certainty.
Tarifa, December 20th, 1811.
Toulon, 1707 and 1793.
Tournay, 1340, 1312, 1581, 1667, and 1709. During this siege the best defence ever drawn from countermines was here practised; also besieged in 1765 and 1794.
Tunis, 1270, 1535.
Valenciennes, May 23rd to July 14th, 1793.Seethis article.
Warsaw, September 8th, 1831.
Zutphen, 1572 and 1586.
SILISTRIA, SIEGE OF.—In 1854.—The following is an admirable account of the siege of this place:
“After the battle of Citate, so bitter a blow to the pretensions of Russia, the enemy’s Generals found it advisable to change their plan of operations. Adopting Foktchani as their basis, they accumulated a large amount of military stores, and finding that the Turks were not to be tempted into crossing the Danube, calmly awaited reinforcements. When these had arrived, it was resolved to make a desperate effort to force the passage of the river. Imperative orders arrived from St. Petersburg to press the war vigorously, and at any cost. On the 13th of February they attacked Giurgevo, on the Wallachian bank of the Danube, with a considerable force, and after a vigorous resistance, the Turks were forced to evacuate their position, though not without being able to effect an orderly retreat across the river, and establish themselves firmly in the opposite town of Rustchuk. The Russian Generals now resolved on concentrating their strength, and making an irresistible advance into Bulgaria. With characteristic promptness, however, Omer Pacha initiated the attack. Throwing a small column across the Danube at Rahova, he assaulted and drove back the outposts at Kalarasch with considerable slaughter; and the Turks, after this dashing feat, retired in security to Rahova. Another attempt was made by the extreme right of the Russian line, on the 11th of March, to seize Kalafat; but they were energetically repulsed by thebrave garrison of that renowned town. Four days later, Prince Gortschakoff made a desperate effort to wrest from its Ottoman defenders the island in the Danube between Tukurtai and Oltenitza, which had been so important a position in the battle at the latter place. The Russians were again driven back, but some idea of the sanguinary nature of the struggle may be formed from the fact that 2000 soldiers of the Czar left their bodies on the disputed ground.
“Five days before this desperate attempt to force the passage of the river at Oltenitza, General Luders had succeeded in crossing, at Galatz, into the Dobrudscha. Gortschakoff, defeated as he had been, resolved upon abandoning the position he had so disastrously occupied, and shifting his ground farther to the east, effected a passage at Tultscha, beyond the point where Luders had passed with his army. The two divisions were now united, and numbered about 5000 men. By a curious coincidence, the 23rd of March, the day on which Gortschakoff crossed the river, was the same day in which Odessa was so successfully bombarded by the allied fleets. Thus was the Russian success more than counterbalanced. Four days later, England and France had officially entered into the struggle. The great object of the enemy’s movements now became apparent. Prince Paskiewitch, the veteran General, the most celebrated commander of the Russian army, was summoned from Poland to assume the supreme command, and Schilders, the most accomplished general of engineers, also hastened to the scene of operations. The capture of Silistria, the strongest fortress on the southern bank of the Danube, and the key to Bulgaria, was evidently the object of the Russians. So important was the possession of this place deemed by the Czar, that the most imperative directions were forwarded to accomplish it at any cost. The plan of operations was this. Gortschakoff and Luders, having crossed the Danube, were to advance towards Silistria, intercepting communications, and investing it on the land side; while Paskiewitch was to throw forward the main body of the army and vigorously assault it from the northern side. The garrison of Silistria, commanded by Moussa Pacha, a General of great ability and indomitable courage, did not number more than 8000 men.
“Now commenced one of the most memorable sieges which history has ever recorded. Others have exceeded it in the number of men engaged, in the length of time occupied, but none in heroic episodes and unflinching constancy. On the 14th of April, batteries were thrown up on the north bank of the Danube, opposite the devoted town, and a vigorous bombardment opened, but without much effect. On the 28th the first assault wasmade, but so hot was the reception the attacking force met with, that three weeks elapsed before they had sufficiently recovered to completely invest the town. By that time 53,000 Russians had surrounded the fortress, and batteries had been established, commanding the most important points. On the south-west front, and consequently the land side of the town, two very important earthworks were thrown up, known as Arab Tabia and Illanii. The ground on which these works were situated rises in a series of platforms, which virtually command the town. Their defence, therefore, was of the utmost importance to the brave garrison. Again and again, for the space of ten weeks, did the enemy precipitate strong columns of men against these mounds of earth, and again and again were they driven back with enormous loss. In vain the Russian cannonade levelled the bastions and slaughtered the defenders; others supplied their places, and once more the works rose defiantly. The Russian shells swept the ground, and the Turks burrowed in the trenches, till the advancing columns of assailants rushed to the breach. Then the undaunted defenders sprang upon them, and hurled them back, covered with defeat. Every attack was made with increased numbers, and made only to be the more ignominiously defeated. Mines were stealthily advanced towards the works; but the Turks countermined, and the Russian sappers were blown into the air. All this while an incessant bombardment from the river batteries poured death into the town. But the undaunted besieged never for a moment relaxed their resistance. Three master-spirits guided their operations, and infused heroic courage into their ranks. Captain James Butler, a young Englishman, who had volunteered for service in the army of the East, had joined the garrison, in company with Lieutenant Nasmyth, another young officer, animated by similar motives. These two gallant men were the very soul of the defence, and aided by the brave Maussa Pacha, the Ottoman Commander, successfully defied the power of the assailants. Butler, as the senior of the two Englishmen, assumed a position readily acceded to him by his Turkish allies, and to him they were indebted for the admirable construction and disposition of the defensive works. Lieutenant Nasmyth proved himself a most able seconder of his friend’s exertions, and in the capacity of “special correspondent” of theTimesnewspaper, made all Europe acquainted with the details of this extraordinary siege.
“Straining every nerve, and exhausting every resource, to become masters of the place, the Russian Generals summoned to their aid the larger portion of the right wing of their army, thus materially weakeningtheir power of opposing the Turkish forces to the westward of Silistria, who, in consequence, obtained some easy successes. On the 12th of May, a tremendous assault was made by the besiegers on the town, and repulsed after a sanguinary struggle, in which more than 2000 Russians was lost. Ten days afterwards another assault was attempted, and again was the enemy defeated. With true Russian wiliness, overtures were secretly made to Moussa Pacha to betray his trust, and for an adequate price to deliver the fortress to the Czar. The brave man scornfully rejected the proposition, and bade the enemy to take it if they could. Meanwhile, Omer Pacha was anxiously endeavouring to succour the devoted garrison. Obstacles interposed by the stupidity, if not traitorous connivance, of officials in the ministry, had hitherto effectually tied his hands; but at length, on the 5th of July, a detachment of Turkish troops effected an entrance into the town after a smart skirmish; and on the 8th, about a thousand more literally cut their way through the Russians, and were added to the garrison. Aided by those welcome reinforcements, the Turks now assumed the offensive, and on the night of the 13th made a sortie, and succeeded in destroying the Russian works, springing their mines, and inflicting a terrible loss upon their ranks.
“It was now evident to the Russian Commanders that, if the town were to be taken at all, it must be by acoup de main, and a grand assault was ordered for the 28th of June. But they had miscalculated the valour of their soldiers. Daunted by the warm reception they had hitherto experienced, they absolutely refused to march again to the breach; and nothing but the threat of stopping their rations unless Silistria were taken the next day, could induce these valiant warriors to perform their duty. On the next day, the Russian Generals led their half-starved and unwilling forces against the redoubts of Silistria. The Commanders, Prince Paskiewitch, Count Orloff, Generals Schilders, Gortschakoff, and Luders, placed themselves in the very front of the attacking force, anxious to stimulate the soldiers by their own exposure. The assault was attempted, and most triumphantly repulsed. The Russians were thrown into the utmost disorganization, and fled precipitately from the well-directed volleys of the garrison. Their leaders, too, paid dearly for their temerity. Paskiewitch himself was severely wounded; Schilders had both his legs shattered, Luders his jaw shot away, Count Orloff was killed, and Gortschakoff received a serious wound. Nor did the brave defenders escape without irreparable loss. Their gallant chief, Moussa Pacha, was struck on the head by a round shot, and expired instantly; and the noble Butler fell asacrifice to his undaunted courage. The Turkish reinforcements outside the garrison fell upon the rear of the retreating Russians, and completed the rout their compatriots had so gloriously initiated. Beaten on every hand, the enemy dashed pell-mell across the river, in confused retreat towards Foktchani. The siege was raised. More than 30,000 Russian soldiers had perished in the attempt to take Silistria, and the broken remnant was now in full flight, owing its safety solely to the limited number of the victorious Turks, which forbade pursuit.
“With the exception of the small force which still lingered in the plague-stricken plains of the Dobrudscha, not a Russian remained to the south of the Danube. The mighty legions, precipitated so recklessly across the Danube, were dead upon the Turkish bank, or flying ignominiously from the scene. The despised Turks were the triumphant conquerors, and the great Czar had received another and a greater blow from the “sick man.”
SLAUGHTERORMASSACRE.—Under this head both Ancient and Modern History abound with events which can be so called. The following are among the most remarkable, as recorded by various authors:
The Carthagenians in Sicily who were totally slaughtered, 397B.C.
2000 Tyrians crucified and 8000 put to the sword by Alexander the Great. 331B.C.
The Romans throughout Asia, women and children not exempted, cruelly butchered in one day, by order of Mithridates, King of Pontus, 88B.C.
The massacre of Roman Senators, &c., 86B.C.
That of Octavianus Cæsar to the Manes of Julius Cæsar, 41B.C.
Jerusalem, 1,100,000 Jews cruelly put to the sword,A.D.70.
Cassius slaughtered 400,000 of the inhabitants of Selucia,A.D.167.
Eighty Christian Fathers by order of the Emperor Gratian were put into a ship which was set on fire and then driven out to sea,A.D.370.
Belisarius massacred 30,000 citizens of Constantinople,A.D.552.
That of the Albigenses and Waldenses,A.D.1209.
The Sicilian Vespers—all the French in Sicily butchered without distinction of age or sex, the first bell for vespers being the signal,A.D.1282.
That of St. Bartholomew’s day throughout France, August 24th, 1572.
Ismael, 30,000 of the inhabitants old and young slain, December, 1790.SeeIsmael.
Of all the whites in the Island of St. Domingo, March 29th, 1804.
Massacre of the Mamelukes in Egypt, March 1st, 1811.Seeaccount appendedto this list.
Sinopé during the Crimean war, 1854.
Massacres in English History.
Of 300 nobles on Salisbury Plain,A.D.474.
The Danes in England, November 13th, 1002.
The Jews in England,A.D.1189.
The unoffending McDonalds of Glencoe, 1692.Seeaccount appendedto this list.
Massacres of Cawnpore, Delhi, and other places during the Great Indian Mutiny, 1857.SeeCawnporeandDelhi.