The siege of Silistria has been raised—the Russians defeated by the Turks and driven across the Danube. The order of events was as follows:—
Siege operations were commenced on the 17th May, and continued until 15th June, the attack and defense being carried on incessantly, and with equal bravery on both sides.
Repeated storming parties were directed against the intrenchments—mines and counter mines were exploded, causing immense slaughter to both besiegers and besieged. Mussa Pasha, the brave Turkish commander, was killed by a shell, after which Prince Pashkiewitch, the Russian commander, was struck and disabled by a spent ball, and will probably die.
On the 13th June, a tremendous attack was ordered under Generals Gorchakoff and Schilders, but after severe fighting the Russians were repulsed, and a Turkish brigade sent from Shumla by Omer Pasha, succeeded in entering the fortress. Thus re-enforced, the garrison on the 15th made a sortie. A desperate hand to hand contest ensued, and ended in the complete discomfiture of the Russians. Prince Gorchakoff was severely wounded. General Schilders had his leg shot off, and two others Generals were killed.
The carnage among the Russian troops was dreadful, and they retired fighting, across the river. Pursuing their advantage, the Turks crossed an arm of the river, seized the Isle of Hopa, and blew up the Russian siege works thereon. The Turks then brought out their guns and erected temporary batteries on the Bulgarian bank of the river, before the north face of the fortress. The Russian battalions east and west of Silistria immediately retreated, in good order, across the river and destroyed their bridges.
The Russians, at latest dates, were in the vicinity of Kalurash, awaiting re-enforcements and orders.
Gen. Liprandi's division and several detached corps were marching in haste from Slatina to join them.
This victory was gained entirely by the Turks, the French and English not having made their appearance.
The siege of Silistria being raised, must alter the whole plan of operations in Bulgaria, and consequently must change the plan of the allies. It is surmised that Pashkiewitch will order his whole force to fall back on Jassy.
Ere this the Russians have probably relinquished all their positions on the left bank of the Danube, excepting the forts of Hirsova, Matschin and Isaktscha; and apprehensions of their advance on the Balkans is for the present at an end.
Russian accounts via Bucharest, admit that operations against Silistria are suspended, but say that the siege is not finally raised.
The Russians have evacuated Mogurelli and Simnitza.
Five thousand Turks have occupied Turtukai, and it was reported (but considered doubtful) that the Turkish garrison of Rustchuk had crossed at Giurgevo, and killed four hundred Russians, and taken nine guns.
Admirals Dundas and Hamelin had issued a circular on the 7th June announcing the close blockade of the mouths of the Danube; most of the fleet were cruising off Sevastopol, but some six or eight ships were at Varna assisting in the conveyance of troops.
Transports with heavy guns having arrived, it was likely that Sevastopol would soon be attacked.
THE POSITION OF AUSTRIA.—
A report was current that Russia had again made peace overtures through Austria, but the terms are said to be the immediate retirement of the Allies from Turkey. It can scarcely be regarded as true.
A rumor is again afloat in the English papers that the Czar will abdicate. He is likewise reported to be sick, and for that alleged reason did not meet the King of Prussia. He has, however, ordered Prince Dolgorouki, Minister of War, to proceed immediately to the Danubian Principalities and draw up an accurate report of the position of affairs in a military point of view. This unusual mission produced a sensation at St. Petersburg.
It is officially announced that the Convention between Austria and the Porte for the Austrian occupation of the Moldavia-Wallachian Principalities, was signed at Constantinople on 14th June.
At a Cabinet Council at Vienna on the 19th, the Emperor presiding, it was resolved, that if an evasive answer comes from Russia, Austria will forward a final ultimatum demanding a categorical reply within eight days.
It is stated that Napoleon has intimated to the Austrian Government that the French will interfere to suppress any revolutionary movements in Hungary or Italy while the Austrian troops are engaged against the Russians. A similar declaration is expected from England. A Russian loan of 16,000,000 roubles—5 per cent—is negotiating at Hamburg, at 67.
THE BALTIC.—
There has been no news of importance received from the Baltic. Two English steamers destroyed the wharf and some gun-boats at Kemi, Gulf of Bothnia.
The English ships Odin and Vulture landed 150 men at Kalva Karleby, but they were attacked by the Russians and driven back to their ships with the loss of three officers and three seamen killed, two officers and 14 seamen wounded, and 25 taken prisoners. Admiral Napier has sent four ships against the place. All Russian pilots are sent into the interior.
The British, under Admiral Plumridge, had taken possession of Fornea, unopposed. It was to be fortified as a station for English troops. Great activity prevailed in the Swedish ports.