THE BALTIC.—The Paris Moniteur announces that on the 7th and 8th August the French expeditionary force was landed on the Island of Aland, north of the fortress of Bomersund. At the same time a force of English and French marines landed south of the fortress. The disembarkation was covered by war steamers, and was effected, as the Moniteur says, without a man getting his feet wet. They then erected their batteries, while the Russians destroyed theirs, and fell back on the main fortress. By the 12th the fortress was completely invested. On the 14th the Russians made a sortie, but were driven in. On the 15th the French carried a redoubt of eight guns without losing a man. Another account says it was a strong fort they took, after several hours' fighting.
The bombardment of the main fortress was to begin on the 16th.
Reports in the English papers say that the inhabitants of Aland had risen against the Russians, and it was proclaimed by order of the French Admiral, from the pulpits of all the churches, that the Russian sway on the islands had ceased.
THE DANUBE.—The aspect of affairs on the Danube is quite unchanged.
The Russians continued to fortify all strategetic points as they advanced.
The London Daily News contains a remarkable special correspondence, stating that the British troops in camp at Monaster, near Devna, are decimated by malignant cholera, totally destitute of medicine, famishing for lack of food, and are discontented and almost disorganized. The Times correspondent partly confirms the statement.
Prince Pashkiewitch returned to Warsaw on the 13th, and will again take the command of the Southern army.
ASIA.—On the 4th August an offensive and defensive alliance was concluded between the Porte and Shamyl. The terms have not transpired. It is, however, understood that Shamyl insisted that the Porte should recognize the independence of Circassia; he, in return, offering the assistance of 50,000 mountaineers to act in concert with the Turkish forces.
Mercantile letters form Baghdad say that contracts have been made to furnish supplies and transports for a Hindoo British force, which would arrive via the Persian Gulf, and be landed at Baza, mouth of the River Tigris.
The Emperor of Morocco has announced his intention to present the Sultan with thirty millions of piasters and 12,000 troops annually while the war lasts.
SURRENDER OF BOMERSUND.—The British steamer Basilisk has arrived at Dantzic from the Baltic, and brings the news that Bomersund surrendered on the 17th inst.