The Turks have had a success, to begin with. According
to a correspondent of the Telegraph, who says he was an eye-witness, the Russian forces attacked the heights above Batonm on the 12th inst. The Turkish Bashi-Bazonks posted upon the slopes met them with an overwhelming fire from their rifles, while, as they fell back into the plain, the cavalry charged them with sacoess. The Russians were "mowed down in swathes," and retreated, after maintaining the fight for hours, leaving 4,000 dead upon the field. The Russians do not acknowledge this defeat, and the number of the dead may be exaggerated, but the broad fact seems to be placed almost beyond a doubt. The at- tempt will, it is understood, be renewed, and the defeat is of im- portance only as showing that the Turkish volunteers fight well when sheltered, and as encouraging the Pashas to refuse all terms of peace. The capture of Sakomn Kaleh, the port of the Caucasus, by six Turkish ironclads, is more important, as it enables the Pashas to arm the Circassians, who may be willing to strike another blow for the faith. According to reports, partly admitted by the Russians, they are rising in a revolt which, if it spreads, may embarrass the communications of the Russian army in Asia. The powerlessness of the Grand Duke Michael at sea embarrasses him.
