PREFACE. THE following pages lay no claim to originality, in them will be found no new theories of history-no startling discovery in the science of either war or politics. They are simply intended to lay before the public some passages in the history of the past, and from them, if possible, to give a glimpse of the future. The wars of 1828 and 1829 are given in detail; the account of them is derived from the works of Count Moltke, Colonel Chesney, Fonton, Valentine, Allison, and others. These campaigns, which hitherto have been but little noticed or read, would be most interesting, if only as an abstract study of the art of war. They have, however, another claim to attention-sooner or later, if not in the days of the present, as is most probable, certainly in those of the next generation, there will be other battles under other leaders, but fought over the same battlegrounds and between the same nations. Monarchs, generals, armies change, but rivers, mountains, and the principles of strategy remain the same. 6 Until the day comes-and may it be far distant-when the word England is but the geographical expression for a foggy little island set in stormy seas,' Englishmen have reason to look with anxiety to the East-they have interests to guard, possessions to defend; hence the history of the past seems to be well worth their study. There are some now amongst us-the Cleons of our time-who would recommend a policy which savours of the selfishness of China coupled with the isolation of Japan, who would endeavour to separate political from strategic considerations. These men may be honest and sincere, they may be politicians, but certainly they are not statesmen. While the following pages are being sent to the printer for the last time, the news has arrived that the representatives of the Great Powers have finally presented their reduced and now irreducible demands to the Porte. If these conditions are rejected, war appears imminent-if accepted, as they afford no certain guarantee whatever for the better government of the Christian subjects of the Turk, war can only be postponed. PARIS January 18th, 1877. Treaty of Carlowitz in 1699-War of 1709--Treaty of Pruth- Peace of Passarowitch-War of 1735-Siege of Azoph-Details of war-Continuance of war in 1738 and 1739-Defeat of Count Wallis at Belgrade-Success of armies of Czarina-Thirty years' peace-War of 1769-Successor of Romanzoff-Continuation of war-Treaty of Kuchuk Kainardghi-War of 1787-Siege of Ismail--Continuation of war-Peace of Jassy-War of 1806- Exploit of Admiral Duckworth-Peace of Tilsit-War of 1810- 11-Siege of Rustchuk-Defeat of Turks-Conclusion of peace Position of Russia in Europe in 1828--Position of Turkey--Condi- tion of her army and her fleet-Convention of Akkerman-Forces available to be brought into the field by Turkey-Forces avail- able for invasion by Russia-Disposition of forces at opening Reasons why operations were delayed-Method of Russian advance -Passage of Danube- Siege of Brailow Peculiarities of Turkish defence of fortresses-Advance of Russians towards Varna-Strategy of Turks-Schumla-Siege of Varna-At- tempts at relief-Fall of Varna-Contests before Schumla -- Campaign commenced too late-Russian force too weak-Army should have marched on Varna-Diversion to Schumla a mis- take-Strategy of the Turks-Tardiness of Grand Vizier- Situation at commencement of year-Resources of Russians- Diebitsch-Resources of Turks-Commencement of hostilities Capture of Sizeboli-Naval exploit of Turks-Siege of Silistria -Diebitsch's march on Schumla and subsequent operations- Battle of Kulewtscha-March across the Balkans-Capture of |