A BRAVE RUSSIAN OFFICER.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Issue 11, 15 December 1877, Page 3

A BRAVE RUSSIAN OFFICER.

(From the New York Herald.) Paradin, August 12.—General Skobeleff came in last night, attended by a few Cossacks, having left the main part of his command six or seven miles behind. It was the first time I had met this celebrated man, and the impression he left is that he is one of the most genial as well as the most skilful generals of the Russian army. His bravery will in time become legendary. He always wears his white uniform when he goes into the light, and rides white steeds, of which he has already had four shot under him during the present campaign. During the rcconnoissance which he made within the last few days in the vicinity of Lovtcha he had two horses shot under him within the space of twenty minutes. He is, in truth, a man " sans peur et sans reprochc." He is, one of the few generals thoroughly loved by the army; whom men will follow whether he leads to victory or to death. In appearance he is very handsome. He has large blue frank eyes and a fullish fair beard. He sits his horse magnificently, and us one of the most daring ridei-s'of the army. He it was who swam his horse over the Danube when the army crossed over at Simnitza, and during the late defeat of Krudener's army ne and his Cossacks, who were on the left wing, even entered the town of Plevna, His last reoonnoissancc was a marvellously brave affair, and he exposed himself unnecessarily to danger. Nothing can prevent his progress. Returning to Paradin yesterday he found a stream which he had forded with artillery two days before swollen to the volume of a mighty stream, siventy yards wide. Though lie was compelled to leave his artillery behind, he immediately set an example to his men by pulling off his coat, and plunging in tho stream swam with his horse across to tho other bank. Strange to say, Skobeleff— Young Skobeleff he is usually styled—has not yet been entrusted with an im|>ortant command. This is due, it is said, in great prt to court jealousies and intrigues. A few more (jcucrals of

the same material as Skobeleff would, however, be now of immense service to the Russian armv, now standing checked in Bulgaria. We just learn here that Prince Gourkah has been compelled by Suleiman Pasha to retire to the foot of the Balkans after being defeated. But this will be olu news to you, for the officers of the staff, though very prompt in informing us of victories, are marvellously silent about reverses. But I suppose this is as it should be.