Democratic Sentinel, Volume 1, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 July 1877 — A DOOMED CITY. [ARTICLE]

A DOOMED CITY.

Vivid Description of the Bombardment of Rustchuk—Death in the Streets and Behind the Batteries— Flight of the Terrified Inhabitants. [Rustchuk Cor. New York Herald.] Suddenly from oue of tlie Russian batteries a flash was seen in the center of a globe of grayish white smoke, and a shell sped screaming over Rustchuk to explode on the slope of the hill crowned by Fort Hanamdji. It was the signal for the bombardment. Immediately after it seemed as if every Russian gun was fired simultaneously, for the earth fairly trembled with the roar of the artillery and the shells flew over tlie doomed city with an awful and indescribable sound. Although the Roumanian shore above, below, and in front of Giurgevo was entirely obscured by the smoke from the Russian guns the Turkish batteries promptly opened an answering tire, and soon nothing could be seen on the river banks but dense rolling volumes of smoke, through which, almost every two seconds, flashes would dart like lightning through storm clouds. Boom, boom, went the Turkish gnus, with an uninterrupted regularity, although the Russian shells were falling in and around the works with a fatal precision.

This extraordinary artillery duel was maintained at a range of not more than 3,000 yards. The guns on both sides being heavy pieces, the fire was direct and the trajectory of the missiles very flat. Consequently every object liit in Rustchuk was rent and tom by penetration or demolished by the explosion that followed. The effects of the Turkish fire could only be observed at intervals, when the smoke would elear a little ; but it is evident that considerable damage was inflicted on the Russian batteries. The terribly effective character of the Russian fire can scarcely be described. The gunners seem to have directed every shot at Rustchuk without regard to the buildings liable to be injured. Shell after shell came crashing through the roofs of the houses and burying themselves in the floors, where they exploded, demolishing the walls. The mosques seemed to be selected as particular targets at times, for two, three and often more shells would fall on and around them, tearing pinnacle and dome with fearful effect. Not even the hospitals were spared by this awful rain of shells. Several of these buildings happened to be quite exposed, and, although surmounted by flags indicating their character, they were involved iu the storm and their inmates in many cases were killed in their beds. This lias caused the utmost indignation among the Turks, and the authorities have requested tlie foreign Consuls to testify to the occurrence, so that the Porte may make a formal protest against what it deems to be uncivilized warfare. Although the flags of England and other European powers were displayed over their respective consulates, the Russian fire did not spare these buildings. The guns were aimed at Rustchuk and everything animate and inanimate within its limits. Shells have no neutrality and do not discriminate between consulates, mosques and hospitals. The unfortunate inhabitants of Rustchuk suffered terribly during the bombardment. Hid away in deep recesses, or sheltered behind thick walls, the Russian shells found and destroyed them. As they darted through the streets toward places of greater security their bodies were scattered in fragments by the explosion of these terrible missiles. Women flying from their burning or ruined homes were killed as they ran. Little children, clasped in the arms of their terrified parents, were struck dead by the fatal fragments. The scene was one. of unqualified horror throughout. Such of the people as could muster up courage to fly from their nooks of shelter have hurried away to the interior. The ruin of the town is almost complete, but the fortilications are practically intact tnd not much damaged.