Chapter M: Macalo (Italian Wars) (4)

Fought June 11, 1865, between the fleets of Paraguay and Brazil. After a sanguinary engagement the advantage rested with the Brazilians.

Richmond (American Civil War).

Fought August 30, 1862, between the Confederates, about 6,000 strong, under General Kirby Smith, and 8,000 Federals, under General Manson. The Federals were routed and driven headlong into Richmond, where 5,000 prisoners, 9 guns and 10,000 stand of arms were captured. The Confederate losses were slight.

Richmond (American Civil War).

In the neighbourhood of this place were fought the final actions of the war, when Lee, with the army of Virginia, endeavoured to break through the ring of Grant’s troops by which he was surrounded, and being everywhere repulsed, was compelled to surrender March 8, 1865, on which date he had but 10,000 effectives under his command.

Rich Mountain (American Civil War).

Fought July 12, 1861, between 15,000 Federals, under General McClellan, and 6,000 Confederates, under General Garnett. The Federals stormed the heights of Rich Mountain and Laurel Hill, and drove the Southerners from their positions, with a loss of about 1,000, including prisoners. During the pursuit on the following day, General Garnett was killed in a cavalry skirmish.

Rietfontein (Second Boer War).

Fought October 24, 1899, between 4,000 British, under Sir George White, and the Free Staters, who were advancing to interrupt the retreat of Colonel Yule from Dundee. The enemy occupied a range of hills about seven miles from Ladysmith, where they were attacked by White. After an indecisive action the British retired to Ladysmith, with a loss of 111 killed and wounded, but the object aimed at was attained, for the Boers were prevented from interfering with Colonel Yule’s march.

Rieti (Neapolitan Rising).

Fought March 21, 1821, between 12,000 Neapolitans, under General Pepe, and the Austrian invading army, 80,000 strong. As long as he was opposing only the advance guard, Pepe made a most resolute resistance, but on their being reinforced from the main body, the Neapolitans were overpowered by superior numbers, and finally driven in confusion from the field. Two days’ later the Austrians entered Naples, and reinstated Ferdinand on the throne.

Riga (Thirty Years’ War).

This place was invested by the Swedes, under Gustavus Adolphus, in the early part of August, 1621, and was defended by a garrison of 300 Poles. A resolute defence was made, and several determined assaults repulsed, but a large breach having having been effected by September 11, the garrison, now reduced to a handful, had no option but to surrender, and the town was entered by the Swedes, September 15, 1621.

Rimnitz (Ottoman Wars).

Fought September 22, 1789, when 25,000 Austrians and Russians, under the Duke of Coburg and Suwaroff, routed an army of 90,000 Turks, under the Grand Vizier. The Turkish losses were enormous, the whole army being killed, captured, or dispersed.

Rinya (Ottoman Wars).

Fought July 21, 1556, between 40,000 Turks, under Ali Pasha, and a comparatively small force of Austrians and Hungarians, under Thomas Nadasdy. The Turks were defeated with heavy loss, the Christians losing 300 men only.

Rio Seco (Peninsular War).

Fought July 14, 1808, when Marshal Bessières, with about 14,000 French, defeated 26,000 Spaniards, under Cuesta. The Spaniards lost about 6,000, while the French loss was only 370 killed and wounded. Following upon this victory, Joseph entered Madrid.

Rivoli (Napoleon’s Italian Campaigns).

Fought January 14, 1797. when the Austrians, with five divisions, under Alvinzi, attacked Napoleon’s position on the heights of Rivoli. The position proved too strong to be carried, and Napoleon’s superb handling of his troops resulted in the total defeat of the assailants. The fifth Austrian division, which had not taken part in the frontal attack, appeared in the rear of the French position after the battle was over, and being forced by overwhelming numbers, laid down its arms. Masséna, who had specially distinguished himself, took his title from this battle when later ennobled by Napoleon.

Roanoke Island (American Civil War).

This island, which commanded the entrance to Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, and which was defended by 1,800 Confederates, under General Wise, was attacked February 7, 1862, by three brigades of Federals, under General Burnside, aided by 26 gunboats. On the 8th the Federals landed, overpowered the garrison, and occupied the island, losing 235 killed and wounded. The Confederates lost 91 killed and wounded. Of 7 Confederate gunboats employed in the defence, 5 were captured or destroyed.

Rocoux (War of the Austrian Succession).

Fought 1747, between the French, under Maurice de Saxe, and the Imperialists, under Charles of Lorraine. The French won a signal victory, as the result of which they occupied Brabant.

Rocroi (Thirty Years’ War).

Fought May 19, 1643, between the French, 22,000 strong, under the Great Condé, and 27,000 Spaniards, under Don Francisco de Melo. The battle was sternly contested, and at first went against the French, their left wing being repulsed, and the centre shaken. Want of cavalry, however, prevented Melo pressing home his advantage, and the French, rallying, broke the Spanish line, and severely defeated them. The Spaniards lost 9,000 killed, and 6,000 prisoners in the infantry alone. The French only admitted a loss of 2,000, but it was doubtless considerably heavier.

Roliça (Peninsular War).

Fought August 17, 1808, when Wellington, with 14,000 British and Portuguese, of whom only 4,000 came into action, attacked the French, 3,000 strong, under Laborde, and after a half-hearted resistance drove them from their position, with a loss of 500 men. The allies lost about 400.

Rome (First Invasion of the Gauls).

The first siege of Rome by the Gauls, under Brennus, took place B.C. 387. No attempt was made to defend the city, which was seized and burnt by the barbarians, the greater part of the population fleeing to Veii and other neighbouring cities. The Capitol, however, was held by the leading Patrician families, and it is said withstood a siege of six months, when Brennus accepted a heavy ransom and withdrew his army.

Rome (Second Gothic Invasion of Italy).

The city was besieged in 408 by the Goths, under Alaric, and after being brought to the verge of starvation and losing many thousands from famine, the Romans capitulated, but retained their freedom on payment of a heavy ransom, whereupon Alaric retired northward in 409. In the course of the year, however, Alaric seized Ostia, the port of Rome, and summoned the city to surrender. In the absence of the Emperor Honorius, the populace forced the authorities to yield; and Alaric, after deposing Honorius, and bestowing the purple on Attalus, withdrew his troops. In 410, during the month of August, Alaric for the third time appeared before the walls, and on the night of the 24th the Salarian gate was opened to the besiegers by some sympathisers within the city, and Rome was given over to pillage and massacre, in which thousands perished.

Rome (Ricimer’s Rebellion).

The rebel Count Ricimer, with a large army of Burgundians, Suevi and other barbarians, laid siege to Rome in 472, and after a defence of three months the besiegers entered the city by storming the Bridge of Hadrian, and sacked it.

Rome (First Gothic War).

In March, 537, the city was besieged by the Goths, under Vitiges, and defended by Belisarius. After a determined resistance, during which a vigorous assault was repulsed, and several successful sorties made, with heavy loss to the besiegers, Vitiges in March, 538, was compelled to raise the siege.

Rome (Second Gothic War).

In May, 546, Totila, King of Italy, at the head of an army of Goths, laid siege to Rome, which was defended by a garrison of 3,000, under Bassas. An attempt to relieve it by Belisarius was on the point of success, but Bassas failed to co-operate with the relieving force, and Belisarius was forced to retire, whereupon the city surrendered, December 17, 546.

It was recovered by Belisarius in the following February, but was again besieged by Totila in 549. On this occasion it was defended by a garrison of 3,000 troops, under Demetrius, who, aided by the inhabitants, made a gallant resistance, but the Gate of St. Paul was opened to the besiegers by some Isaurian sympathisers within the walls, and Totila thus made himself master of the last Italian city excepting Ravenna, which had resisted his victorious army.

In 552, after the defeat of Totila at Tagina, Rome was invested by the Imperial army, under Narses, who, after a brief siege, stormed the defences, and finally delivered the city from the Gothic domination.

Rome.

In the course of dispute with Pope Gregory VII, who had refused to recognize him as emperor, Henry III of Germany laid siege to Rome in 1082. After two interruptions to the siege, the city was finally surrendered to him by the Roman nobles, March, 1084. Gregory was deposed, and the anti-Pope Clement III set upon the pontifical throne, Henry at the same time assuming the Imperial purple.

Rome (Wars of Charles V).

The city was taken by storm May 9, 1527, by the Imperialists under the Constable de Bourbon, who fell in the assault. A massacre followed, in which 8,000 of the inhabitants perished. The Pope retired to the Castle of St. Angelo, where he held out until November 26, when a treaty between him and Charles V put an end to the conflict.

Rome (Italian Rising).

After the proclamation of a Roman republic by Garibaldi and his adherents in 1848, a French army, under General Oudinot, was sent to restore the papal rule. On April 30, 1849, the French, 7,000 strong, attacked the Porta San Pancrazio, where they were encountered by the Republicans, under Garibaldi, and repulsed, with a loss of 300 killed and wounded and 500 prisoners. The Garibaldians lost 100.

On June 3 of the same year the French, under Oudinot, 20,000 strong, made a night attack upon the Garibaldians, who brought up about 8,000 men to oppose them. The Garibaldians were repulsed, with a loss of over 2,000, including 200 officers. Oudinot then laid siege to the city, which, after a terrible bombardment, surrendered July 2, 1849.

Romerswael (Netherlands War of Independence).

Fought January 29, 1574, between the “Beggars of the Sea,” under Admiral Boisot, and a Spanish fleet of 75 ships, under Julian Romero. The “Beggars” grappled the enemy’s ships in a narrow estuary, and after a very severe encounter, in which the Spaniards lost 15 vessels and 1,200 men, Romero retreated to Bergen-op-Zoom.

Roncesvalles.

Fought 778 between the Franks, under Charlemagne, and the Basques and Gascons, under Loup II. The army of Charlemagne, retreating from Spain, was caught in the defile of Roncesvalles, in the Pyrenees, and the rearguard was totally annihilated, among those who fell being the famous Paladin, Roland.

Roncesvalles (Peninsular War).

One of the actions known as the “Battles of the Pyrenees,” fought July 25, 1813. Soult, at the head of Clauset’s division, attacked the British, consisting of three brigades, under General Byng, but was unable to carry their position, and after severe fighting was repulsed with a loss of 400. The British lost 181 killed and wounded.

Rorke’s Drift (Zulu War).

On the night of January 22, 1879, after the disaster of Isandhlwana, this outpost, held by a company of the 24th Regiment and details, in all 139 men, under Lieutenants Bromhead and Chard, R.E., was attacked by a force of Zulus, estimated at 4,000. After a most heroic defence, in which many acts of heroism were performed, especially in the removal of the sick from the hospital, which was fired by the Zulus, the assailants were beaten off, leaving over 400 dead on the field. The little garrison lost 25 killed and wounded. Eight Victoria Crosses and nine Distinguished Conduct medals were awarded for this affair.

Rosbach (Seven Years’ War).

Fought November 5, 1757, between 80,000 French and Austrians, under Marshal Soubise, and 30,000 Prussians, under Frederick the Great. Frederick, who occupied the heights of Rosbach, was attacked by the allies. The Prussian cavalry, however, under Seidlitz, charged down upon the Austrians, and threw them into disorder, and the infantry falling upon the broken columns utterly routed them, with a loss of 4,000 killed and wounded, 7,000 prisoners, including 11 generals and 63 guns. The Prussians lost 3,000 only.

Rosbecque.

Fought 1382 between 50,000 Flemings, under Philip van Arteveldt, and the French, under Charles VI. The Flemings at first drove back the French, but were overwhelmed by the charges of the French cavalry on their flanks, and were in the end utterly routed. Thousands fell in the action and subsequent pursuit, amongst them van Arteveldt.

Rostock (Dano-Swedish Wars).

Fought June, 1677, between the Danish fleet, under Admiral Juel, and the Swedes, under Admiral Horn. The Swedes were completely defeated.

Rotto Freddo (War of the Austrian Succession).

Fought July, 1746, when the rearguard of the retreating French army, under Marshal Maillebois, was attacked by the Austrians, under Prince Lichtenstein, and after a gallant resistance defeated with heavy loss. In consequence of this defeat the French garrison of Placentia, 4,000 strong, surrendered to the Imperialists.

Rouen (Hundred Years’ War).

This city was besieged 1418, by the English, under Henry V. After a gallant defence the garrison surrendered January 15, 1419, the city paying a ransom of 300,000 crowns.

Roundway Down (Civil War).

Fought July 13, 1643, when the Parliamentarians, under Waller and Hazlerigg, attacked the Royalists, under Prince Maurice, who was advancing to the relief of Devizes. The Parliamentarians were totally defeated, their attack on Prince Maurice being repulsed, while at the same time they were taken in the rear by a sortie from the town. Of 1,800 infantry, 600 were killed and the rest taken prisoners.

Roncray-St.-Denis.

_See_ Herrings.

Roveredo (Napoleon’s Italian Campaigns).

Fought September 4, 1796, between 25,000 Austrians, under Davidowich, and the main body of Napoleon’s army. Napoleon attacked the Austrian entrenched position, and in spite of a determined defence, carried it, driving the enemy out of Roveredo with heavy loss, including 7,000 prisoners and 15 guns. This victory enabled Masséna to occupy Trent, and the remnants of the Austrian army were driven headlong into the Tyrol.

Rowton Heath (Civil War).

Fought September 24, 1645, when a body of Royalist cavalry, under Sir Marmaduke Langdale, which was endeavouring to prevent the investment of Chester, was attacked by the Parliamentary horse, under Colonel Poyntz. The first attack was repulsed with loss, but Poyntz receiving infantry support, rallied his troops, and drove the Royalists from the field, with a loss of 300 killed and wounded and 1,000 prisoners.

Roseburgh (Scottish Wars).

This town, defended by an English garrison, was besieged by the Scots, under James II of Scotland, in 1460, and after a stubborn defence was captured and destroyed. This is the first occasion on which artillery was used by the Scots. During the siege the Scottish king was killed by the bursting of a gun of large calibre, August 3, 1460.

Rullion Green (Covenanters’ Rising).

Fought November, 1666, between the Covenanters, under Colonel Wallace, and the Royal troops, under General Dalziel. The Covenanters were defeated.

Rumersheim (War of the Spanish Succession).

Fought August 26, 1709, between the French, under Marshal Villiers, and the Imperialists, under Count Mercy. Mercy was defeated and driven out of Alsace.

Ruspina (Civil War of Cæsar and Pompey).

Fought January 3, 46 B.C., between Julius Cæsar, with three legions, and a force of Pompeians, composed entirely of cavalry and archers, under Labienus. Cæsar’s troops were surrounded, but behaving with extreme steadiness, were able to retire to Ruspina in good order, though with very heavy loss.

Rynemants (Netherlands War of Independence).

Fought August 1, 1578, between the Dutch Patriots, 20,000 strong, under Count Bossu and François de la Noue, and the Spaniards, numbering about 30,000, under Don John of Austria. Don John crossed the Demer, and attacked Bossu in his entrenchments. He was however repulsed, after severe fighting, and retired, leaving 1,000 dead on the field. He offered battle in the open on the following morning, but Bossu declined to leave his lines, and Don John was indisposed to renew the attack, and fell back upon Namur.

S

Saalfeld (Campaign of Jena).

Fought October 10, 1806, between 7,000 Prussians, under Prince Louis of Prussia, and a division of Lannes’ corps, under the Marshal himself. The Prussian infantry was broken and driven under the walls of Saalfeld, whereupon the prince put himself at the head of his cavalry, and charged the advancing French. The charge was repulsed, and the Prince refusing to surrender was cut down and killed. The Prussians lost in this action 400 killed and wounded, 1,000 prisoners, and 20 guns.

Sabugal (Peninsular War).

Fought April 3, 1811, between three British divisions, under Wellington, and the French, consisting of Reynier’s corps. Reynier held the salient angle of the French position on the Coa, and was driven back after less than an hour’s fighting, with a loss of about 1,500. The British lost 200 only.

Sacile (Napoleon’s Wars).

Fought April 16, 1809, between 45,000 Austrians, under the Archduke John, and 36,000 French and Italians, under Eugène Beauharnais, Regent of Italy. After hard fighting, in which little generalship was shown on either side, a flank movement of the Austrians, which menaced the French line of retreat, forced Eugène to retire, victory thus resting with the Austrians. The losses were about equal on the two sides.

Sacripontus (Civil War of Marius and Sulla).

Fought B.C. 82, between the legions of Sulla and the army of the younger Marius, 40,000 strong. Sulla’s veterans were too steady for the newer levies of Marius, and the latter was routed, with the loss of more than half his army killed or captured. After this victory Sulla occupied Rome.

Sadowa.

_See_ Koeniggratz.

Sadulapur (Second Sikh War).

Fought December 3, 1848. After the failure of his frontal attack on the Sikh position at Ramnugger in November, Lord Gough despatched a force under Sir Joseph Thackwell, to cross the Chenab and turn the Sikh left. An indecisive action followed, which Lord Gough claimed as a victory, but though the Sikhs retired, it was slowly, and only to take up a fresh position, which Thackwell did not consider himself strong enough to attack.

Sagunto (Peninsular War).

This fortress, held by a Spanish garrison, was besieged by the French, 22,000 strong, under Soult, September 23, 1811. Built on the heights above Murviedro, the place was accessible on one side only, and an attempt to escalade this was repulsed September 28. A regular siege was then commenced, and a second unsuccessful assault was made on October 18. On the 25th General Blake, with 30,000 Spaniards, made an attempt to relieve the place, but was defeated with a loss of 1,000 killed and wounded and 4,000 prisoners, the victory costing the French about 800 men. On the following day the garrison surrendered.

St. Alban’s (Wars of the Roses).

Two engagements were fought here in the course of the war. On May 22, 1455, 2,000 Lancastrians, under Henry VI, posted in the town, were attacked by 3,000 Yorkists, under the Duke of York. The Duke pierced the Lancastrian centre, and drove them out of St. Alban’s with heavy loss, among those who were killed being the Earls of Somerset and Northumberland.

The second battle took place February 17, 1461, when the army of Margaret of Anjou, led by Somerset, Exeter, and others, attacked the Yorkists, under Warwick, Warwick withdrew his main body, leaving his left unsupported to withstand the Lancastrian attacks, and these troops, after a feeble resistance, broke and fled. Henry VI, who was a prisoner in Warwick’s camp, escaped and rejoined the Queen, and a rapid advance on London would probably have led to his reinstatement. Warwick, however, took such prompt measures as to render the Lancastrian victory practically fruitless.

St. Aubin du Cormier.

Fought 1487, between the Royal troops, under La Tremouille, and the forces of the rebel Princes, under Marshal de Rieux. The rebels were totally defeated, and a large number of nobles made prisoners, including the Duc d’Orléans and the Prince of Orange.

St. Charles (French-Canadian Rising).

Fought 1837, between the Loyalists, under Colonel Wetherall, and the Canadian rebels. The latter were defeated.

St. Denis (Second Civil War).

Fought November 10, 1567, between the Catholics, under the Constable Montmorenci, and the Huguenots, under the Prince de Condé. Victory rested with the Catholics, but at the cost of the Constable, who was killed, and the battle had no decisive effect upon the course of the war.

St. Denis (French-Canadian Rising).

Fought 1837, between the Canadian rebels, and a force of British and Canadian troops, under Colonel Gore. The rebels were victorious, but the results of their victory were unimportant.

Ste. Croix (Napoleonic Wars).

This island, held by a small Danish garrison, was captured by a British naval and military force, under Admiral Sir A. J. Cochrane and General Bowyer, December 25, 1807, but little resistance being offered.

St. Eustache (French-Canadian Rising).

Fought 1837, between the rebels, under Girod, and the Government troops, under Sir John Colborne. The rebels were completely defeated, and the rebellion was suppressed.

Ste. Foy (Seven Years’ War).

Fought April 27, 1760, between 3,000 British troops, under General Murray, and 8,000 French, under the Chevalier de Lévis, who was approaching from Montreal, with the object of recapturing Quebec. Murray marched out to attack Lévis, but was defeated and driven back into Quebec with a loss of over a third of his force. The French lost about 800.

St. George (Ottoman Wars).

This place, the capital of the island of Cephalonia, was besieged in October, 1500, by the Spaniards and Venetians, under Gonsalvo de Cordova and Pesaro. The garrison consisted of 400 Turks only, but being veteran soldiers they made a most gallant defence; but at the end of two months the place was stormed from two quarters simultaneously, and the survivors of the garrison, some 80 only, laid down their arms.

St. Gothard (Ottoman Wars).

Fought August 1, 1664, between 100,000 Turks, under Achmet Köpriali Pasha, and 60,000 French and Germans, under Montecucculi, who occupied a strong position behind the Raab. On the Turks advancing to the attack, a young Turk rode out, and challenged a Christian to single combat. The challenge was accepted by the Chevalier de Lorraine, who killed his adversary. The Turks then assaulted Montecucculi’s entrenchment, but could make no impression, and after hard fighting were beaten off with a loss of 8,000 killed.

St. Jacob an der Mirs (Armagnac War).

Fought September, 1444, between 30,000 Armagnacs, under the Dauphin, and 1,300 Confederate Swiss. The Swiss being hard pressed, occupied the hospital of St. Jacob an der Mirs, where they maintained the unequal fight until the last man had fallen. The Armagnacs, however, had lost 2,000 killed, and the Dauphin felt compelled to abandon the invasion of Switzerland.

St. Kitts (Dutch Wars).

Fought May 10, 1667, when Sir John Harman, commanding an English squadron of 12 frigates, fell in with a combined Dutch and French fleet of 22 sail, under Commodore Kruysen and M. de la Barre, off St. Kitts. Notwithstanding his inferiority, Harman boldly attacked, and gained a signal victory, burning 5 and sinking several more of the enemy’s vessels. The allies took refuge in the harbour of St. Kitts, and Sir John, following them in, destroyed the rest of their fleet, at a cost of 80 men only.

St. Lucia (Wars of the French Revolution).

This island was captured from the French, April 4, 1794, by a British squadron, under Sir John Jervis.

St. Mary’s Clyst (Arundel’s Rebellion).

Fought August 4, 1549, when Lord Russell, marching with the Royal army to the relief of Exeter, was attacked by 6,000 rebels, detached from the besieging force. The rebels were defeated with a loss of 1,000 killed, and Arundel was forced to raise the siege of Exeter.

St. Privat.

_See_ Gravelotte.

St. Quentin.

Fought August 10, 1557, between 22,000 French and Germans, under the Constable Montmorenci, and about 5,000 Spanish and Flemish cavalry of the Duke of Savoy’s army, under Count Egmont, supported by a small force of infantry. The French, in attempting to throw reinforcements into St. Quentin, were entrapped in a narrow pass, and were utterly routed, with a loss of 15,000 killed, wounded and captured, and all but two of their guns. The Spaniards only lost 50 men.

St. Quentin (Franco-German War).

Fought January 19, 1871, between the French, 40,000 strong, under General Faidherbe, and 33,000 Germans, under Von Göben. The French were decisively defeated, with a loss of 3,500 killed and wounded, 9,000 prisoners, and 6 guns. The Germans lost 96 officers and 2,304 men.

St. Thomas (Napoleonic Wars).

This island was captured from the Danes, December 21, 1807, by a combined British naval and military force, under Admiral Sir A. J. Cochrane and General Bowyer.

Saints, The.

_See_ Dominica.

Salado. (Moorish Empire in Spain).

Fought 1344, between the Portuguese and Castilians, under Alfonso IV of Portugal and Alfonso XI of Castile, and the Moors, under Abu Hamed, Emir of Morocco. The Christians won a signal victory, and Alfonso so distinguished himself in the battle as to earn the title of the “Brave.”

Salamanca (Peninsular War).

Fought July 22, 1812, when Wellington, with 46,000 British and Spanish troops, encountered 42,000 French, under Marmont. The battle was forced on by Marmont, who was endeavouring to interrupt Wellington’s retreat, but the Marshal was severely wounded early in the day, and the conduct of the action was in the hands of General Bonnet. The result was a signal victory for the British, the French losing 12,500 killed, wounded and prisoners, and 12 guns. The British and Spanish loss amounted to about 6,000. These figures include the skirmishes of the days preceding the battle, during which the armies were in touch.

Salamanca (Mexican Liberal Rising).

Fought March 10, 1858, between the Government troops, under Miramon, and the Liberals, under Doblado. Doblado’s raw levies could not face Miramon’s trained troops, and were utterly routed.

Salamis (Third Persian Invasion).

Fought 480 B.C. between the Greek fleet of 370 sail, under Themistocles, and the Persian fleet, of over 1,000 galleys. The Greeks at first hesitated to attack in face of the overwhelming numbers of the Persian ships, but an Athenian trireme, commanded by Aminias, dashed in, and being followed by the rest of the Athenians and the Æginetans in good order, the Persians were, after a hard struggle, totally defeated, with the loss of more than half their fleet. Xerxes and his army witnessed the rout from the shores of Salamis.

Salamis (Wars of Alexander’s Successors).

Fought B.C. 307, between the Macedonian fleet, under Demetrius Poliorcetes, and the Egyptians, under Ptolemy Soter. The Egyptians were routed, with the loss of 100 ships captured and the rest sunk, and 30,000 prisoners.

Salankemen (Ottoman Wars).

Fought August 19, 1691, between 100,000 Turks, under the Grand Vizier, Mustapha Köpriali Pasha, and 45,000 Imperialists, under the Margrave Louis. The Turks were signally defeated and Köpriali slain.

Salano (Moorish Empire in Spain).

Fought 1340 between the Spaniards, under Alfonso XI of Castile, and the Moors, under Abu ’l Hasan of Granada. The Moors, who were besieging Tarifa, were attacked by the Spaniards, who utterly routed them and relieved the town. Abu ’l Hamed fled to Africa, and Alfonso was enabled to recover Algeciras.

Saldanha Bay (Wars of the French Revolution).

Fought August 17, 1796, when Sir Keith Elphinstone, with a British squadron, entered the bay, and after capturing a Dutch ship of war lying in the harbour, landed a force, to which the garrison surrendered after a brief resistance.

Salo.

_See_ Castiglione.

Samarcand (Tartar Invasion of Kharismia).

This place, which was defended by a garrison of 110,000 Turks and Kharismians, under the Governor, Alub Khan, was besieged by the Tartars, under Genghiz Khan, in June, 1220. The garrison harassed the Tartars by numerous sorties, and little progress was made with the siege, but some of the inhabitants, hoping to save the city from pillage, opened the gates to the besiegers. After heroic efforts to defend the city against the overwhelming hordes of the enemy, Alub Khan put himself at the head of 1,000 picked horsemen and cut his way out. The survivors of the garrison, now reduced to 30,000, were put to the sword.

Samaghar (Rebellion of Aurungzebe).

Fought June, 1658, between the army of the Great Mogul, Shah Jehan, under Dara, and the forces of his rebellious sons, Aurungzebe and Marad. Dara was totally defeated, and his army dispersed, and three days later the rebels occupied Agra, where Shah Jehan was imprisoned and Aurungzebe seized the crown.

Sampford Courtney (Arundel’s Rebellion).

The final engagement with the rebels, fought August 17, 1549, when Arundel was defeated by the Royal troops, under Lord Russell, with a loss of 700 killed and many prisoners, including most of the ring-leaders in the rising.

San Giovanni (Wars of the French Revolution).

Fought June 17, 1799, between the French, under Macdonald, and the Russians, under Suwaroff. After three days’ hard fighting, the French were forced to retreat, having suffered a loss of 6,000 killed and wounded and 9,000 prisoners. The Russian losses were about 6,000.

San Isidoro (Paraguay War).

Fought April, 1870, between the Paraguayans, under Lopez, and the allied army of Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, under General Camera. Camera attacked Lopez’s entrenchments and drove him out, forcing him to take refuge in the mountains with the small remnant of his troops.

San Jacinto (Texan Rising).

Fought April 2, 1836, when the Mexican army, under Santa Anna, about 5,000 strong, was routed and almost destroyed by the Texans, under General Houston. The survivors, with Santa Anna and his staff, were taken prisoners, and Texas was freed from the Mexican yoke.

San Jacinto.

Fought February 12, 1867, between the adherents of the Emperor Maximilian, under Miramon, and the Mexican Constitutionalists, under Escobedo. Miramon was defeated, and his army surrendered, he himself escaping with difficulty from the field.

San Juan.

_See_ El Caney.

San Lazaro (War of the Austrian Succession).

Fought June, 1746, between the Austrians, 40,000 strong, under Prince Lichtenstein, and the French and Spaniards, under Marshal Maillebois. The allies attacked the Austrian entrenched camp, and after an obstinate conflict, lasting nine hours, were repulsed with a loss of 10,000 killed and wounded.

Sanna’s Post (Second Boer War).

Fought March 31, 1900, when a force of cavalry, with 2 R.H.A. batteries and a considerable convoy, under Colonel Broadwood, was ambushed by a party of Boers, under De Wet, while crossing a donga. The guns were just entering the donga when the Boers opened fire, and 4 guns of Q battery succeeded in getting clear and opening fire, stuck to their work till only 10 men of the battery were left standing. Broadwood succeeded in extricating his force, but at a cost of 19 officers and 136 men killed and wounded, 426 prisoners, 7 guns, and the whole of his convoy. General Colville’s column was within a few miles, but though the firing was heard, he failed to relieve. This is also known as the action of Kornspruit.

San Sebastian (Peninsular War).

This town was besieged July 10, 1813, by the British, under General Graham, and was defended by a French garrison, under General Rey. An assault on July 25 was repulsed, and pending the arrival of heavy guns from England, the siege resolved itself into a blockade. Active operations were resumed, and on the 31st the town was taken by storm. Rey, however, still held out in the citadel, and it was only after further bombardment that he surrendered on September 9. The besiegers’ losses amounted to over 2,500 killed and wounded.

San Sebastian (First Carlist War).

This fortress, held by a garrison of Cristinos and a small detachment of the British legion, under Colonel Wylde, was besieged by the Carlists, under Sagastibelza, February, 1836. The siege was carried on in desultory fashion, with constant fighting between the outposts, till June, 1836, when General Evans, with 10,000 British and Spanish troops, occupied the advanced Carlist positions, and forced them to withdraw.

Santa Lucia (Rio Grande Rising).

Fought 1842, between the Brazilian Government troops, under General Caxias, and the rebels, 6,000 strong, under Feliciano. The rebels were totally defeated.

Santarem (Dom Miguel’s Rebellion).

Fought February 18, 1834, when the Portuguese Government troops, under Marshal Saldanha, totally defeated the “Miguelists,” under Dom Miguel.

Santa Vittoria (War of the Spanish Succession).

Fought July 26, 1702, when 4 regiments of Prince Eugene’s army, under General Visconti, were attacked by 15,000 French and Spaniards, under the Duc de Vendôme. The Imperialists were forced to abandon their camp and retire with the loss of their baggage, but lost only 500 men, while their qualified success cost the allies nearly 2,000 killed and wounded.

Santiago (Spanish-American War).

Fought July 3, 1898, between the American fleet of 4 battleships and 3 cruisers, under Admiral W. T. Sampson, and the Spanish fleet of 4 armoured cruisers and 3 torpedo-boats, under Admiral Cervera. The Spaniards endeavoured to escape from the blockaded harbour of Santiago, but were unsuccessful, the whole squadron being destroyed. The Americans suffered hardly any damage, the Spanish gunnery being very inefficient, and lost only 1 man killed.

Sapienza (Ottoman Wars).

Fought 1490 between the Turkish fleet, under Kemal Reis, and the Venetians. The Venetians suffered a severe reverse, this being the first naval victory of the Turks in the Mediterranean.

Saragossa (War of the Spanish Succession).

Fought August 20, 1700, between 25,000 Spaniards, and a force of Austrians, British, Dutch and Portuguese troops, 23,000 in number, under the Archduke Charles. The Portuguese in the right wing gave way, leading a large force of Spaniards in pursuit, but the left and centre stood their ground, and finally repulsed the enemy, with a loss of 4,000 prisoners, besides killed and wounded. The Archduke at once took possession of Saragossa.

Saragossa (Peninsular War).

In June, 1808, siege was laid to this city by the French, under Marshal Lefebvre. A successful defence was made, and the marshal’s forces being insufficient to effect a prompt capture, he raised the siege in August. In December of the same year it was again besieged by the French, under Moncey and Mortier, and defended by a Spanish garrison, under Palafox. A most heroic defence was made, notable for the bravery of Agostina, the maid of Saragossa, who took the place of her wounded lover on the ramparts, and helped to serve the guns, but despite all the efforts of Palafox, the place was stormed, and, after very severe house to house fighting, captured, February 21, 1809.

Saratoga.

_See_ Stillwater.

Sardis (Wars of Alexander’s Successors).

Fought B.C. 280, between the troops of Pergamus, under Eumenes, and the Syrians, under Antigonus Soter. Eumenes gained a signal victory, and annexed a large part of the dominions of Antigonus.

Sárkány (Hungarian Rising).

Fought December 30, 1848, between the Austrians, under Windischgrätz, and the Hungarians, under General Perczel. Perczel had been entrusted by Görgey with the defence of the Sárkány defile, but on being attacked by the Austrians, his division made little resistance, and fled in disorder, thus forcing Görgey to retire from the line he had chosen to defend.

Sauchie Barn (Rebellion of the Barons).

Fought June 18, 1488, between the rebel Barons, under Angus “Bell-the-Cat,” and the troops of James III of Scotland, under the king. The royal army was totally defeated and James slain.

Saucourt (Norse Invasion of France).

Fought 861 between the Neustrians, under Louis III, and the invading Norsemen, when Louis gained a brilliant victory.

Sauroren (Peninsular War).

Fought July 28, 1813, between the French, 25,000 strong, under Soult, and the British, 12,000 strong, under Wellington. Soult attempted to turn the British left in order to drive them from a strong position, but after severe fighting he was repulsed, with a loss of about 3,000. The British losses were about 2,600. Soult renewed his attempt to force Wellington’s lines on the 30th, but was again repulsed, with a loss of 2,000 killed and wounded and 3,000 prisoners. The British loss amounted to 1,900.

Savage’s Station.

_See_ Seven Days’ Battle.

Savandroog (Second Mysore War).

Siege was laid to this place December 10, 1791, by a column of Lord Cornwallis’ army, about 4,000 strong. It was defended by a strong garrison of Mysoris, and was considered impregnable, but a practicable breach having been effected, it was taken by storm eleven days later, the garrison offering little resistance. The assailants did not lose a man.

Saxa Rubra (Revolt of Maxentius).

Fought October 28, 312, between the Imperial troops, under Constantine, and the legions of Italy, under Maxentius. The Italian cavalry, posted on the wings, was routed by Constantine’s horse; the infantry, thus left unsupported, fled from the field, only the Pretorians making a brave resistance, and dying where they stood. Maxentius escaped, but crossing the Tiber into Rome by the Milvian Bridge, was forced by the crowd of fugitives into the river and drowned.

Scarpheia (War of the Achæan League).

Fought B.C. 146, between the Romans, under Metellus, and the Achæans, under Critolaus. The Greeks were totally defeated with heavy loss, Critolaus being killed.

Scio (Ottoman Wars).

Fought July 5, 1769, between a Russian fleet of 10 sail of the line, under Admiral Spiritoff, and 15 Turkish ships, with some small vessels, under the Capitan Pasha. Alter a severe engagement, in which both the flag-ships were blown up, the Turks were driven into the Bay of Tchesme, where a few days later their fleet was destroyed by fire-ships.

Schipka Pass (Russo-Turkish War).

Fought August 21, 1877, and following days, when the Russians, 7,000 strong, under General Darozhinsky, holding the pass, were attacked by 25,000 Turks, under Suleiman Pasha. The Russians were driven from point after point of their defences, and were on the verge of being overwhelmed, when the arrival of reinforcements enabled them to assume the offensive and recover their lost positions, and on the 26th fighting ceased. The Russian losses amounted to 4,000, including Darozhinsky, while the Turks lost about 11,500.

On September 16 Suleiman, reinforced to 40,000 men, made an attempt to carry the Russian position on Mount St. Nicholas, but was repulsed with a loss of 3,000, the Russians losing 31 officers and about 1,000 rank and file.

By January 8, 1878, the Russian force in the Schipka had been increased to 60,000 men, under General Radetski, while the Turks, numbering 40,000 were under Vessil Pasha. General Mirsky, with 25,000 men, attacked the Turkish entrenchments and drove them out of all their positions, and on the following day Vessil Pasha surrendered with 36,000 men and 93 guns. The Russians lost 5,000.

Schwechat (Hungarian Rising).

Fought October 30, 1848, between the Austrians, under Prince Windischgrätz, and the Hungarians, under General Moga. The Hungarian militia made a very feeble stand against the Austrian regulars, and were driven back all along the line with considerable loss.

Scutari (Ottoman Wars).

This place, held by a Venetian garrison, under Antonio Loredano, was besieged by the Turks, under Suleiman Pasha, May, 1474. The garrison held out stoutly till the middle of August, when Suleiman raised the siege.

Four years later, in June, 1478, Mohammed II invested it, the garrison now being under the command of Antonio di Lezze. Though few in numbers, the Venetians withstood a continuous bombardment, repulsing two serious assaults, until September 8, when Mohammed retired, leaving behind him only a blockading force. When on the conclusion of peace the place was handed over to the Turks only 450 men and 150 women were alive in the town. In the first assault the Turks lost 12,000 men, and an even greater number, it is said, in the second.

Sebastopol (Crimean War).

This fortress was besieged by the allied French and British armies, under Marshal St. Arnaud and Lord Raglan, September 28, 1854. It was defended by a large force of Russians, under Prince Mentschikoff, with General Todleben as his principal engineer officer. The besiegers were too few for a complete investment, and though the harbour was closed by the British fleet, under Sir Edmund Lyons, the Russians were throughout the siege enabled to obtain reinforcements and provisions from the north side. The batteries opened on October 17, and from that time till September 8, 1855, the town was more or less continuously bombarded. On that day the Malakoff, an important part of the southern defences, was stormed by the French, and the place became untenable, the allies entering it unopposed on the following day. The Russians, during the later days of the bombardment, are said to have lost as many as 3,000 men a day.

Secchia, The (War of the Polish Succession).

Fought September 14, 1734, when the Imperialists, under Count Köningsegg, surprised the camp of the French army, under the Duc de Broglie, capturing 5,000 prisoners, 100 guns and the whole of the stores, baggage and ammunition.

Secessionville (American Civil War).

Fought June 15, 1862, when 6,000 Federals, under General Benham, attacked the strong position of Secessionville, covering the road to Charleston, which was held by 2,000 Confederates, under General Evans. The Federals were repulsed with a loss of 600 men, the Confederates losing 200.

Secunderbagh (Indian Mutiny).

Fought November 16, 1857, during the second relief of Lucknow by Sir Colin Campbell. The Secunderbagh, a walled enclosure of strong masonry, held by a large body of rebels, was, after a bombardment of about an hour and a half, taken by storm by the 93rd Highlanders and the 4th Punjabis, with very heavy loss to the enemy, over 2,000 dead bodies being afterwards carried out of the enclosure.

Sedan (Franco-German War).

This battle, the most decisive of the war, was fought September 1, 1870, The French, under Marshal Macmahon, who was wounded early in the action, were driven from all their positions by the Germans, under the King of Prussia, and compelled to retire into Sedan, where they laid down their arms. The Emperor Napoleon III was among the prisoners, and one of the results of the surrender was his dethronement and the proclamation of a republic in Paris. The battle is remarkable for the charge of the Chasseurs d’Afrique, under General Margueritte, in the neighbourhood of Floing. The brigade was cut to pieces and the general killed. The Germans lost in the action 460 officers and 8,500 men; the French 3,000 killed, 14,000 wounded, and 21,000 prisoners, while 83,000 subsequently surrendered in Sedan. The Germans took 419 guns, 139 fortress guns and 66,000 rifles.

Sedgemoor (Monmouth’s Rebellion).

Fought July 5, 1685, between the Royal troops, under the Earl of Faversham, and the rebels, under James, Duke of Monmouth. Monmouth attempted a night attack on Faversham’s camp, but the alarm was given, and the Royal troops falling upon their assailants, put Monmouth’s cavalry to flight, and though his infantry made a sturdy resistance they were at length overpowered and routed with heavy loss. This defeat put an end to the rebellion.

Segeswár (Hungarian Rising).

Fought July 31, 1849, between the Hungarians, under General Bem, and the Russians, under General Lüders. The Russians, after a severe engagement, were totally defeated.

Segikahara (Rebellion of Hideyori).

Fought September 16, 1600, between the troops of the Shogun Tokugawa Tyeyasa, 80,000 strong, and 130,000 rebels, under Mitsunari. The rebels were utterly routed with the loss of 30,000 killed, among whom was Mitsunari, and the rebellion was suppressed.

Seine Mouth (Hundred Years’ War).

Fought August 15, 1416, when the English fleet, under Bedford, sailed into the Seine with the object of revictualling Harfleur, which the French were besieging. The blockading force, consisting of 8 large Genoese carracks, besides smaller vessels, attacked the English fleet, and after six hours’ hard fighting were totally defeated, with a loss of 5 carracks and 5 other ships, while Bedford succeeded in throwing supplies into the town.

Selby (Civil War).

Fought April 11, 1644, between the Royalists, 3,300 strong, under Colonel John Bellasis, and a slightly superior force of Parliamentarians, under Sir Thomas Fairfax. Bellasis had occupied Selby with the object of preventing a junction between Fairfax’s troops and those of the Scots at Durham. He was attacked by Fairfax and totally defeated, with the loss of 1,600 men and all his artillery and baggage.

Selinus (Second Carthaginian Invasion of Sicily).

This city was besieged by the Carthaginians, 100,000 strong, under Hannibal, B.C. 409. An attempt by the Syracusans, under Diocles, to relieve came too late, for after resisting stubbornly for nine days, the garrison, hopelessly outnumbered, were overpowered; and the place stormed and sacked, all the survivors being carried off into captivity.

Seminara (Italian Wars).

Fought 1495 between 6,000 Spaniards and Neapolitans, under Gonsalvo de Cordova and Ferdinand of Naples, and a largely superior French army, under D’Aubigny. The Neapolitans fled almost without striking a blow, and though the Spaniards fought well, they were overpowered by numbers, and in the end totally routed, only Gonsalvo with 400 Spanish cavalry making an orderly retreat.

Sempach (War of Sempach).

Fought July 9, 1386, between 6,000 Austrians, under Duke Leopold, and 1,500 Swiss Confederates. The Swiss gained a complete victory, the Austrians losing 1,500 killed and wounded, while only 120 Swiss fell. The battle is celebrated for the heroic action of Arnold von Winkelried, who broke the line of the Austrian spearmen at the cost of his life, and enabled his followers to penetrate their phalanx.

Seneff (Wars of Louis XIV).

Fought August 11, 1674, between the French, 45,000 strong, under Condé, and the Flemings and Spaniards, 60,000 strong, under the Prince of Orange. Orange, finding Condé’s position too strong to attack, began a retreat towards Le Quesnay, thereby exposing his flank. Condé took instant advantage of this error, and dispersed the vanguard of the allies, but the Prince took up a strong position at Seneff, from which Condé was unable to dislodge him, and the conflict ended in a drawn battle, after seventeen hours’ hard fighting.

Senegal (Napoleonic Wars).

The French garrison of this place surrendered, July 13, 1809, to a British force of 1 frigate and 2 brigs, with some transports carrying troops, under Captain G. H. Columbine.

Senekal (Second Boer War).

Fought May 29, 1900, when a British force, under General Rundle, attacked the Boers, strongly posted on the Biddulphsberg. The attack was made amidst great bush fires, in which many of the wounded perished, and was unsuccessful, the British losses amounting to 7 officers and 177 men killed and wounded.

Senlac.

_See_ Hastings.

Sentinum (Third Samnite War).

Fought B.C. 298, between five Roman legions, under Q. Fabius Maximus and Publius Decius, and the Samnites and Gauls, under Gellius Equatius. The Roman left was disordered by the war-chariots of the Gauls, but was rallied by Decius, who restored the battle, but at the cost of his life. On the right the Samnites were routed, and Fabius then fell upon the Gauls in flank, and broke them. Meanwhile the Samnite camp was attacked, and Equatius slain, the Romans gaining a signal victory. The losses of the victors amounted to 8,200, while the Gauls and Samnites lost 25,000 killed and 8,000 prisoners.

Sepeia (Argive War).

Fought B.C. 494, between the Spartans, under Cleomenes, and the Argives. The Spartans, by a ruse, succeeded in surprising the Argives while the soldiers were dining, and totally routed them. This defeat deprived Argos of the paramountcy in the Peloponnesus.

Seringapatam (Second Mysore War).

This city was besieged, February 5, 1792, by 22,000 British and native troops, with 86 guns, under Lord Cornwallis, and defended by a Mysori garrison, under Tippu Sahib. On the 6th an assault upon the outlying works was successful, all the redoubts commanding the city being carried, at a cost to the assailants of 530, while the Mysoris lost 20,000. On the approach of reinforcements, under General Abercromby, on the 16th, Tippu consented to treat, and peace was signed in the following month.

Seringapatam (Third Mysore War).

The second siege by General Harris, opened April 6, 1799, when the city was defended by a garrison of 20,000, under Tippu. On May 3, the breach was declared practicable, and the place was stormed by 4,000 men, under General Baird. Tippu was slain in the rout which followed the assault. The British losses during the siege amounted to 1,464. About 8,000 Mysoris fell in the assault.

Seringham (Seven Years’ War).

Fought 1753, between 1,000 British troops, under Major Laurence, and the French, with their Mahratta and Mysori allies, under M. Astruc. The French attacked in force an isolated post, held by 200 Sepoys, and carried it before Major Laurence could come up. He then attacked, and in turn carried the position, driving off the French, and the Mahrattas who came up to their support, and captured three guns.

Seskar (Russo-Swedish Wars).

Fought 1790, between the Swedish fleet, under the Duke of Sudermanland, and a Russian squadron, under Admiral Kruze. The Swedes were totally defeated, after a severe engagement, which lasted from daybreak till far into the night.

Seta (Yoshinaka’s Rebellion).

Fought 1183, between the army of Yoritomo, under his brothers Noriyori and Yoshitsune, and that of Yoshinaka. The rebels were completely defeated, and Yoshinaka killed.

Seven Days’ Battles (American Civil War).

A series of actions fought by General Lee, with 100,000 Confederates, against General M’Clellan, with 95,000 Federals, Lee’s object being to relieve Richmond. On June 26, 1862, General Hill, with 1,400 Confederates, attacked M’Call’s division, in a strong position at =Beaver’s Dam Creek=, which attack M’Call repulsed, at small cost to his force. On the 27th, General Porter, 35,000 strong, posted on the Chickahominy at =Gaines’ Mill=, was attacked by 54,000 Confederates, under Lee in person. The Southerners advanced under a heavy artillery fire, and after severe fighting, drove the Federals across the river, and captured 20 guns. On the 28th, M’Clellan prepared to withdraw to the James River, his centre having been pierced, and commenced his retreat. On the 29th, 4 Confederate divisions, under Longstreet, aided by an armoured train, came up with Sumner’s corps at =Savage’s Station=, but was repulsed, Sumner thus inflicting a serious check upon the pursuing columns. On the 30th, 3 divisions, under General Jackson, overtook the Federal rearguard, under General French, near the =White Oak Swamp=, and an artillery duel followed, which cost the Federals some guns. Two divisions, under Longstreet, also attacked M’Call’s division, and routed it, M’Call being captured. By the evening of the 30th, M’Clellan reached =Malvern Hill=, overlooking the James River, and determined to oppose here the further advance of the Confederates. On July 1st, the Confederates attacked, but the Federals held their ground throughout the day, and on the 2nd retired in good order and practically unmolested. The Federals admit a loss of 15,249 men and 25 guns during the operations, but Confederate accounts put the figures much higher, and claim 51 guns. The losses of the Southerners were also very heavy, especially at Malvern Hill, but Lee’s object was accomplished, and Richmond was relieved.

Sevenoaks (Cade’s Rebellion).

Fought June 18, 1450, between the rebels, under Cade, and the royal troops, under Sir Humphrey Stafford. The force under Stafford was quite inadequate for the work in hand, and was routed, Stafford being killed.

Seven Pines.

_See_ Fair Oaks.

Shahjehan (Tartar Invasion of Kharismia.)

This city was besieged 1221, by the Tartars, under Tuli Khan, and was obstinately defended by the garrison under a Turkish general named Bugha. For twenty-one successive days the besiegers delivered assaults, which were repulsed, but finally the inhabitants made terms with Tuli Khan, and opened the gates.

Shaldiran (Ottoman Wars).

Fought August 24, 1514, between 120,000 Turks, under Selim I, and about 80,000 Persians, under the Shah Ismael. The wing led by the Shah in person was victorious, but the Persian left was totally routed, and in endeavouring to restore the battle on that side Ismael was wounded, whereupon the army was seized with panic, and took to flight.

Shannon and Chesapeake (Second American War).

A famous frigate action, fought May 29, 1813, between the British frigate _Shannon_, of 38 guns, commanded by Captain Broke, and the American frigate _Chesapeake_, also of 38 guns, under Captain John Lawrence. The _Chesapeake_ sailed out of Boston Harbour to attack the _Shannon_, and after a brisk action was taken by the board by the British. The _Shannon_ lost 4 officers and 21 men killed, and 3 officers and 56 men wounded; the _Chesapeake_, 8 officers and 39 men killed, and 9 officers and 106 men wounded. Captain Lawrence was killed and Captain Broke wounded.

Sheerness (Dutch Wars).

Fought June 7, 1667, and following days, when the Dutch fleet, under de Ruyter, sailed up the Medway as far as Upnor Castle, and destroyed 7 ships of war.

Sheriffmuir (Rebellion of the Fifteen).

Fought November 13, 1715, between 3,500 royal troops, under the Duke of Argyle, and 9,000 Highlanders, under the Earl of Mar. Argyle’s left wing was routed by the Macdonalds, and his left and centre, though at first they held their own, were in the end compelled to retire, and Argyle effected a retreat in good order to Stirling.

Sherstone (Danish Invasion).

Fought 1016, between Edmund Ironside, and Knut, the rival claimants to the throne. The battle was indecisive.

Shijo Nawate (War of the Northern and Southern Empires).

Fought 1339, between the army of the Northern Emperor, under Takaugi and Tadayoshi, and the troops of the Southern Emperor, under Kusunoki Masatsura. Masatsura was attacked at Yoshino, which place was temporarily the Imperial residence. Feeling that he was too weak to defend it, he marched out with his whole force to meet his assailants, and fell fighting to the last, the Northern troops gaining a complete victory. Japan was soon afterwards again united, under the rule of the Northern line.

Shiloh (American Civil War).