Chapter I: Preface

The principal authors who have recently written on Circassia are Bodenstedt, Moritz Wagner, Marlinski, Dubois de Montpéreux, Hommaire de Hell, Taillander, Marigny, Golovin, Bell, Longworth, Spencer, Knight, Cameron, Ditson; and from their pages chiefly has been filled the easel with the colors of which I have endeavored to paint the following picture of a career of heroism nowise inferior to that of the most famous champions of classical antiquity, of a war of independence such as may not improperly be compared with the most glorious struggles recorded in the annals of liberty, and of a state of society perhaps the most romantic and the most nearly resembling that described in the songs of Homer which the progress of civilization has now left for the admiration of mankind.

CONTENTS.

I. The Land of Schamyl II. Its History III. The War with Russia IV. His Birthplace V. His Parents, Atalik, and Teacher VI. His Early Education VII. His Horsemanship VIII. The Circassian Games IX. His Love of Nature X. Hunting XI. Camping Out XII. In the White Mountains XIII. Songs XIV. Dances XV. Festivals XVI. His Religious Education XVII. His Marriage XVIII. Maids XIX. Wives XX. Female Slave-Trade XXI. Form of Government XXII. Religious Belief XXIII. Occupations XXIV. Manners XXV. His Predecessors.--Mahomet-Mollah XXVI. Khasi-Mollah XXVII. Hamsad Bey XXVIII. Circassian Mode of Warfare XXIX. Russian Mode of Warfare XXX. His Personal Appearance XXXI. Becomes Imam, and Continues the War XXXII. Issues Proclamations XXXIII. His Head-Quarters at Akhulgo XXXIV. The Siege of Akhulgo XXXV. The Expedition against Dargo XXXVI. His Domestic Life XXXVII. Prince Woronzoff at Dargo XXXVIII. Schamyl's Proclamation to the Kabardians XXXIX. His Invasion of the Kabardas XL. His System of Government XLI. Recent Events

LIFE OF SCHAMYL.