ABSTRACT
Pestel, chosen for his command by Yermóloff himself, proved unworthy of his confidence. Against orders he advanced to Bashli, chief town of Karakaitagh, was there surrounded by the allies in vast numbers, and attacked in the narrow streets, where artillery could not operate. It was thanks only to the valour and ability of Colonel Meeshtchenko and others that, with a loss of 12 officers and 500 men, the Russians secured their retreat to Derbend. All Daghestan went wild with joy; and in distant Tabriz Abbas Mirza celebrated the victory with feasting and cannon-fire.
