Confederation under Urquiza, and those of the State of Buenos Ayres,
under Mitre. Urquiza was victorious, and in the following month Buenos
Ayres entered the Confederation.
Cephisus.
Fought 1307 between the Catalan “Great Band,” 9,500 strong, and the
troops of Walter de Brienne, Duke of Athens, 15,000 in number. The
Catalans surrounded their camp with an artificial inundation, into which
the Duke’s cavalry rode unsuspectingly, and were cut to pieces, de
Brienne being amongst the slain.
Cerignola (Neapolitan War).
Fought 1503 between the Spaniards under Gonsalvo de Cordova, and the
French under the Duc de Nemours. The French were totally defeated and
Nemours slain.
Cerisolles (Wars of Charles V).
Fought 1544, between the French under François de Bourbon, and the
Imperialists under du Gast, the French gaining a complete victory.
Chacabuco (South American War of Independence).
Fought February 12, 1817, between the Chilian patriots under San Martin,
and the Spanish royalists. The Chilians won a complete victory.
Chæronea (Amphictyonic War).
Fought August B.C. 338 between the Macedonians under Philip, and the
Athenians and Thebans under Chares and Theagenes respectively. Philip
had 30,000 foot and 2,000 horse, the latter led by Alexander, then a lad
of eighteen; the allies were slightly fewer in number. Philip reinforced
his right wing, which was opposed by the Athenians, and sent his heavy
cavalry against the Thebans, on the allied right. Their charge broke the
Theban ranks, and they then attacked the Athenians in flank and rear. A
hopeless rout ensued, the Theban “Sacred Band” dying where they stood.
The Athenians lost 6,000 killed and 2,000 prisoners. The Thebans were
almost annihilated.
Chæronea (First Mithridatic War).
Fought B.C. 86, between the Romans under Sulla, 30,000 strong, and the
troops of Pontus, 90,000 in number, under Archelaus. The Romans were
completely victorious.
Chalcedon (Third Mithridatic War).
Fought B.C. 74, between the Roman Fleet, under Rutilius Nudo, and that
of Pontus. The Romans sallied out of the harbour, but were driven back,
and the Pontic fleet then broke the chain protecting the entrance and
destroyed the whole of the Roman ships, 70 in number.
Chalgrove Field (Civil War).
A cavalry skirmish fought June 18, 1643, between the Royalists under
Prince Rupert, and the Parliamentarians under Hampden, and notable only
for the fact that Hampden was killed in the affair.
Châlons (Revolt of the Legions of Aquitaine).
Fought 271, between the troops of the Emperor Aurelian, and the revolted
legions under Tetricus. Tetricus, who was only a puppet in the hands of
his soldiers, concerted measures with Aurelian for their destruction,
and so posted his forces as to give the Emperor the advantage, after
which he deserted, with a few followers. The revolted legionaries fought
desperately, but were cut to pieces.
Châlons (Invasion of the Alemanni).
Fought July 366 between the Romans under Jovinus, and the Alemanni under
Vadomair. After an obstinate engagement, lasting throughout the day, the
Alemanni were routed with a loss of 6,000 killed and 4,000 prisoners.
The Romans lost 1,200.
Châlons (Invasion of the Huns).
Fought 451 between the Romans and the Visigoths under Actius and
Theodoric respectively, and the Huns under Attila. The battle was fought
on an open plain, and while the right and centre of the allies withstood
Attila’s onslaught, the Visigoths on the left made a furious charge, in
which Theodoric fell, and totally routed the right of the Huns. Attila
then withdrew to his camp, having suffered heavy loss, and prepared to
resist the attack of the allies on the following day. Actius, however,
did not renew the conflict, and allowed Attila to retreat unmolested.
Châlons.
Arising out of a tournament in 1274, in which the life of Edward I was
endangered by foul play, a fight in earnest took place between the
English and French knights present. The French were worsted, and a
considerable number slain. This fight is called the “Little” Battle of
Châlons.
Champ-Aubert (Allied Invasion of France).
Fought February 10, 1814, when Napoleon with his main army, by an
extraordinary forced march through a difficult country, fell upon
Blucher’s army marching upon Paris, viâ Châlons. Blucher was advancing
in three divisions, and Napoleon attacked the second of these, under
Alsusieff, and completely dispersed it, taking 2,000 prisoners and all
the guns. On the following day he encountered Sachen, who with 20,000
men formed the advance guard, and defeated him at Montmirail, with a
loss of 6,000, forcing him to abandon the main road and retire on
Château Thierry. On the 13th he encountered General d’York, with 30,000
Russians and Prussians at Château Thierry, driving him out with heavy
loss, including 3,000 prisoners, while finally on the 14th he turned on
the main body under Blucher himself, who, not being sufficiently strong
to face the main French army, was compelled to retire, which he did in
good order, after losing 3,000 in killed, wounded, and prisoners. This
flank march is considered one of Napoleon’s most brilliant achievements.
Chancellorsville (American Civil War).
Fought May 2, 3, and 4, 1863, between 53,000 Confederates under Lee, and
120,000 Federals under Hooker. Lee, though largely outnumbered, detached
half his force under Jackson to turn Hooker’s right, while he contained
the Federals with the rest of his army. Jackson’s march was successfully
carried out, and on the afternoon of the 2nd he commenced his attack,
routing the Federal 11th Corps. This success, however, cost the
Confederates dear, for Jackson’s staff was mistaken in the dusk for that
of a Federal general, and was fired into by a South Carolina regiment,
and Jackson mortally wounded. On the 3rd the attack was renewed in front
and flank, with further success for the Confederates, while on the 4th
the Federals were driven off, and Hooker forced to recross the
Rappahannock on the 5th. The Confederates lost about 10,000 men; the
Federals about 18,000, including 7,650 prisoners.
Chanda (Third Mahratta War).
This fortress, the chief stronghold of the Rajah of Nagpur, was besieged
by a British force under Colonel Adams, May 9, 1818. It was defended by
over 3,000 of the Rajah’s troops, but after two days’ bombardment the
place was taken by storm, with small loss to the assailants, while the
garrison had 500 killed, including the commandant.
Chandernagore (Seven Years’ War).
This place was besieged March 14, 1757, by Clive, with 2,000 Company’s
troops, and defended by 600 Frenchmen and 300 Sepoys. On the 19th three
British ships under Admiral Watson arrived, and on the 24th a joint
attack by sea and land resulted in the capture of the place.
Charasiab (Second Afghan War).
Fought October 6, 1879, when Sir Frederick Roberts attacked a force of
Afghans and Ghilzais, who were massed on the road by which a convoy was
approaching from Zahidabad, under General Macpherson. The enemy was
routed and dispersed, and the convoy reached camp safely.
Charenton (War of the Fronde).
Fought February 8, 1649, between the Royal troops, 8,000 strong, under
the Great Condé, and the forces of the Paris Parliament under Clanleu.
Condé gained a complete victory, driving the Frondeurs from all their
entrenchments, and forcing them back upon Paris with heavy loss,
including 100 officers. Among the slain was Clauleu.
Charleston (American Civil War).
The siege of this place may be considered to have commenced April 6,
1863, on which day the Federal fleet crossed the bar. On the 7th an
attack was made upon fort Sumter by nine ironclads under Admiral Dupont,
which was repulsed with a loss of 1 ship and the disabling of several
others. The defenders lost 2 men only. On July 10th and 11th a land
force attacked Fort Wagner, but was repulsed with loss. On the 18th an
assault by three brigades under General Seymour was also repulsed with
enormous loss; and preparations were then made for a sap. On September
5, after a very heavy bombardment, Fort Wagner proved to be untenable,
and, with the works on Morris Island, was abandoned, but the besiegers
failed in all their attempts on Fort Sumter, and the inner defences.
From this time the siege became a mere blockade of the port, until, on
the approach of Sherman’s army, the garrison, then 9,000 strong,
evacuated the city, February 18, 1865.
Châteauguay (Second American War).
Fought 1813, between the Americans, 7,000 strong, under General Hampton,
and a force of Canadian Militia, far inferior in numbers, who were
strongly posted near Châteauguay. The Americans attempted to storm the
Canadian lines, but the Canadians made a most gallant defence, and
repulsed them with heavy loss.
Châteauneuf-Raudon (Hundred Years’ War).
This fortress was besieged 1380 by the French under Du Guesclin, and was
defended by an English garrison under de Ros. After an obstinate defence
the town surrendered, July 4, but the siege was fatal to Du Guesclin,
who succumbed to his fatigues and privations.
Château Thierry.
_See_ Champ-Aubert.
Chattanooga (American Civil War).
Fought November 24 to 27, 1863, between 80,000 Federals under Grant, and
the Confederate Army of the West, 40,000 strong, under Bragg. The attack
on the Confederate lines commenced on the 27th, the Federals capturing
Look Out Mountain, on their extreme left. They advanced unseen through a
thick fog, to the upper slopes, and drove out the defenders, whence this
action is known as the “Battle above the Clouds.” On the following day
Bragg’s centre was pierced, while the fighting of the 26th and 27th was
in the nature of severe rearguard actions. The Federals lost 5,286
killed and wounded, and 330 missing. The Confederates lost fewer in
killed and wounded, but they left in the hands of the Federals 6,142
prisoners, 40 guns and 7,000 rifles. Also called the “Battle of
Missionary Ridge.”
Che-mul-pho (Russo-Japanese War).
Fought February 8, 1904, between a Japanese squadron of four protected
cruisers, convoying transports, under Admiral Uriu, and a Russian
cruiser and gunboat which sought to oppose the landing. After a smart
action the cruiser was blown up to avoid capture, and the gunboat
destroyed, the Russians losing 504 killed and wounded. The Japanese
suffered no material damage.
Cheriton (Civil War).
Fought March 29, 1644, when the Royalists under Lord Firth were defeated
by the Parliamentarians under Waller. This defeat prevented the
threatened Royalist incursion into Kent and Sussex.
Chetaté (Crimean War).
Fought January 6 to 9, 1854. On the 6th the advanced Russian post of
6,000 men at Chetaté under General Fischbuch was attacked by 6,000 Turks
under Ahmed Pasha, and after heavy fighting, in which the Russians lost
3,000 killed and wounded, and many prisoners, and the Turks 1,000, was
driven out of the village. On the following days the Russians made
desperate attempts to recover the position, General Anrep, on the 9th,
bringing up some 20,000 men from Cragova. All their efforts, however,
failed, and the three days’ fighting cost them a further 2,000 men, the
Turks losing about 1,000.
Chevilly (Franco-German War).
Fought September 30, 1870, when a sortie from Paris under General Vinoy
was repulsed by the Sixth German Corps under Von Tümpling, with a loss
of 74 officers and 2,046 men. The Germans lost 28 officers and 413 men
killed and wounded.
Chevy Chace.
_See_ Otterburn.
Chiari (War of the Spanish Succession).
Fought September 1, 1701, between the Imperialists, about 28,000 strong,
under Prince Eugene, and the French and Spaniards under the Duke of
Savoy. The Prince occupied the small town of Chiari, where he was
attacked by the allies, who, after two hours’ hard fighting, were
repulsed with a loss of nearly 3,000. Owing to the strength of their
position, the Imperialists lost 117 only.
Chickahominy (American Civil War).
Fought June 3, 1864, between the Federal Army of the Potomac under
Grant, and the Confederate army of Virginia under Lee. Grant attacked
the Southerners’ entrenchments, with the object of forcing the passage
of the Chickahominy, and his first onslaught met with some success, but
the Confederates, rallying, drove back their assailants to their
original position with heavy loss. All further attempts on Lee’s lines
failed, and the Federals were finally repulsed with a loss of over
13,000 killed, wounded and missing. The Confederates lost about 6,000.
Chickamauga (American Civil War).
Fought September 19 and 20, 1863, between the Confederate Army of the
West under General Bragg, and the Federals under General Rosecrans. On
the 19th the Confederates attacked along the whole line and drove back
their opponents, cutting them off from the river, and forcing them to
bivouac for the night in a waterless country. On the 20th the attack was
renewed, and though Bragg’s right was repulsed, he was elsewhere
successful, and by nightfall Rosecrans was in full retreat. Bragg
however, failed to follow up his victory, and allowed Rosecrans to
retire on Chattanooga unmolested. The Federals lost 16,351 men and 36
guns; the Confederates about 12,000.
Chillianwallah (Second Sikh War).
Fought January 14, 1849, between the British under Lord Gough, and the
Sikhs, 40,000 strong, under Shere Singh. The battle was very evenly
contested, and though in the end Lord Gough drove the Sikhs from the
field, his own position was so insecure that he was himself compelled to
retire after the action.
Chiloe (South American War of Independence).
On January 19, 1826, the small group of islands, held for the Spanish
crown by a garrison under Quintanella, was surrendered to a force of
Chilians, 4,000 strong, with a small squadron of warships under Freyre.
Chingleput (Seven Years’ War).
This fortress, defended by a French garrison of 40 Europeans and 500
native troops, was captured, 1752, by Clive, with a force of about 700
recruits and Sepoys.
Chios (Social War).
Chios having risen against Athenian rule in B.C. 357, a fleet of 60
ships under Chabrias and Chares was sent to reduce it. A force having
been landed, a joint attack was made by the fleet and the army, but in
attempting to enter the harbour, the galley of Chabrias, which led the
way, was surrounded and overpowered, Chabrias falling. The troops were
then withdrawn, and the attack abandoned.
Chios.
Fought B.C. 201 between the Macedonian fleet, 48 triremes and some
smaller vessels under Philip, and the combined fleets of Rhodes and
Pergamus under Theophiliscus and Attalus. Philip was defeated with the
loss of half his ships, 3,000 killed and 5,000 prisoners. The allies
lost 6 ships and 800 men.
Chiozza (War of Chiozza).
This city, which had been captured by the Genoese from Venice, was
besieged by the Venetians under Pisani and defended by Doria, who was
killed during the siege. The place made an obstinate resistance, but was
forced to surrender June 24, 1380, the Venetians capturing 19 Genoese
galleys and 4,000 prisoners. This disaster broke the power of the
Genoese Republic for many years.
Chippewa (Second American War).
Fought July 6, 1814, between 4,000 Americans under General Jacob Brown,
and 2,400 British, 1,500 being regulars, under General Riall. Riall
attacked Brown in a strong position at Chippewa, and was repulsed with
considerable loss.
Chitor.
Towards the end of the thirteenth century this fortress was besieged by
the Pathans under Ala-ud-Din, and was defended by the Rana, Lakhsman.
The first attack was repulsed, though the Rajputs suffered terribly, but
at the second attempt the Pathans overpowered the defenders, who were
mercilessly put to the sword. All the Rajput women in the place
committed suttee, to avoid captivity. Lakhsman Singh and eleven out of
his twelve sons fell in the defence.
The second sack of Chitor took place in 1535, when the Rana Bikrmajit
made a gallant but unavailing defence against the Gujeratis under
Bahadur Shah. Thirteen thousand women were slain by the remnant of the
garrison, before they opened the gates, and rushed out to fall fighting.
Only one small child of the Royal line escaped the massacre, namely Udai
Singh. It was during the reign of this Udai Singh that the third sack
took place in 1568, by the Delhi Moguls under Akbar. Udai Singh deserted
his capital, which was defended by a garrison of 8,000 Rajputs under
Jagmal. The siege was scientifically conducted, and, a breach having
been effected, an assault was ordered. A mine, however, was exploded in
the breach, killing 500 of the assailants, and the assault was repulsed.
Shortly afterwards Jagmal was killed, and a second assault proved
successful, the garrison, refusing to surrender, being put to the sword.
Chitral (Chitral Campaign).
On March 3, 1895, the Chitral garrison, consisting of 90 Sikhs and 280
Kashmir Imperial Service troops, with 7 British officers under Captain
Campbell, was attacked by a large force of Chitralis and Bajauris under
Shere Afzal, the Pretender to the Chitral throne, and Umrar Khan of
Bajaur. A sortie was repulsed, with a loss of 58, including 2 British
officers, and General Baj Singh, who commanded the Kashmiris, but in
spite of a series of attacks, and continual mining operations, the
garrison held out until April 18, when it was relieved by Colonel Kelly.
One fifth of the garrison was killed or wounded.
Chizai (Hundred Years’ War).
Fought July 1372, between the French under Du Guesclin, and the English
under Thomas Hampton. Du Guesclin, who was engaged in the siege of
Chizai, was attacked by the English, in about equal force to his own,
and, after a long and bloody engagement, totally defeated them, and
captured the town. The reverse cost Edward III Saintonge and Poitou.
Choczim (Ottoman Wars).
Fought 1769, between the Russians under Galitzin, and the Turks under
Mohammed Emin Pasha. The Russians, who were endeavouring to capture
Choczim by a _coup de main_, were met and defeated by the Turks with
considerable loss.
Chong-ju (Russo-Japanese War).
The first encounter between the land forces of Russia and Japan, April,
1904, when the advanced guard of the First Japanese Army came in contact
with a force of Cossacks under General Mischtchenko, and after a brisk
engagement drove them back and occupied Chong-ju. The losses on both
sides were small.
Chorillos (Peruvio-Chilian War).
Fought January 13, 1861, between the Chilians under General Baquedano
and the Peruvians under General Caceres. The Peruvians were totally
defeated with a loss of 9,000 killed and wounded, and 2,000 prisoners.
The Chilians lost 800 killed and 2,500 wounded.
Chotusitz (War of the Austrian Succession).
Fought May 17, 1742, between the Austrians under Prince Charles of
Lorraine, and the Prussians under Frederick the Great. The numbers were
about equal, but the steadiness of the Prussian infantry eventually wore
down the Austrians, and they were forced to retreat, though in good
order, leaving behind them 18 guns and 12,000 prisoners. The killed and
wounded numbered about 7,000 on each side, and the Austrians made 1,000
prisoners. The Prussian cavalry delivered several desperate and
unsuccessful charges, and were almost destroyed.
Christianople (Dano-Swedish Wars).
The first military exploit of Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, who, during
the war of 1611, made a night assault on this fortress with 1,500 men,
and blowing in the gate, captured the place without losing a man.
Chrysopolis (War of the Two Empires).
Fought 323 between 60,000 troops under Licinius, Emperor of the East,
and a force detached by Constantine from the siege of Byzantium.
Licinius was totally defeated, with a loss of 25,000, and surrendered.
The result of this victory was the re-union of the whole of the Roman
Empire under one head.
Chrystlers Farm (Second American War).
Fought November 11, 1813, between 800 British under Colonel Morrison,
and about 3,000 Americans under General Boyd. The Americans were
defeated with a loss of 249 killed and wounded and 100 prisoners. The
British lost 203.
Chunar.
This fortress, which was held for Shir Khan Sur, Nawab of Bengal, was
besieged by the Moguls under Humayun in 1538. This is the first siege in
Indian history which was conducted according to the rules of war, and
was notable for the use made of artillery by both sides. After a siege
lasting several months, the garrison was forced by famine to surrender.
Cibalis (War of the Two Empires).
Fought October 8, 315, between Constantine the Great, with 20,000 men,
and Licinius, Emperor of the East, with 35,000. Constantine was posted
in a defile, where he was attacked by Licinius. The attack was repulsed,
and Constantine followed the enemy into the open plain, where Licinius
rallied his troops, and resumed the offensive. The day seemed lost, when
a charge of the right wing, under Constantine in person, once more broke
the Illyrians, and Licinius having lost 20,000 of his best troops,
abandoned his camp during the night and retreated to Sirmium.
Ciudad Rodrigo (Peninsular War).
This town was invested by Wellington January 8, 1812, and carried by
assault twelve days later. The besiegers lost during the siege 1,290
killed and wounded, of whom 710, including Generals Craufurd and
Mackinnon, fell in the storm. The French lost 300 killed and wounded,
1,500 prisoners, and 150 guns.
Ciuna (Second Samnite War).
Fought B.C. 315, between the Romans under Caius Mænius and the Samnites
under Pontius. The Romans gained a signal victory.
Civitella (Norman Invasion of Italy).
Fought 1033, when 3,000 Normans under Robert Guiscard assailed and
totally routed a miscellaneous force of Germans and Italians under Pope
Leo IX. Only the Germans offered any serious resistance, but they were
cut down to a man, and the Pope was overtaken in his flight and
captured.
Clissau (Swedo-Polish Wars).
Fought July 13, 1702, between the Swedes, 12,000 strong, under Charles
XII, and 24,000 Poles and Saxons under Frederick Augustus. The Saxons
fought gallantly, but the Poles fled at the first onslaught, and in the
end the Swedes gained a complete victory. Among those who fell was the
Duke of Holstein, commanding the Swedish cavalry.
Clontarf (Norse Invasion of Ireland).
Fought April 24, 1014, when the Scandinavian invaders were totally
routed by the Irish of Munster, Connaught, Ulster and Meath, under Brian
Boru. The Norsemen are said to have lost 6,000 men. Brian Boru and his
son fell in the battle.
Clusium (Conquest of Cisalpine Gaul).
Fought B.C. 225, when the Gauls utterly routed a Roman army with a loss
said to have amounted to 50,000 men.
Cnidus.
Fought B.C. 394 between 120 Spartan triremes under Pisander and a
largely superior Persian fleet under Pharnabazus, and Conon the
Athenian. Pisander was defeated and slain, and his fleet destroyed.
Persia thus re-established her power in the Greek cities of Asia, and
the maritime power of Sparta was destroyed.
Cockerel (Hundred Years’ War).
Fought May, 1364, between the Navarrese under Jean de Grailli, aided by
a force of English mercenaries under John Joel, and the French, 10,000
strong, under Bertrand du Guesclin. Du Guesclin, who was executing a
strategic retreat, was attacked by the English, who were surrounded and
overpowered, Joel falling. De Grailli came to their aid, but was also
overwhelmed and made prisoner, and the Navarrese, deprived of their
leaders, laid down their arms.
Colenso (Second Boer War).
Fought December 15, 1899, being the first action in Sir Redvers Buller’s
campaign for the relief of Ladysmith. Buller attempted to carry by a
frontal attack the Boer position on the opposite side of the Tugela, and
notwithstanding the gallantry of the troops, was compelled to retire,
with a loss of 71 officers and 1,055 rank and file. Of this total the
Irish Brigade lost about half. The Boers captured 10 guns.
Colline Gate (Civil War of Marius and Sulla).