This city, one of the holy places of India, was captured by the Afghans, under Sultan Mahmud of Ghuzni, in 1024. According to tradition, he carried off the great gates of the city to Ghuzni; and certain gates purporting to be the same, but which afterwards proved to be of later date, were brought back to India with a flourish of trumpets, after the capture of Ghuzni by the British in 1842.
Son-Tai (Tongking War).
This fortress, defended by a garrison of 25,000 Chinese, including 10,000 "Black Flags," under Lin Yung Ku, was attacked by the French, under Admiral Courbet, with 7 river gun-boats and force of 7,000 men, December 14, 1883. On this day the outer defences were carried, and the garrison driven into the citadel. During the night the French were surprised by a sortie, which however they repulsed, after severe fighting. On the 16th they stormed the citadel, losing in the three days 92 officers and 318 men killed and wounded. The Chinese lost about 1,000.
Sorata (Inca Rising).
This city was besieged, 1780, by the revolted Peruvians, under Andrés, the last of the Incas. The fortifications, well provided with artillery, proved impregnable, but Andrés diverted certain mountain torrents against the walls, and thus opened a large breach, through which the Peruvians entered the city, and massacred the whole of the garrison and inhabitants. Of 20,000 souls, it is said that only one priest escaped.
South Mountain (American Civil War).
Fought September 14, 1862, between the Federals, under General M’Clellan, and the Confederates, under General Lee. Lee's object was to hold M’Clellan in check while Jackson captured Harper's Ferry, and to this end he posted General D. Hill with 15,000 on South Mountain. Here Hill was attacked, and driven to the upper slopes, but being reinforced by a portion of Longstreet's command, he maintained his position there, withdrawing on the morning of the 15th. Each side lost about 2,500 men, but Lee had gained his object, as the delay to M’Clellan ensured the capture of Harper's Ferry.
Southwark (Cade's Rebellion).
Fought July 5, 1450, between the rebels, under Cade, and the citizens of London, under Matthew Gough. The Londoners endeavoured to hold London Bridge, to prevent the plundering expeditions of Cade's followers into the city, but were driven back, and the central drawbridge set on fire. The Londoners lost heavily, among the killed being Gough.