The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1855-10-09 00:00:00

RUSSIAN VERSION OF THE CAPTURE OF

SEBASTOPOL.
THE first Russian version of the fall of Sebastopol is con-
tained in the following general order addressed by Prince
Gortschakoff to his troops, and in an incomplete report of the
progress of the siege published in the Inralide Rune :
GENERAL ORDER ADDRESSED TO THE ARMY OP THE SOUTH
AND TO TUE LAND AND SEA TROOPS IN THE CRIMEA.
Head-quarters, Heights of Inkermann, in the vicinity
of opol, Aug. 30 (Sept. .
Valiant Comrades,— Sebast
On the 12th of Septemberl2) last year, a
strong enemy's army appeared before the walls of Sebastopol.
Despite its numerical superiority, despite the absence of ob-
stacles which military science might have opposed to it in the
town, that army did not dare to attack it openly (literally,
with an open force), and undertook a regular siege.
Since then, despite the formidable means at the disposal of

THE LIVER.PO

our enemies, who, by their numerous ships, constantly re-
ceived reinforcements, artillery, and ammunition for eleven
months and a half, all their efforts failed before your bravery
and firmness. It is a fact unexampled in military annals that
a town hastily fortified, in presence of the enemy, should have
been able to hold out so long against a force, the means of
attack of which have exceeded everything that hitherto could
have been foreseen in calculations of this nature.
And with means so enormous and of such a description,
after the ruinous effects of an artillery of colossal dimensions,
continued for nine months, the enemy having frequently had
recourse to prolonged bombardments of the town, firing on
each occasion many hundred thousand rounds, they became
convinced of the inadequacy of their efforts, and resolved to
take Sebastopol by a combat.
On the 6th (18th) of June, they made the assault on differ-
ent sides, entering courageously into the town, but you re-
ceived them with intrepidity, and they were driven back on all
points in the most brilliant manner.
This check forced them to return to a continuation of their
first plan of siege, multiplying their batteries, and increasing
the activity of their trench works and mining operations.
Since the memorable day upon which you repulsed the
assault two months and a half have elapsed, during which,
animated by sentiments of duty and of love to the throne
and to your country, you have heroically disputed each inch
of ground, forcing the assailants to advance only foot by foot,
and paying with torrents of blood and an incredible loss of
ammunition for each yard of ground they gained.
In this obstinate defence your courage did not flag; on the
contrary, it rose to the highest degree of self-denial.
But, if your intrepidity and your patience were without
bounds, there are such in the nature of the possibility oldefence.
As the approaches of the enemy gradually advanced, their
batteries were erected nearer the walls. The circle of fire
which surrounded Sebastopol grew daily narrower, and sent
death and destruction upon the courageous defenders still
further into the town.

Taking advantage of the superiority of their fire at -short
range, the enemy, after the concentrated action of their artil-
lery for thirty days—which cost our garrison from 500 to
1,000 men per day—commenced that terrible bombardment
(bombardement d'enfer) from their innumerable engines of
war, and of a calibre hitherto unknown, which destroyed our
defences, which had been repaired at night with great labour,
and at great loss, under the incessant fire of the enemy—the
principal work, the Kornileff redoubt, on the Malakhoff Hill
(the key of Sebastopol, as a point dominating the whole town),
having experienced considerable and irreparable damage.
To continue, under these circumstances, the defence of the
south side, would have been to expose our troops daily to a
useless butchery, and their preservation is to-day, more than
ever, necessary to the Emperor of Russia.
For these reasons, with sorrow in my heart, but with a full
conviction, I resolved to evacuate Sebastopol, and take over
the troops to the north side by the bridge constructed before-
hand over the bay and by boats.
Meantime, the enemy, beholding, on the 27th of August
(Bth of September), at 10.30, the half-ruined works before
them and the Kornileff redoubt, with its ditches filled up, re-
solved upon a desperate assault, first on Bastions No. 2 (Kor-
nileff), and No. 3 (Redan), and after about three hours upon
Bastion No. 5, and the Belkin and Schwartz redoubts.
Of these six attacks, five were gloriously repulsed. Some
of the points of attack, like that on Bastion No. 2, on which
the enemy had succeeded in bringing guns by flying bridges,
having at various times been taken and retaken, remained
finally ours. But the Kornileff redoubt, more damaged than
the others by the bombardment, was taken by the French,
who brought more than 30,000 men against it, and could not
be retaken, after the great losses we had suffered at the com-
mencement of this combat, for it would have been necessary
to ascend in the midst of the ruins of a very steep incline, and
then cross a narrow ridge above a deep ditch on the rear face
occupied by the French. Such an undertaking might have
prevented us achieving the proposed object, and would have
cost us, without the slightest doubt, incalculable losses.
The attempt was the more needless, as, for reasons already
mentioned, I had resolved to evacuate the place. Therefore,
as the success of the enemy was confined to the sole capture
of the Kornileff redoubt, I ordered that no attack should be
made on that redoubt, and to remain in front of it, to oppose
any continuation of the enemy's attack on the town itself—an
order which was executed despite all the efforts of the French
to get beyond the gorge of the redoubt.
At dusk the troops were ordered to retie according to the
arrangements previously made.
The examples of bravery you gave during that day, valiant
comrades, aroused such:a feeling of respect in the enemy, that,
despite the knowledge they must have had of our retreat by
the explosion of our mines, which our troops exploded one
after the other as they gradually retreated, they not only did
not pursue us in columns, but even ceased firing with their
artillery, which they might have continued with impunity.
Valiant comrades, it is painful, it is hard to leave Sebas-
topol in the enemy's hands. But remember the sacrifice we
made upon the altar of our country in 1812. Moscow was
surely as valuable as Sebastopol—we abandoned it after the
immortal battle of Borodino. The defence of Sebastopol
during 349 days is superior to Borodino, and when the enemy
entered Moscow in that great year of 1812, they only found
heaps of stones and ashes. Likewise, it is not Sebastopol
which we have left to them, but the burning ruins of the
town, which we ourselves set fire to, having maintained the
honour of the defence in such a manner that our great-grand-
children may recal the remembrance thereof with pride to all
posterity.
Sebastopol kept us chained to its walls ; with its fall we ac-
quire freedom of movement, and a new war commences, a war
in the open field, that most congenial to the Russian soldier.
Let us prove to the Emperor, let us prove to Russia, that we
are still imbued with the spirit which animated our ancestors
in our memorable and patriotic struggle. Wherever the
enemy may show himself we will present our breasts to him,
and defend our native land as we defended it in 1812.

Valiant warriors of the land and sea forces, in the name of
the Emperor, I thank you for the unexampled courage, firm-
ness, and constancy you have displayed during the siege of
Sebastopol. [Here follow the names of the officers who most
distinguished themselves.]
in t hit% eXOrPRAira. tlya.my6kg s'tt ,rits-aifsvrnenuur,--conmaiies,
those who have fallen honourably for our faith and for our
country on the ramparts of Sebastopol.
Let us remember the immortal names of Nachimoff, Korni-
leff, and Istomine, and let us address prayers to the Most
High that He will grant them peace, and eternalize their
memory as an example to the future generations of Russians.

MANIFESTO OF THE EMPEROR OF RUSSIA.
ON the 20th of September, the Emperor of Russia addressed
the following rescript to Count Zakrewsky, Military Governor
of Moscow :

Count Arsene Andrelevitch,—Since my accession to the
throne of my ancestors, it has been my lively desire to visit
my ancient capital—that loyal and beloved residence, where I
was born, and where I received baptism, under the protection
of the relics of the blessed Alexis, the thaumaturgus of
Moscow.

Having to-day satisfied that desire, I have witnessed with
the greatest satisfaction the cordial and sincere empressement
which the inhabitants of Moscow have shown in their recep-
tion of myself and all my family—a traditional welcome
which Russia has always given to her sovereigns. I charge
you to express my sincere gratitude to all classes of the popu-
lation of Moscow, and to assure them of my goodwill. My
happiness would have been complete if recent events had not
dimmed the satisfaction of these sweet moments.
My older of the day to the Russian armies has already made
public that, after an unexampled siege of eleven months, the
garrison of Sebastopol, after having given unheard-of proofs of
courage and self-denial, and having successfully repulsed six
desperate assaults, has crossed over to the north side of the
town, only leaving " blood-stained ruins" to the enemy. The
garrison of Sebastopol has done all that man could do.
I accept past and present events as the impenetrable decrees
of Providence, which has given a year of sad trials to Russia.
But Russia has supported still greater trials, and the Lord, in
His great mercy, has always given her his tacit support. Let
us, therefore, now also place our trust in Him.
He will defend orthodox Russia, who has taken up arms for
a just cause—for the cause of Christianity. It is a great
satisfaction to me to see the unceasing proofs which all men
are giving in their readiness to sacrifice their property, their
families, and even the last drop of their blood, for the main-
tenance of the integrity of the empire, and for the national
honour.

It is in the manifestation of these sentiments of the nation,
and in these acts, that I derive strength and consolation, and,
uniting myself inseparably with my heart to my heroic and
faithful people, I repeat, putting my trust in the help and
grace of the Almighty, the words:of the Emperor Alexander 1.,
Where right is, there is God also !"
I am ever and invariably yours, ALEXANDER.

THE Globe says :—" It is denied that the British cavalry
are to winter at Constantinople. A strong reserve de/3a of
those regiments now in the Crimea will be formed at Kululee,
and two officers, a captain and a subaltern, from the reserve
cavalry, have left, or will leave, to take the command of these
depots. It is likely that Brigadier-General Garrett will have
the command of the Fourth Division in the Crimea, rendered
vacant by General Bentinck's return home. Brigadier Garrett
is the senior officer of the division, and has been given the
local rank of Major-General. General Windham will have
the command of his own division, the Second.
A PICTURE OF THE INTERIOR OF SEBASTOPOL.—On look-
ing from the back of the Redan, where a good view is obtained,
the scene is one of ruin and destruction. In front are the
barracks, arsenal, and stores, their beautiful cut-stone fronts
shattered in every direction, the roofs falling in, and the walls
here and there blackened by fire. On the right, the Alalakhoff
rises in a commanding point, looking down on the dockyards,
the hospital, and the magnificent basins for the large men-of-
war, the intervening space occupied by ruined and smoulder-
ing houses. Looking to the left, the main part of the town
stands on high ground, the streets straight, and imposing even
in their present condition. The club-house, so often looked at
with envy, stands on a beautiful spot, overlooking the deep
creek, and now shows in its blackened walls the effects of last
night's fire. The governor's house has shared its fate, but as
yet the well-known temple, a model of the Parthenon, stands
entire, and is protected by sentries. Fort Nicholas still
smoulders, and the houses in its neighbourhood are in a blaze.
As yet the Cathedral is untouched ; around it are some lovely
gardens—such a contrast to our dusty camp ! The remnants
of the bridges float about, and here and there the masts of the
large vessels project above the water. On going into the bar-
racks the destruction there seen is painful. It would appear
that the soldiers in their searches for things of value deter-
mined to commit as much havoc as lay in their power. In
the portions of the buildings underground, vast quantities of
new clothing and accoutrements were scattered about.
Hundreds of helmets were being trodden down by the men,
and bales of cloth lay on every side. Furniture of all kinds
was being removed ; pictures, lamps, dresses, and musical in-
struments were all there for those who went sufficiently early,
and who cared to carry them home. The French, being
allowed much more liberty than the English troops, overran
the houses, and removed everything which could possibly be
of any use. Until late in the day our men were confined to
camp, and when they were able to pass into the town found
nothing left for them but bare walls, and any lumbering fur-
niture which proved too heavy for the French to remove. The
camps have consequently abounded with itinerant vendors of
all kinds of goods, for every one of which fabulous prices were
demanded. The variety of articles was astonishing, and from
valuable silver plate to the most worthless of old books, which
no one could read, everything seemed to meet with some pur-
chaser. Pictures were most in demand, and some really
valuable ones were taken. One man was seen clothed in a
Russian osier's uniform, carrying on his back a huge cage
with a talkative parrot inside, which seemed greatly excited
by the change of scene ; others walked up from the town, dis-
playing on their own persons shawls and bonnets which they
wished to sell. Altogether the scenes met with on every side
were such as could never be effaced from the minds of those
who witnessed them.

STANDARD.

LIVERPOOL TOE COUNCIL.

AN ordinary monthly and special meeting of the Council
was held on Wednesday; James Aspinall Tobin, Esq., the
Mayor, presiding.
THE LATE ARCHDEACON BROOKS.
Before proceeding with the usual business of the meeting,
His Worship the MAYOR, in a brief but tastefully-arranged
address, alluded to the loss the community of Liverpool had
sustained in the death of the Venerable Archdeacon Brooks. In
doing this, he emphatically reminded the Council of the great
public usefulness he had always rendered to the community
during his long and active life : a true friend of the poor, and
a judicious adviser of all classes, numerous individuals of
every rank had felt it a pleasure and advantage to consult
with him. His worship then intimated his opinion that the
Council should join in the funeral procession ; and also his
own intention to attend in state at St. Peter's Church on
Sunday, on which occasion the Lord Bishop of Chester had
signified his intention of preaching a funeral sermon, out of
respect to the memory of the deceased.
Mr. H. HORNET moved, and Mr. J. STEWART seconded
the resolution, that the Council, in a body, attend the funeral.
The resolution was unanimously agreed to.
VISIT OF THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE.—THE PROPOSED
ILLUMINATION.
The MAYOR suggested that the Town-clerk read a commu-
nication he had received from Mr. Sydney, chairman of a
meeting held on the preceding day, in the Clarendon-rooms,
relative to the proposed illumination in honour of the Crimean
victories. The communication having been read,
His WORSHIP reiterated the statement he had previously
made, that, in recommending a general indication of public
rejoicing on account of the successes which have attended the
efforts of the allied armies in the Crimea, he only gave utter-
ance to a; widely-indicated popular feeling. In compliance
with this, he had suggested that the Town hall and other
buildings belonging to the Corporation, should be illuminated,
and that suggestion had been coincided in by the Council,
which had passed a resolution embodying it. The Council had
also joined in recommending that the public should co-operate
with the Corporation, as far as convenience and inclination
would permit, in rendering the demonstration of rejoicing as
general as possible, by illuminating their premises and other-
wise ; but it never was intended to make such recommenda-
tion compulsory, nor to entail on the community the expense
and inconvenience of illuminating any private dwelling, but,
perhaps, the object contemplated by the communication might
be effected by its being clearly understood that the illumina-
tion of private houses was not expected.
After some conversation, in which Mr.W. Earle, Mr. Wood-
ruff, Mr. Sheil, Mr. Alderman Bennett, Mr. Alderman Shand,
and Mr. Beckwith took part, the suggestions of the Mayor
were understood to be adopted, and the subject dropped.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.—SITE OF THE BOROUGH GAOL.
The proceedings of this committee included a recommenda-
tion to the Council to authorise the sale of the materials and
site of the old Borough Gaol, the prisoners being now all
removed to the new gaol at Walton. On this recommenda-
tion, a protracted discussion ensued, in which several members,
including Mr. Alderman Bennett, urged upon the Council the
advantages offered by the site referred to in respect to improve-
ment in the means of traffic now carried on by Oldhall-street.
In the course of discussion it was stated by Mr. HORNET, that
under present circumstances he considered it would be inex-
pedient to proceed with an Improvement Bill in the ensuing
session of parliament. It was also intimated, that when the
intended new buildings to be erected in connection with the
Police-courts and offices on the site of the Old Gas-office, in
Dale street, shall have been completed, great relief would be
afforded as to the crowding of the new gaol at Walton ; and
it was also stated that the plans for those new buildings were
so far matured that it might be expected they would be laid
before the Council in a short time. The proceedings of the
committee were confirmed.
BIRKENHEAD DOCKS.
_ _ _

Mr. HORNBY requested that the report prepared by the
special committee in reference to this subject be read. The
report, which was as follows, was then read :
In accordance with the provisions of the Birkenhead Docks
Act, of last session, the bonds of the Corporation, as men-
tioned in that act, have been delivered to the Trustees of the
Birkenhead Docks, and to the Birkenhead Dock Company,
whereby their respective properties have vested in the
Corporation.
The Act provides that so much, and such parts of the
undertaking so vested, as are now completed, or as may
hereafter be completed, shall, as and when the same are
adapted to the accommodation of shipping, be managed by
the Dock Committee, and your committee, therefore, requested
the Surveyors to the Corporation and to the Dock Estate to
submit a report, showing what part of the undertaking is now
so far completed as to come within this provision, and, from
their joint report, it appears that this extends to the Morpeth
and Egerton Docks, and the Quays, and Railways, appurten-
ances thereto, with two gridirons in the Woodside basin, and
the Victoria wharf, all constructed by the Birkenhead Dock
Trustees, and the warehouses and wharf constructed by the
Birkenhead Dock Company, with the buildings connected
therewith.
This portion of the undertaking has, therefore, according to
the requirements of the act, been delivered over for manage-
ment. to the Dock Committee ; who are required to keep
separate accounts of their receipts therefrom, and expenditure
in relation thereto, and to pay over the balance of such re-
ceipts to the Corporation.
As the act directs that the Birkenhead Docks shall, with as
little delay as possible, be completed in such a manner as may
render them most available for the commercial purposes of
the port in connexion with the Liverpool Docks, and that the
same rates should be charged at Birkenhead as in Liverpool,
and that both should be placed permanently under the same
control and management, and that the Corporation shall
apply in the next Session of Parliament to effect these objects,
the attention of the Dock Surveyor is now directed to the
consideration of such plans as will comply with this provision,
so far as respects the completion of the works.
In considering this part of the question, the attention of
Eeltiligiired`Sirt.'Yoh"l ept,4,11)::415 1., assignee of a con-
tract from the Commissioners of Woods, &c., for the sale
thereof ; and as the possession of this property seemed to be
most desirable, your committee have entered into negotiations
for purchase, which they now report can be effected for the
sum of £lOO,OOO, including the amount of deposits and pay-
ments under the contract already made, amounting to £37,000.
Your committee urge the propriety of effecting this purchase,
which would make the whole frontage available for dock pur-
poses and works connected therewith, and render the under-
taking more complete than it could otherwise be made.
A contract has been entered into by Mr. Smith with Messrs.
Brassey and 3l`Cormick, for the execution of works upon this
property, but your committee are in a position to state that
an arrangement can be effected with these gentlemen, so as to
avoid any difficulty in respect of such contract.
Your committee have taken into consideration the resolu-
tions of the Commissioners of Birkenhead, referred to them
by the Council. Your committee have also received commu-
nications from the Wallasey Board of Health, and from the
principal landowners in Tranmere, opening for consideration
the question of amalgamating these townships and places, as
well as Birkenhead and Claughton, with the borough.
Your committee have had interviews with gentlemen from
Birkenhead and Wallasey on this subject; and although much
_would remain to be settled in matters of detail, recommend
the Council to sanction the principle of such amalgamation,
provided those details can be satisfactorily adjusted, as to each
township or place proposed to be added to the borough.
HUGH HORNET, Chairman.
Mr. HORNBY, after an explanatory address, moved that
that portion of the report which recommended the purchase
of the North Reserves be adopted, leaving the question of
municipal amalgamation to be separately considered.
Mr. CHARLES TURNER seconded the motion.
The proposition gave rise to a protracted discussion, in
which Messrs. Cooper, Hodson, Sheil, and Godfrey urged
delay, and Messrs. J. Stewart, Earle, and Holme contended
that the adoption of the proposal was highly beneficial and
urgent. Ultimately the resolution was carried, the opposi-
tion having been withdrawn.
THE PROPOSED AMALGAMATION WITH BIRKENHEAD, WAL-