The Press.
London, England, 1854-12-16 00:00:00

TIIE PRESS.

on the 23rd instant I reported the gallant conduct of
a detachment of the Ist Battalion Ride Brigade, and
its occupation of an advanced position, which it
continued to retain notwithstanding the repeated
efforts of the enemy to re-establish themselves

upon it.
On the night of the 22nd, and on the following
morning, shortly before daylight, the Russians re-
newed their endeavours to get possession of the
ground they had been driven from; but they were
repulsed on each occasion in the most spirited
manner, in the first instance by a detachment of the
4th Foot, under Lieutenant Patric Robertson, and a
working party belonging to the 57th Regiment ; in
the last instance by the detachment of the 4th Foot
alone.
Brigadier-General Eyre speaks in the highest
terms of the conduct of these troops, and particularly
that of Lieutenant Robertson, whose former distin-
guished service at the Cape, coupled with that he
displayed in the present affair, fully entitle him to
be considered an officer of much promise.
There has been no movement of importance on
the part of the enemy. The weather has been very
bad, and the camp and the country are in conse-
quence of the rain in a most unsatisfactory state.
The men are, however, endeavouring, and with
some success, to shelter themselves with the stones
that are found in the vicinity of the encampment,
and every effort is making to provide them with
the materials for hutting themselves, but the con-
dition of the roads renders this a matter of extreme
difficulty.
It is gratifying to me to be able to assure you
that, notwithstanding their privations, their ex
posure to the weather, and the constant labour
required of them, they exhibit the same cheerful-
ness, the same ardour in the discharge of their
duty, as they have manifested throughout the ex
tensive operations in which they have been en-
gaged.
1 inclose the return of casualties up to the 26th
instant inclusive.
The defence of the Inkermann position, notwith-
standing the frequent interruptions from the wea-
ther, are making considerable progress.
RAGLAN.

The French Government have received and pub-
lished the following despatch :
Before Sebastopol, Nov. 25.—The weather has decidedly
become wet, and our transports of all kinds and our opera-
tions before the place are impeded. Nevertheless, the
construction of our new batteries and the modifications
made in the old ones go on with rapidity. The weather is
not cold, and the Russian army must suffer more from the
rain than we co. Their supplies, brought by roads which
have become very difficult, are not procured without con-
siderable labour. We, on the contrary, are abundantly
supplied. The fleet is well sheltered.
Nov. 28.—The weather is improving, and this is a cir-
cumstance which is far from being without interest for
our operations. A constant rain, and the state of the
roads on the platen' where we are established, had con-
siderably augmented the difficulty in transporting provi-
sions and materiel. A little sunshine is about to repair
all and allow us to resume our works with redoubled
activity. The enemy turns to account these cessations on
our part in order to increase his means of defence. Up to
this time his principal object has been to intimidate us,
and never was witnessed such a consumption of powder
and ball. Our artillery calculate that since our arrival
under the walls of Sebastopol, the enemy has fired 400,000
cannon-shot, and consumed 1;200,000 kilogrammes of
powder. Some idea may be formed from this of the supply
that must have been for a long time accumulating in the
place. We, however, remark that the Russian artillery is
now more economical in their fire, and particularly in that
of shells. The number of our killed and wounded does not
exceed fifteen a day. The army of Prince Menschikoff
keeps on the defensive, and it appears that, until further
orders, he has renounced the idea of undertaking anything
against us. In the meantime our situation is improving
in every way. Reinforcements are arriving, and our regi-
ments of Zouaves, as well as all those who are natives of
Africa, present an ensemble the most satisfactory. Our
supplies are abundant, and I am now able to distribute to
the troops a daily ration of wine or brandy. This is a
very important point, and will prevent much sickness.
On the other hand, the winter clothing is arriving, and
already the greatcoat with hood and the paletot of sheep
skin are numerous in our camps. The soldier will nobly
and courageously support the trial of the bad weather, seeing
himself the object of such care and solicitude on the part
of the Emperor and his Minister. The Turkish Govern-
ment has promised me 6,000 conical tents, which are
highly prized here, as they resist the violent wind so com-
mon in this country much better than ours. I can assure
you that the army acquires rare solidity, and you cannot
imagine to what a point our young men, suddenly impressed
by the grandeur of the struggle, become old soldiers. You
would not have seen without the most lively feeling of
satisfaction the lines drawn out, and remaining calm and
immoveable under a fire of artillery which Lord Raglan
has declare' to me was heavier than that which was heard
at Waterloo. I give you these details because they cannot
fail to interest, and at the same time to tranquillise you,
and in short to show the confidence with which my troops
' inspire me. The new divisions will here find old ones
who will set them a good example.
Dac. 3.—The rain is falling in torrents. Our roads are
destroyed, our trenches are full of water, and all our opera.

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