The Sun.
London, England, 1855-01-08 00:00:00

THE CRIMEA.

BEFORE SEBASTOPOL, DEC. 17.
You will learn with regret that the fino weather
which had dawned upon as at the period of my last
despatch has made way for continual rains. We
were in the enjoyment of three days' fine sunny
weather, but now the tents are again saturated,
and the distant hills are topped with snow.
The first batch of wooden huts came to band on
the 14th, and their arrival was hailed with much
pleasure. The distribution of clothing is now going
on, and the joy experienced by the men in throw-
ing off their old rags may be imagined.
The military operations have been next to no-
thing,. but still our authorities have been most ac-
tive in preparing for the approaching struggle.
Fresh batteries are in the course of termination,
which command the shipping and the docks. These
are to be mounted by 13-inch mortars, and much
confidence is expressed in their execution. These
new batteries will be completed, it is expected, by
the 23d or 25th inst., and up to that date nothing
will be undertaken.

From all accounts, considerable Russian rein-
forcements are pouring in through Perekop, but
in the vicinity of Balaklava and Inkerman no great
accession of strength to the enemy's ranks has
been observed. A rumour is current in camp that
a largo French and Turkish army has landed on
the north side of Sebastopol, whence the retreat of
Liprandi. The 89th Regiment arrived at Bala-
klava on the 14th, landed on the 15th, and are to
march up to camp on Sunday next.
The Ripon arrived at Cape Kherson on the 12th,
with 1,200 French troops. The same morning
there was a sortie from Sebastopol against the
French lines, which met with the usual fate of
Russian sorties. Owing to the prevalence of wet
and mud, most of the baggage horses and mules
have died. The Jason, however, arrived on the
17th, from Barcelona, with 300 mules. This will
be a welcome addition to our commissariat resources,
which, in fact, had dwindled to a very low ebb.
Owing to the impracticability of conveying the
daily rations and stores through the lakes of mud,
in the commissariat arabas and mule-carts, from
sixty to seventy men from each regiment have
to proceed daily to Balaklava, and carry back the
rations for the rest of the regiment. This is an ex-
tremely severe duty for men already overworked.
The men see, however, that it cannot be helped,
and submit patiently to the temporary hardships
they have to endure. If the weather were only
favourable and dry the suffering of the men would
be less severely felt ; but the constant rains with its
attendant mire, has an oppressive influence on the
mind. Some of the regiments in front haVe been
reduced to quarter ration. A great deal of sick-
ness has manifested itself in the allied camps. On
the 12th inst. 1,200 of our sick were shipped off to
Scutari from Balaklava.

By the enclosed general order, you will see that
a court of inquiry has been held in order to inves-
tigate the treatment cf the sick and wounded on
board the steam-ship Avon. At Scutari every pos-
sible care is taken of the sick or wounded on arri-
val, and the general arrangements are now com-
plete. It is unfortunately to be foreseen that ere
long little or no room will be left for fresh patients.
The French medical authorities have already been
obliged to apply to the Turkish Government for a
new building to be converted into an hospital.
The request was of course immediately granted.
The 17th Regiment has arrived at Balaklava.
Yesterday a large body of deserters came over to us
from the Russian camp to our rear. They were
united in declaring the position of their comrades
to be most miserable. They are badly hutted, and
are suffering from famine. This is certainly con-
solatory to our poor fellows. They are not alone
in misfortune.