The Sun.
London, England, 1855-01-09 00:00:00

THE CRIMEA.

BEFORE SEBASTOPOL, DEC. 23.
Nothing of especial interest has taken placo here
since my last. Considerable reinforcements have
arrived at Cape Kamiesh to the French army, and
our Ally must now have in the Crimea a force not
below 70,000 men. We have had no further
arrivals at Balaklava since my letter of the lith,
but detachments of the 4th, 24th, 38th, and 44th
are known to be on their way.
In camp both officers and men are anxious for
the recommencement of operations, which each in-
dividual hopes will be decisive. Such is the reck-
less despondency engendered by the late rain, and
the discomfort attendant upon it, that an order for
immediate assault, though it might prove the last
day for thousands, would be obeyed with grateful
alacrity by the army. A few days of fine bright
weather will, however, rid the troops of many
hardships, and permit the opening of the campaign.
On the 19th the French cavalry mustered in con-
siderable force, and took the road to Balaklava.
Considerable excitement was created in camp at its
appearance, and the object it had in view. The
movement turned out later to have been a strong
reconnaissance in the direction of the plain lately
occupied by Liprandi. We accompanied with our
eyes the movements of this body of cavalry, which,
passing along the plain where the heroic cavalry
charge of the 25th November took place, advanced
towards the village of Kamara and the redoubt
No. 1, taken from the Turks that same fatal day.
No opposition had been offered to the advance of
the cavalry until the whole brigade had disappeared
below the ridge of the hills beyond Kamara, and
then a heavy musketry fire was heard. Great
anxiety reigned in the camp, fears being expressed
that a strong ambush might have been prepared by
the enemy. The cavalry, unsupported by artillery
as it was, might in that case have been exposed to
considerable danger of being cut entirely to pieces.
Fortunately for the column, the only opposition
offered to its progress was from a few hundred rifle-
men and skirmishers,who weredispersed after a slight
resistance. From what we learn, the reconnaissance
was satisfactory in this respect, that it is cor-
rectly ascertained that Liprandi and the greater
portion of his corps had quitted his former position
on the Tchernaya, and that Balaklava is no longer
menaced. Probably the north side of the town is
considered endangered by the presumed advance of
the Turks under Omer Pacha, and that Liprandi
has been entrusted with its defence.

On the 20th a sad occurrence took place, which
would almost show that the fatal surprise of Inker-
man has not sufficed to caution our pickets against
neglect of duty ; for to no other circumstance can
we ascribe the disaster of that night.
At midnight a strong column of Russians ad-
vanced, without being perceived, upon a portion of
the trenches guarded by the 50th Regiment, and
took the latter completely by surprise. Severe loss
was inflicted upon the regiment before the attack
could be met. Reinforced by the 38th Regiment,
the 50th succeeded in repulsing the enemy, and
caused him a considerable loss. Our casualties of
the night were 43 killed and wounded, and 17
taken prisoners. Amongst the killed we regret to
say were Major Moller, Lieutenant Clarke, and
another officer whose name I am not acquainted
with. These unfortunate officers all belonged to
the 50th.

The accounts we have from Eupatoria are cheer-
ing. That important basis of operations is now
completely defended by redoubts and batteries, and
the south side of the town, formerly iisfested by
Cossacks, is now perfectly free. We trust we shall
soon be in the receipt of supplies of fresh meat and
provender, now that the prospects of Eupatoria are
se much brighter. Fresh vegetables are likewise
most desirable in the present tendency to scurvy
which has manifested itself among the troops. Both
cattle and vegetables abound near Eupatoria ; and
now that the country is clear of Cossacks, we may
shortly expect a supply.
The French, I hear, are constructing an aqueduct
near Kamiesh Bay, which will provide the ships
with fresh water when completed. They have like-
wise erected new batteries mounting 70 heavy
pieces. _ _ _

On the 19th a column of Highlanders and Zou-
ayes advanced over the hills to make a reconnais-
sance on the point where the French cavalry could
not proceed. Beyond a few mounted Cossacks, no
trace of the enemy was perceived.
The health of the army has not improved, and
we fear that until the appearance of fine weather
we dare not expect an amelioration.