The Sun.
London, England, 1855-12-29 00:00:00

THE NORTH SIDE OF SEBASTOPOL.

The following letter from before Sebastopol, of
the 7th, gives some account of the fortifications
which the Russians are now executing on the
northern side of the harbour :

" I cannot say what advantage the Russians expect to
derive from all the works which they are constructing on
the north side of Sebastopol ; but they are certainly
most actively engaged on them, and there is not a hil-
lock, a creek, or any position,
_however insignificant it
may be, that is not secured by a: battery, or a redoubt.
I will endeavourito give you some details of these works,
beginning at Fort Constantine, at the entrance of the
port. The summit of the P.ateau Constantine is now
covered by a fortification to which it would be difficult
to give a technical name ; it is a pile of batteries and
counter batteries, of cavaliers and redoubts united togee
ther, to Fort Constantine, by numerous covered ways.
In the rear of Fort Constantine is a small bay, in which
there are several large storehouses. There are two bat-
teries at the bottom of this bay, and the Russians are now
engaged in constructing a third. After Fort Constantine
comes Fort Catherine, constructed, like it, of granite,
with a double row of casernates and embrasures. It
has been strengthened by fresh earthworks, and the
upper part—that is to say, the terrace—is filled
with guns ea barbette and heavy mortars. This fort
is in the form of an oblong square, with the corner
opposite the port, rounded off, while the other corner
on the same side is flanked by a large crenelated tower.
The part towards the land is defended by two strong
towers, large ditches, and a horn-work, situated on a
small tongue of land which runs out towards the port.
Two earthworks, having 15 guns, have been thrown up
on the right and left of the fort. A little above this fort,
on an intermediate plateau, is another strong battery,
and on the summit of the plateau is a large construction
which serves as a sort of advanced work to the citadel.
Between this fortification and those mentioned at the
commencement of my letter there is a redoubt
mounted with guns of very heavy calibre. After
Fort Catherine there is another point on which the
Russians have cut out in the earth and rock, a series
of fortifications on a most gigantic scale, the whole
point being, in fact, metamorphosed into a citadel.
There appear to be here several rows of batteries, then
barracks for the troops, and then more batteries. In
the rear of this point may he seen some small clusters of
houses or stores, and some small vesse's lying on the
shore. The beach is defended by a strong battery which
extends all round the bay, as far as Fort Severnaya,
which is of itself an assemblage of batteries placed one
over the other, and defended on the land side by a large
ditch. To the right of Severnaya are some sunken
steamers, and then another village or collection of bar-
racks and storehouses, protected by two batteries. All
these are commanded by the citadel, which has been so
much increased that all that formerly existed is now
concealed behind the immense work recently executed.
As I have already mentioned, the activity of. the Rus-
sians is most surprising. Every day bodies of from
2,000 to 3,000 men leave the [citadel, and pro-
ceed to their work. For some days past they have been
occupied in raising some of the sunken vessels, but whe-
ther this is done for tho purpose of getting timber, or
with other intentions, it is impossible to say. They have
still some fishing smacks and smaller boats, and they
frequently make use of the latter in the night to come
and reconnoitre our works. Last night they availed
themselves of the darkness, and came within half-cable's
length of Fort Alexander, or rather of our batteries on
that aide. At the cry of Qui viva from our sentinel
they moved off in haste. It is really difficult to imagine
what can be the object of the Russians in erecting such
masses of batteries. Is:it to occupy their soldiers and
give them confidence, or to mask some other move-
ment ? Time alone can unravel the mystery. On our
side, as you may suppose, we do not remain inactive;
strong batteries are being -established to play on the
Russian works."

MARKET NEWS.—(This Day).

COVENT GARDEN.

The supplies on offer to-day wore moderato, and about
au average business was transacted. In prices very little
change took place. .

FRUIT.—Pine apples, English, 4s to Ss per lb; colonial
do., Os to Os each ; hot-house grapes, 4s Od to Os 01 per lb ;
foreign ditto, 01 to Os ; melons, is Oil to 2s Gd each;
peaches, 2s 01 to Gs; nectarines, is Gd to 4s per dozen ;
' apples is Oil to 3s Od per half sieve ; pears, 2s 0,1 to
58 per half sieve; plums, Os to Os per sieve ; green gages, Os
per punnet; apricots, is Gd to Os 0,1 per doz.; common plums,
Os Oil to Os Od per sieve ; cherries, Od to Od per pound ;
lemons, Gd to is 0,1 per doz ; orangos, 5s to 12s par 100; fil-
berts, Os to Os per doz. lbs ; cobnuts, lls to Os ; almonds
Os to Os per lb. ; walnuts, 8d -to 10,1 per 100; figs, Os 9,1
to is 6d per doz. ; strawberries, 0,1 to Od per potties ; goose-
berries, Os Od to Os Od per half sieve ; currants, Os Od to
Os 0,1 per half sieve ; raspberries, 01 to Od per pottle.
VEGETABLES.—Greens, I s Gil to 311 Od per doz. bunches;
Savoy cabbages, 10d to is 61 per dozen; red ditto, 3s to
5s Od per do. ; brocoli, is to 280(1 per bundle ; potatoes, 6013
to 115 s per ton ; vegetable marrow, 01 to Os per doz. ; peas,
3s to 5s Od per bushel ; broad beans, is Od to is 9d per halt
sieve ; turnips, 3d to fid per bunch ; carrots, 5d to id per
bunch ; cucumbers, 2s Oil to 3s Od each ; garlic, 6,1 to
Os 8d per pound ; spinach, 26 Gd to 4s Od per sievo ;
old onions, 2s to 4s per bushel ; new ditto, Os Od to Os per
doz. bunches; leeks, Id to 2d per bunch ; shallots,
6,1 to 8,1 ; horse-modish, 2s 01 to 4s 01 per bundle ; parsley,
41. d. to 5d per bunch ; celery, Os 9d to is 3d per
bunch ; endive, is 3d to 2s 3d per scorn ; boot, is Od to 2s
per doz. ' • parsnips, Os Gd to is Od per dozen ; small
salad, 2d to 3d per punnet ; mushrooms, 2s 0,1 to 2s Gd per
pottle; artichokes, is to is 6d per half sieve; cabbage lettuces,
Od to le Od per score ; sorrel, Gd to is per half sieve ;
radishes, is to ls 3d per dozen hands ; tomatoes, 3s to 4s
per half sieve; chillies, is to is Gd per 100; Brussels
sprouts, Os Od to Os per half sieve ; capsicums, is Od to 2s
per 100; walnuts pickling, Gd to is per 100; cauliflowers,
4s to 7s Oil per doz.
NEWGA.TE AND LEADENHALL.
Turkeys, 3s 6d to 15s 0,1 ; Geese, 4s Oil to 8s Oil each ;
Ducks, 2s Od to 3s Od ; wild ditto, is Od to 2s Oil ;
rabbits, 10c1 to is Gd each ; Pigeons, 7d to 10,1 each ;
large Surrey Fowls, Os 01 to Os Od ; middling, 2s Od to
3s 3d ; Chickens, is 6d to 2s 9d ; Capons, 3s 6d
to 750,1 ; Hares 2s Gd to 3s G 1; Grouse, is 9d to 2s 0,1 each ;
Pheasants, 3s Od to 3s 6d ; partridges, is 6d to 2s Od each ;
Guinea Fowls, 2s 6,1 to 3s 0,1 each. Ostend fresh butter, 11.5
Gd to 14s Oil, and English 11s Od to 17s Od per dozer lbs.
English Eggs, lls 01 to 13s Od; French ditto, 7s 6,1 to 108 01
per 120.
NEWPORT.

Beof from 3s 2d to 4s 6cl; mutton, 3s td to 45 Gtl;
veal 4s Od to 5s Oil ; pork, 3s; 81 to 5s Oil per 81bs.
WHITECHAPEL.
Beef, from 3s 2d to 4s 41 ; mutton, 3s 4d to 4s 61; vent,
4s 01 to 5s Oil ; pork, 3s 41 to 59 Oil per Sib* by the
carcase.

BILLINGSGATE.
Turbots, 4s 00. to 17s ; Brills, 2s 0,1 to 8s each; Salmon,
3s 01 to 03 Od per lb ; Cod Fish, 3s 01 to 14e each ; Solos,
id to 3s Od per pair; Eels, 8d to is per lb; Lobsters, Is 01 to
3s 0,1 ; Crabs, Gil to 2s 0,1• Whitings, 3s Od to 12s per doz. ;
Common Oysters, 16s to 21s • Natives, 60s to 64s per bsh ;
Mackerel, 60s to Os per 100 ;Smelts,' is Od to 3s Od per doz.;
Skate, 6d to Oil per lb; Shrimps, is 6d to 2s 6,1 per gallon;
Bloaters, is Od to 18 tid per doz. ; Fresh Herrings, Cs 0,1
to Os per 100. ; Scotch do., Gil; Sprats, 38 Od to Os Od per
bushel •, Doreys, 2s Od to 93 each ;
lb Haddocks, 5s to
0,1 15s per
doz. ; Pike Gd ; Sturgeon, 6,1 p; Prawns, 48 to Os;
Mullets, 6d to is 6,1; Plaice, 4d to.ls each ; Halibut, 6d per
; Flounders, is 6d to Os per dozen.
BREAD.
The prices of wheaten bread in the metropolis are from
lld to 110; of household ditto, 91 to 100 per 41b loaf.
HIDES AND SKINS.
Market hides, 561 b to 641 b, 3i d to Od ; 641 b to 721 b, 3id
to 4,1 ; 721 b to 801 b, 4,1 to 4id • 801 b to 881 b, 44d to 40
ob to 961 b, 40 to 5d ; 961 b to 1041 b, 5d to 54,1 ; 104
to 1121 b sid to Sid ; upwards, 50 to sid • Horse hides, OP
Od to Os 0(1; calf skins, light, 2s 01 to 380,1 ; ditto, full,
7s 0,1 to Os 0(1 ; Polled Sheep, 5s 4a to Gs bd ; Kents, Gs
3d to 7s 9,1 ; Half-brods; (is 3d to 7s 9d ; Downs, 4s Od
to 5s Od ; Lambs, Os 01 to Os Od ; Shcarlings, Os Od to Os Od.

_RUSSIAN ACCOUNTS FROM THE ORIMEA.

The Invuliae Busse of The. 20 publishes the
follo ,vino

NEWS FRONI THE CRIMEA.

[Extracts from the journal of the military operations
from Nov. 12 to Dec. 7, transmitted by A.D.C. General
Prince Gortschakoff.]
Between Nov. 19 and Dec. 7 nothing remarkable has
occurred in the Crimea. The allies, under the fire of
our entrenchments on the north side of Sebastopol, have
continued their labours in levelling the batteries and
trenches constructed agalurt the bastions Nos. 4 and 5,
and in constructing a rampart against the bastions Nos.
5 and 6.

On the left flank of our positions and before Eupato-
ria skirmishes have taken place between the outposts,
in which our cavalry, our Cossacks, and our Greeks
from Balaklava have constantly had the advantage over
the enemy.

The details of these affairs ara contained in the follow•
ing order of the day issued by Aide-de-Camp General
Piino3 Gortgebakoff

"ORDER OF THE DAY TO TITE MISTY OP THE SOUTH AND
TO THE LAND AND NAVAL TROOPS IN THE CRIMEA.
" 13ead-cial tors of Bauchi Serai,
Dec. 2, 1855. (No. 799.)
" I have remarked with peculiar satisfaction that $
most praiseworthy activity has generally prevailed of
late at the outposts and among the advanced troops,
showing a vigilance, sagacity, and boldness which re-
flect great honour on the chiefs of detachments.
" The following facts, which I make known to the
troops entrusted to my command, will demonstrate
what I have said.

"On the 19th of November, at two in the afternoon,
a picket having been placed by the outposts of the Ka-
ralez detachment, the duty having been performed by
Colonel Valeuieffs 22d Regiment of Don Cossacks, at a
ittition cpposite the village of Oupa, the non-comtnis•
stoned officer Golonbintseff. and the Cossacks Parshi-
koff, Kouznetioff, Krutsbenine, and Tchdbotareff, form-
ing part of this picket, perceived three Frenchmen
on horseback. They were riding through the defile
from the village of Koutchka towards Mokraia-
Lougovina. After *lowing them to ride past the picket,
the Cossacks stealthily advanced for the purpose of
cutting off their retreat, and planted themselves in am-
buscade in a ravine which the horsemen would have to
pass through on their return.
" On perceiving the Cossacks, the Frenchmen charged
them sabre in hand, in the hope of cutting their way
through ; but they were received with a volley of mus-
ketry, which killed the horse of one of them, Captaia
Frochon, and he himself was instantly made a prisoner.
Another, Lieut.-Col. Brayer, alighting from his horse,
sought cover in the wood, but be was discovered and
taken prisoner also, after making some resistance. The
third Frenchman, an orderly, alone contrived to escape,
owing to the speed of his horse.
" On the 27th November, at daybreak, in conformity
with the arrangements made by Col. l3ontemps, of his
Majesty the Emperor's regimen of the Hussar Cormssia
who commands the outposts o'sthe right wing of the Nu-
patoria detachment, a party of 15 volunteers from the 2d
regiment of Ural Cossacks was sent out on a reconnais-
sauce, under the command of Lieut. ranovski, belonging
to her Imperial highness the Grand Duchess Catherine
Mikhailovna's regiment of Lancers.
" At break of day our party fell in with a Turkish
patrol between Eupatoria and the 113.mlet of Bughai.
Without hesitation Lieutenant Yanovski fell on the
enemy with his Uralians, and took prisoner the chief of
the patrol, Captain Mustapha, of the 2d regiment of
Turkish Lancers.

" On the same day, and at the same moment a skilful
and bold stroke was inflicted on the enemy at the ex-
treme left of our main body. Major Moussine-Poush-
kine, cf Marshal Count Radetski's regiment of Hus-
sars, commanding the flying detachment on the
southern coast, had climbed with a small party of
volunteers to the top of Mount Yaila, in order to detect
as accurately as possible the dislocation of the enemy in
the valley of Baidar. But after three days passed _in
attempts frustrated by a thick fog and the constant
fall of snow, he was unable to satisfactorily effect his
purpose. Nevertheless, this superior officer, whilst ap-
proaching in various directions the enemy's picket.,
had succeeded in ascertaining that a post of 10 to 15
men, statioaed ou the top of the Merdvene flight of steps
re-descended every evening, probably by way of pre-
caution, into the valey of Baidar, along the road of the
village Kalendia, and that it was replaced next day by
another. Taking advantage of this interval for recon-
noitring exactly the position of this post and of the roads
leading to it from different sides, Major Moussine-Poueh-
kine made his arrangements fur carrying it.
"To this end a party of 20 Greeks from Balaklara
was sent towards the flight of steps by a path during the
night of November 14-15.
"At daybreak on the 15th, when the enemy's picket
had as usual completely occupied its post, the Balakla•
vians threaded their way Wong a path leading from Ka-
lendia, and, without firing a single shot, charged with
the bayonet. In the first moment of surprise the French,
atttr receiving them with a few shots, that took no effect
rushed to the steps, but there, seeing their retreat cut
off by 10 other Balaklavians, who bad previously hid-
den themselves in ambush near the steps, they surrend-
ered to the number of 10 men. One single man of their
party attempted to cut his way through, and was killed.
"Major Moussine-Youshkine attributes the success of
this enterprise, adroitly planned and intrepidly carried
out, to the indefatigable activity and sagacity of Second
Captain Rizo, of the Balaklava Greek Battalion, but I
attribute no less the success to Major Moussine Pouch-
kine himself, who directed the operation in person.
" After rewarding with marks of honour of the mili-
tary order and with congratulations the men who moat
distinguished themselves in these several skirmishes, I
have the satisfaction of addressing thanks justly deserved
to the chiefs of the outposts belonging to Col. Valouieff's
Karalez detachment, and of the right wing of Col. Bon-
temps' Eupatoria detachment, to Major Monseine-Ponsh-
kine, to Second Captain Rizo, to Lieut. Yanovski, and
also to all the men who took part in these skirmiehes. I
have authorised the immediate chiefs of these two latter
officers to present them, in order that they may be re-
, warded. •

" I cite, as examples to the troops under my com-
mand, not acts of presumptuous and thoughtless bra-
very, but the proofs of prudent gallantry and of a sure
military eye, as given by the above-named officers.
" I invite the superior chiefs to encourage, and endea-
vour in every way to develupe qualities equally praise-
worthy and useful among their subordinates, for not
merely are boldness and sagacity the certain pledges of
success in petty warfare, but, in addition, tLe officers
accustomed when on outpost duty to exercise incessant
vigilance, and to take advantage of every local or acci-
dental circumstance, such as negligence on the part of
the enemy, the inclemency of the weather, he., so as
to injure the adversary and establish a moral superiorlty
over him—these officers, by applying later these quali-
ties on a greater scale, promise in a more enlarged sphere
honour and glory to themselves and to the arms of their