The Sun.
London, England, 1854-11-14 00:00:00

I

THE SIEGE OF

SEBASTOPOL.

THE GRE AT BATTLE OF THE
25 TEE OF OCTOBER.

BEFOUF., SZBASTOPOL, Oct. 28.
On the 25th inst., at the dawn of day, masses of the
enemy were reported to be advancing to the rear of Balak-
lava, on the redoubts which defend the latter port. The
93d Highlanders, encamped outside Balaklava, stood to
arms. The battalion of invalids stationed in that place
marched out under Colonel Daveney ; the two batteries,
worked by marines, on the heights nearest the water,
prepared to receive the enemy; and, in a word, everything
was accomplished to repulse any attack on the part of the
enemy's cavalry. It was from this arm alone that any
serious danger was apprehended, for the advance of in-
fantry and artillery would, it was never doubted, be re-
pulsed by the four redoubts, defended by a large force
of Turks. The example of Silistria and the reputation
enjoyed by the Ottoman army, of defending itself with
vigour, when protected by walls or breastworks, had
led the Allied generals to entrust these defences of
Balaklava to the honour of the Turkish contingent. A
snore fatal, though excusable, error could not have
been committed. At five o'clock the enemy presented him-
Self before the first of the four redoubts, established on a
height near a small village. This redoubt was of great
strength, and mounted seven 12-pounders, lent by us to
the Turks. The redoubt opened fire upon the advancing
enemy, who brought his artillery to the front and quickly
replied. After a short cannonade the Russian infantry
advanced, but before it had approached within musket-
range the dastardly Turks spiked their guns, and
fed down the hill in the most frightful disorder.
The redoubt was occupied by the enemy who im-
mediately advanced on the second redoubt. This
and the third and fourth redoubts were deserted
by their cowardly occupants without a shot, and by six
o'clock the position was in the hands of the enemy. The
Turks were calmly retreating towards Balaklave, with their
baggage, and even their cooking utensils, when a masa of
Russian cavalry suddenly appeared to their rear, and
dashed down upon them. A general flight commenced,
accelerated by the cavalry, who soon penetrated the centre
of the wretched fugitives, and mowed down great numbers.
The Turks sought refuge in some vineyards lying on the
highroad to Sebastopol, not above a hundred yards
from the village of Kadikoi. This village forms almost
a part of Balaklava, and from the point to which the
Russian cavalry had penetrated a complete view of that
harbour and the British shipping was commanded, which
munt have animated them with increased vigour. The
enemy's cavalry, which was composed of Hussars,
Light Dragoons, and Don Cossacks, checked in their
pursuit of the Turks, dashed forward towards Bala-
klava, and here encountered the 93d Highlanders.
The Russians charged down upon that gallant regi-
ment, thinking to ride over it. The 93d awaited the shock
in line, disdaining to form in square, and when within an
easy range, poured a rattling volley into the crowded ranks
of the enemy. The latter hesitated, received another vol-
ley, and then-wheeled sharply round to the left without
confronting the bristling bayonets. The unflinching cou-
rage and self-confidence of tho brave 93d were beyond coin
mendation ; but when did the Highland bonnets ever
waver? Repulsed by one British infantry regiment, the
Russian cavalry reformed, and dashed forward against the
Scots Greys, who were getting into saddle. The Greys
went forward to meet the onset, but, owing to the tent
ropes and other impediments of the encampment, were
unable to attain the speed desirable for a dashing charge.
Fortunately, the very same impediments caused the
enemy to slacken pace, and the Greys had time to break
into a kind of canter, and to charge. The numbers opposed
to the Scots Greys were in proportion of six to one ; and
the enemy, opening their ranks before the gallant Greys,
received them in their midst, and then closed in upon
them. For several minutes the bearskins disappeared from
eight, but at last the belligerent circle sprang asunder,
similar to a bursting shell, and the red coats appeared
driving before them, in headlong flight, the rented enemy.
The struggle had been a fearful one, and at first the
Russians, encouraged by their formidable numerical
superiority, fought furiously: Daunted, and at length
routed by the heroic bravery of these 280 British sabres, the
enemy galloped back in disorder towards the captured re-
doubts. The Greys were of course unable to pursue light
cavalry ; but had our light horse taken the flying Russian.
in the flank, as was very feasible, not only would the
enemy have been cut off from the main body, and either
septured or destroyed, but also the catastrophe, which oc
curred later, would have been avoided. As it was, the
Russian cavalry rejoined the infantry, and an hour later
took up a position dominated by the conquered redoubte.
Tho loss sustained by the Greys was trifling iu kind, but
very fewseescapeil without a wound of some kind. Colonel
Darby Griffith was slightly wounded in the head by a ball.
He was taken inter Balaklava, when the wound was dressed,
and in the afternoon he again took the command of his
gallant regiment. Major Clarke, upon whom the command
devolved, in the absence of Colonel Darby Griffith, re-
ceived a sabre cut in the back of the neck, which did not,
however, prevent him from keepingto hishorse. The latter;
by the way, received from the same sabre which had
wounded his master, a fearful slash across the tail joint,
which had nearlysevered it. Cornet Prendergast was struck
in the foot by a ball. Never in the annals of the Scots Greys
had they greater odds to encounter and to conquer. On the
field, when this hand-to-hand fight took place, the ground
was strewn with dead and wounded--some in a light
dragoon uniform, and others in a kind of hussar dress.
The latter had blue tunics and red cloth shakoes.
Meanwhile the Turks, who had fled into Balaklava, spread
the greatest consternation in that place.

Preparations for an energetic resistance were made, and
the Simeon and Diamond were placed so that their guns
might completely rake the valley through which the enemy
must necessarily advance. The Russians had now estab-
lished some field-pieces on the captured redoubts, and
opened a fire upon the two batteries worked by the ma-
rines. The latter returned the fire with vigour. Captain
Maude's troop of Horse Artillery commenced shelling the
nearest redoubt, occupied by the Russians, with great.
execution. Colonel Lake arrived with the Horse Artil-
lery of the Light Division, and several batteries of the
Royal Artillery appeared on the ground. The Russian
infantry, which had presented itself on the heights, now
drew in its skirmishers and halted. Our guns opened
their fire at once upon the redoubts, which were speedily
evacuated one after the other by the Russians. •By ten
o'clock, one redoubt alone remained in the hands of the
enemy, and this was the most distant one, and that which

had been abandoned the first by the dastardly Turks.
Unfortunately it was beyond the range of our guns, con
sequently the fire was not continued. At a quarter pas
ton General Sir G. Cathcart, with the 4th British division
appeared on the heights leading from before Sebastopol
and took np a position which covered Balaklava and th
Sebastopol road. A short time after, the Guards joine.
their brethren of the Ist division, the Highlanders. Th
cannonade which had preceded the evacuation of the three
redoubts by the Russians had been attended with great
loss to the latter. As the enemy retired, a shell struck
one of his ammunition waggons, which exploded. A few
rockets, skilfully directed, precipitated his departure. On
our aide we had several casualties to deplore, though not
in proportion to the lass inflicted on the enemy. Great
and universal regret was expressed by the whole army on
learning that Captain Mande had unfortunately receiver
two desperate wouuds. Whenever a dashing deed was to
be done, " Maude's troop" was selected, and the high pro
fessional reputation which this gallant officer enjoys is
most deserved. Captain Maude was wounded in two
places, the arm and leg. At first it was feared amputa-
tion would be imperative, but since then ho has im-
proved so rapidly that no operation will be required,
and he may be considered out of danger. He has
since left for Scutari. Captain Shakespeare, an able
and active officer, took the command of the troop at
once. While the above events had passed on the heights
of Balaklava, a tragic and deplorable scene had taken
place in the valley to the left. The Russians had there
established themselves in great strength. A battery of
nine guns had been drawn up, breasting the valley. An-
other battery had been mounted to the left ; 'whilst the
right was dominated by
the guns of the one redoubt not
evacuated by the Russians. These three fires crossed one
another. Beyond the first battery, in the plain, were
masses of cavalry, part of which had been defeated previ-
onsly by the Scots Greys ; and again, to the rear of these
were several regiments of infantry. This force, in fact,
constituted the right wing of the Russiaa army.
Opposite to this force were drawn up the 4th and 13th
Light Dragoons, the Bth and 11th Hussars, and the 17th
Lancers, constituting, under the command of the Earl of
Lucan, the Light Cavalry Brigade. The whole brigade
mustered, perhaps, SOO sabres. A little after nine o'clock
Captain Nolan, of the 15th Hussars, aide-de-camp to Bri-
gadier General Airie, arrived at full gallop before Lord
Lucan, and handed him a written order to attack the
enemy. I shall advert later to this episode of the drama.
The Earl of Lucan, it is now said, hesitated at the mad-
ness of the instructions given to him ; but certain it is
orders were given by him to his Brigadier, the Earl of
Cardigan, to prepare to charge. This, it is also said, was
"eyed, under protest by the gallant Earl. The whole
brigade then charged onwards against the battery of nine
guns which breasted the valley.
These guns opened a fearful discharge of grape
upon the gallant fellows, whilst the batteries upon
the right and left poured in vollies of round-shot
and shell. Undaunted by this murderous fire, the
British cavalry pushed on, without once hesitating,
and dabbed into the nine gun b.,ttery. Not one of the
gunners escaped the sabre, and the 9 cannon were in the
Poeseasion of our cavalry, .A. strong lino of Rogan horse

had now concentrated to the rear of this battery, and at
this fresh foe did our brave men charge. The enemy's
cavalry gave way before the vigour of the shock, and
turned tail, pursued by the British. The slaughter here
was fearful, for no guns could be brought to bear by the
Russians for fear of destroying their own people. It was
a hand-to-hand fight when resistance was offered, and our
men, flushed with rage at the inactivity to which they bad
hitherto been condemned, gave no quarter. Whilst the
pursuit was at its highest, the word, " Wheel about !" was
given. A. Russian Lancer regiment had fallen in
the wake of the triumphant British, and now threatened
their rear.
The cavalry wheeled round and charged at the approach-
ing Lancers. The latter avoided the shock and wheeled to
the left, and our men suddenly found themselves in the
midst of a large body of infantry, who poured into their
already weakened troop a fatal shower of balls. No sooner
had the remnants of the cavalry passed beyond reach
of the musket and rifle fire than they had again to en-
counter the still more terrific fire of the batteries. How a
single man could have escaped is really marvellous At
length the bleeding remnants of the light cavalry brigade
re entered the British lines and mustered, some hours later,
185 sabres. Since then wounded men have crawled in,
and also stragglers who had escaped from being captured ;
but now, at this very moment, the fine brilliant light
cavalry brigade cannot count above 230 efficient men.
This, out of a number of eight hundred odd, who had
gellantly figured in the first charge, is absolutely terrific.
The greater part of the mon were killed, it is feared,
either by the musket or artillery fire ; but it is
hoped that still more were only wounded, and will escape,
though with the hard alternative of being captives. Many
whose horses were killed under them succeeded in gaining
our lines on foot, but still more were of course taken pri-
soners. Later in the day groups of Cossacks were seen to
approach the field, and to carry off the wounded of both
armies with great care. The Scots Greys and the Royals
were ordered to support the retreat of the light brigade,
but could effect no good, and wore only exposed themselves
to the fire of the Russian batteries. After having many
saddles emptied, these two regiments withdrew, and took
up a position to the left of our infantry (the 4th and Ist
divisions).
To comm ent upon this frightful tragedy is impossible.
Some of the survivors of the action escaped almost mira-
culously. Not one but who lost a horse, or received one
or several wounds, more or less severe. Lord Cardigan
was magnificent in his cool contempt of danger, and in the
gallantry ho exhibited on this occasion. When everybody
behaved heroically, it is out of place and unjust to particu-
larise individuals, or I might mention many deeds of valour
done that day. Whilst the batteries were playing upon
our retiring cavalry, a body of French Chasseurs d'Afriqu •
charged at the guns erected on the left of the valley, and
forced them to retire. After sabreing amongst the Rus-
sian skirmishers, the Chasseurs retired, and took up a
position slightly to the rear of the Scots Greys and Royals.
Towards two in the afternoon the Guards retook the road
to Sebastopol, and the Highland brigade remained with
the 4th division under the command of Sir George Cath-
cart. Later in the afternoon the Russians withdrew their
masses of infantry irons the heights, and did not carry out
their menaced attack on Balaklava. Towards evening
General Canrobert sent a French division to relieve the 4th
British, who returned to their former position before Se-
bastopol. Tho bombardment of the forts before that'place
continued without cessation all days, The greatest indig-
nation was expressed by our sailors and soldiers at the ex-
traordinary cowardice displayed by the Turks. It was
with difficulty that the former could be restrain ed from
giving vent to their feelings in an unpleasant manner.
The Turks, who had fled in the morning into Balaklava,
were summarily ejected from that place, and they now oc-
cupy a piece of ground outside of the port. These scamps
did not confine themselves to actual co wardice, but had
the villany to plunder many of the tents of the Scots Greys
whilst the latter were absent fighting. They were also
seen despoiling alike the British and Russian dead of their
boots and clothing. The sooner this Turkish contingent is
shipped back to Varna or Constantinople the better. Their
further presence here is certainly undesirable. It is said
that the officer who commanded the first redoubt, and who
it would seem was the very first to fly, has been tried by
court-martial, and shot. This, if true, is an excellent in-
novation in Turkish military customs.

Two out of the nine guns entrusted by the British to the
Turks wore recovered in one of the redoubts. They were
spiked, whether by the Turks or the Russians I am not
aware. They were all iron 12-pounders.
The ground about Balakla.va was covered with wounded
and dead Russians. The former met with the usual
prompt attention from our hands.
Before Sebastopol, the day passed off with the usual
monotonous roar of the siege batteries. Two new three-
gun batteries have been added to the British line since my
last. Two of the three guns of one of these batteries was
lisabled in the course of the day. Our batteries succeeded
to dismantling six of the enemy's guns. The firing is slacker
on both sides. The French are gradually sapping towards
the town, and until then nothing decided must be expected.
Troops are said to have reinforced the army of Mens.chikoff,
and Osten Sacken is reported by deserters to be approach-
ing with the garrison of Odessa.
On Thursday, the 26th, the Russians, elated by the
easy success gained over the Turks the preceding day,
ventured upon an attack on the British lines. Towards
noon, three large columns of the .enemy were perceived
advancing along a ravine which runs to the extreme
right of our position. The 2d, Ist (Guards alone), and
light divisions instantly stood to arms, and awaited
until the enemy should declare his intentions. The
appearance of the Russians was, in the first moment,
,onsidered a mere feint, having for object the with-
irawal of our attention from the real point of their
attack--Balaklava. The enemy, however, ascended the ra-
vine, and forming in line advanced steadily on the encamp-
ment of the 2d British division. The enemy,whose strength
must have exceeded 9,000 infantry, with a numerous artil-
lery, had no sooner entered within range of ourguns, which,
18 in number, had taken up their position, than the word

" Fire" was given, and a volley of shell tore open his ranks
and checked his advance. The guns were reloaded, and a
-iecond discharge, no less severe in its execution, caused the
enemy to wheel round and retire. The Lancaster gun in
Capt. Peel's battery was enabled to pour showers of grape
into the enemy's lines. A few rockets, dexterously dis-
charged, transformed this retreat into a rout. The Russian
ranks gradually reeled, and concluded in breaking. The
breast of the hill was covered with fugitives, who were ra •
pidly pursued by our skirmishers. Sir Do Lacy Evans had,
in the meanwhile, ordered his division (the 2d) to advance
.tnd follow up the retreating enemy. This was done with
the utmost zeal and delight on the part of officers and men.
regiment after regiment started after the flying foe at a
rattling pace, and the chase in itself was both novel and
exhilarating. The officers endeavoured to preserve the dig-
eity of a British charge, but, for once, in vain. Their
"Steady, boys," and " Keep in line," were only half
listened to in the eagerness to come up with the
enemy, and 'settle scores with him for many a false
Incl wearisome night alarm. A mass of brushwood
coon interfered with the lino movement, and the
nen then pursued, skirmishing. The Russians were
)vertaken at the crest of the hill, and a heavy musketry
fire was exchanged. The Russians continued their flight,
and entered Sebastopol. General Gortschakoff commanded
this movement, and was wounded in the hip. Above 80
prisoners were brought in by the skirmishers, including 3
,fficers. The appearance of one of these officers was most
striking. Although escorted by five strapping Grenadiers,
he overtowered thorn all in height of stature, whilst in
4eneral appearance he was tho model of a soldier. I con-
versed with him in German, which he spoke fluently, and
he told me, with what truth I know not, that he was in
the command of the picketing party into whose hands
Lord Dnnkellin had fallen. His lordship had received
very attention on the part of the Russian authorities.
X ccording to his report, the hospital of Sebastopol was
very full of sick and wounded, but no extraordinary loss of
life had resulted from our fire.
In the above smart action more than 200 Russians were
liscovered dead on the ground, with a large quantity of
muskets, sabres, and other trophies. The Russian columns
were led on with great intrepidity by their mounted
officers, who were seen to urge their mon forward.
On approaching within range of our artillery, the Rus-
sians slanted their columns to the left in a serpentine man-
ner, and, witnessing their preparations made to receive
them, they withdrew their fieldpieces to the rear. Had
it not been for the dashing activity of our skirmishers, the
enemy would have retired without engaging. This little
triumph has greatly raised the spirits of the men, who had
not had a brush since Alma. The artillery was beautifully
served, and threw some shells with wonderful precision.
Yesterday it was reported that Balaklava would be eva-
cuated, and the extent of our position thus limited. In
some respects this measure would be a wise one, and a day
or two will test the truth of tho report.
BALAKLAVA, TWELVE O'CLOCK,
P.S. A very heavy musketry fire was heard from this
elevation at the camp last night. It was caused by a troop
of Russian horses, who had broken their picket ropes, and
dashed into the French lino. The Zouaves received the
charge with a fearful musket fire, which brought down
many of the animals, and our ten batteries (Marine) before
Balaklava opened a cross-fire upon the supposed foe. Our
cavalry stood to arras; After half-an-hour's well-sustained
fire, it was discovered that the horses were without riders.
Much amusement was created by this little night-surprise.
Above 160 capital horses were secured, including a general's
charger, with very fine trappings. It is still uncertain if
Balaklava, will be evacuated or not. The Sanspareil came
into harbour yesterday, in order to meet any emergency.
Since my last letter our casualties in the trenches have
the 88th, unfortunately
olhouasovtdeasnlomsatrom:h.oeooinrr
been of a trifling nature. Lieutenant-Adjutant Maule, of
al
hoffiavcoerhsoharadveofrencoonieesewdhwo lessltihv ee s
severe,6 t hc .
a r Se
aebvsluietar
l-
ties in the slight action of the 26th were 60 killed and
wounded.
The enemy's loss, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, ex-
ceeded 400.
The weather continues magnificent, and the warmth
Beams to increase every day instead of diminishing.
Au attack Qll BalaklaYa ie sot cousiclered improbable at

head-quarters. The 4th division had orders last night to
supply themselves with water for the morrow, but as yet
their services have sot been required.

We have received another account of this engage-
ment, from. which we make the following ex-

tracts :