The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1854-12-30
The Battle Eve in the Russian Camp.

A correspondent of Paris La Presse COM
municates the following curious information
respecting the proceedings in Sebastopol,
and the Russian camp, from the arrival of
the reinforcements under General Dannen-
berg till the battle of Inkermann
The new reinforcements which had come
to the assistance of the Russians had been
already announced to the commander-in-
chief from Perckop. 1t was known that
this army, commanded by Dannenbarg-the
most able, we are assured, of all the Russian
generals-and by the two archdukes, Michael
and Nicholas. was composed of the 10th,
llth. and l2lh divisions. Each of these
corps consists of sixteen battaions of in
fantry, of two batteries of artillery, and
force of cavalry. the number of which is not
accurately known. Altogether 10000 have
arrived at Sebatopol, post haste, having left
their baggage behind at Nicoluief.
Having reached forest two leagues to
the northeast of Sebastopol, the army halted
and the two archdukes put themselves in
communication with Prince Menschikof
who paid them visit. A council of war
was held on the Sd, at which the two arch
dukes, Prince Menschikof and General
Gortchakofr, were the only persons present.
1t was decided at the council that an attack
should be made upon the allied forces two
towards Inkermann, to take possession of
the fortified works which crown the heights
and surround the plain of Inkermann. -
After having accomplished this the army
was TO attack the eastern side of the French
works towards Balaklava.
At the same time vigorous sortie was to
be made TO help these operations. The point
chosen was a spot between the Fort Quar-
antne and the Southern Fort A portion of
the garrison Of the city and the Southern
Fort was to attack and destroy the first and
second French batteries, which are causing
considerable damage in the town.
Matters being thus arranged, Prince Mems
ChikoT reserved TO himself the command of
the town and the disposition of the columns
which were TO make the sorte. The army
and the reinlorcements which had come up
were placed under the command of General
Gortchakolf. The army of operation was to
receive also draughts of troops from the gar
placed on the staff.
Measures were Immediately taken to ensure
the due execution of these plans.
On the 4th solemn celebration took
place A mass was chanted with all solem-
nifty by bishops who had come with the
archdukes. At the end Of the mass the
troops were assembled, and one of the pre-
lates addressed them. should have been
incredulous as to the details which am
about to communicate, had | not received
them from a Russian officer, at present a
prisoner at Balaklava, and if they had not
been confirmed by special Investigations
which have made for the purpose of ascer-
tanning their truth.
The bishop began by reminding the soldiers
of their duty to the Gar and their country,
and drew their attention to the two arch
dukes who had come to share their dangers
He then spoke of their enemies, and gave an
explanation of the battle of the Alma, cal
culated to natter the self-love and to elevate
the courage of the imperial army. The
English came under the special notice of the
bishop. He said they were poor soldiers,
destitute Of all energy, and hostile to the
cause of God. His illusions to the French
were mere echo of the proclamation of the
Car at Moscow in the year 1912.
The most remarkable point, however, was
the strange conclusion of the address:
If you are ccSnquerors (cred the bishop
great JOY is in preparation for you. We
know from unimpeachable sources that these
English heretcs have in their camp an enor-
nous sum, which God will give into your
hands. This sum amounts to thirty million