New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-07-21
pu..;,, Gre and dispense the Russian m..ss,


lied troops would have to suffer from the Russian
FIRE while crowding NE trenches, and the de-
Tenders would very probably soon perceive the
presence of columns destined t. attack their po-
sition with the bayonet. But this was by far the
lesser evil. The original plan therefore was the
best that could be devised under the circgm-
stances.
However, we are informed that very late in
the evening Pelissier learned that the Russians
intended again to attack the Mameon in force
on the 18th. This should have been considered
a podsepd for the defense Of the Mamelon against
spy force the Russians could bring against it
must have been safe, or else how could the Mann
eloD serve as base Corporations for the assault
upon the Malakof? Thus the Russians defeated
in their assault upon the MameOn, would have
been in a sad plight to fight second battle for
the Malakof, and it would almost appear that
under these circumstances the success Of the ope-
ration against the latter position must have been
certain. Pelissier appears to have thought diff
fer.n,ly. He countermauded, late at night, the
csnnonsde, and ordered the assault for o'clock
in the merniDg, the signal to be given by three
rockets. The English were Informed of this
change Of disposition.
This proceeding ended, as il was sure to do
in the way Napoleon used to say of b1ngling
Generals Ordre, c0ntre -Ordre, dtsordre Half au
hour before the appointed time, the extreme
right French Ilumn SOMEHOW or other got Gu
Gagged with the enemy. Whether the Russians
drew them out by "a false sally, or whether as
Pelissier says, the General mistOok Fren n
shell for the signal rockets, is not quite clear
At all events, Pelissier had to hurry his signal,
and The columns, still engaged IN finding their
proper places 10 the trenches, had to start in
ha confusion, and in part from different starting
points from those assigned 10 them. The mid
die French column, intended to turn the hank
of the Malakoff effected its purpose and got into
the Russian works; but the other two columns
could make no Roadway in the hail-stJrm Of case
shot and mu .ketry which assailed them. Zach
column consisted OF brigade Of four btttalons;
the second brigade Of each division was IN Sec
ond line, while the Guard formed the general re-
serve Thus nearly four divisions, or20,O 600 men,
were at hand for the purpose. The second line
was brought up to the support of the first at
tack, but in vain; the Guards were sent forward,
and they were arrested and then tsrown back as
well. Two battalions only remained disPosable
1t was now bali: past eight. The brigade OF the
middle column, which had penetrated into the
work. was elected; on every point the French
had been repulsed with great loss and no flesh
troops were at hand. The English had n)' sue
ceeOed either. Pelissier gave the order for the
retreat which he says was effected with "dig-
entity"
On the English side the columns of attack
were told off with that parsimoniousnesS char
acteristic of the British Army. The leading
columns counted bat l. 500 men each, or !, 200
nen less than the French columns. OF these
1890, but loco were intended for fghting-the
rtst for working parties. In second line, the
remainder of the brigade from which the force
was taken, say 200 to L. 400 men, were behind
each column. In third liIe the sec and -igade
of each division was behind its fret brigade.
Finally, the Guards and High anders (irSt di-
visioD) formed the general reserve. Thus, of
the whole English infantry assembled on the
ground, but 1900 men were to be launched IN
the first onset, and of these bat 1900 were
actual cOmbatants iris weakness in the first
columns was caused, first, by the traditions of
the British service, and, secondly, by their habit
of attacking in line; for all reports lead to the
conclusion that even in this instance they at
tackled in line, and thus offered gratuitously
large aim to the grape of the enemy. The CON-
plication caused by the arrangement OF fouc dd-
ferent lines one behind another in narrow aud
irregular trenches, created great disc der and
mischief from the beginning, and would have
created utter confusion had the struggle become
anything like serious.
The first and third columns (from right to
left were TO turn the fanks Of the Re Ian, while
the second was to attack its saient angle as
soon as they had succeeded. The fourth or eX-
IRENE left column as stated, had to attack tue
head of the inner barbOr. When the sig sal was
columns were still in movement toward their |
respective positions. The first column, how
ever, jumped over the psrapet Of the trenches |
and was instantly saluted with murderous fire Of
case-shot. The troops, dis0rdered by the climb
ing, could not form. Gel. Yea, who commanded,
was already shouting for a bugler to sound the
retreat; no bugler was found, and on they went
in great disorder. Some penetrated to the
sbattis surrounding the Redan, but in vain.
The mass Of the column fell back at once and
sought the shelter of the trenches The third
column advanced minute or two later. Il
missed its road, and sssailed the face of the
Redan near the apex, instead of the flank. 1t