The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-04-27

We were the department which had charge of
the distribution of ammunition and all other
articles except provisions. There was great
change during the Crimean campaign in the
weapons used. The English troops we're at first
armed with old smooth-bore muzzle leaders.
Then the MIME rife came into use, and that
gave way to the lighter and stronger Enfield
rife At first there were few rifles used except
by the rifle companies armed with two-grooyed
weapons Rified cannon were new things, too,
and we did not have many of them. The Rus
SLAMS were armed with good mnzzle-loading
smooth -bores. One popularity of their weapons
was their brightness. They, unlike the English.
French and Italians, did not use clouded barrels,
and don't see how they could fire with much
accuracy in the sunlight. They fought, how
ever. in the sunlight, and fought well. too.
"Balaklava Inkermann and Alma had been
fought before reached Ralaklava, but well re-
member the day that the battle on the Tcher-
maya was fought 1t was fought on the 18th of
August, beautiful bright day like this one is.
The Russians were desperate and tried to drive
the allies from their works. The battle was
fought entirely by the French and Italians but
our army was drawn up in readiness to fight.
We were ranged along one of the hills where the
Russian troops and batteries had been the day
the six hundred charged up the valley below.
/ never expect to see such a sight again that
army drawn up and awaiting battle. Although
the Russians were almost co., 600 strong, they
were driven back and that the last sortie
from Sebastopol. l remember when some of the
Six Hundred came into camp after being eX-
changed. Only one hundred and forty-two ans
wered to roll-call after the charge, but num-
ber were not killed but were taken prisoners.
They were taken to Moscow and we'll treated.
They looked hearty and well, and how the boys
did cheer them.
During the six months armistice and after
the war was over we saw great deal of the
Russians They wore big gray overcoats and
big caps, and were jolly good natured fellows.
There was no ill-feeling between us, and the
Russians would gather in the saloons and bill
lard rooms which had been erected around the
camp. There were so many queer languages
spoken that room full of these fellows gave out
sound like Babel. The Russian soldiers were
serfs then, but they were up to the average of
soldiers in intellect, and there is doubt as to
their wonderful bravery. l saw party of Cos
sacks once at close quarters, and don't want to
see them again. They were the widest, most
active and most picturesque horsemen ever
saw. The Russian officers were elegant looking
men. in superb glittering uniforms. I saw sew
eral elegantly dressed ladies with parties OF Off
GERS, horseback, riding through our camp
after the war was over When Sebastopol was
evacuated 1 went through the hilly city and the
big forts. 1t was no fun then. Every now and
then shell would come from the Star Fort,
whittier the Russians had retreated. 1t was
very dangerous climbing up the steep streets
and looking at the ruins with such visitors COM
ing in from the sky regions. I am an English
man, but must say that the Russian troops are
too good to be lightly talked Of They fought
splendidly thirty years ago slaves and now
they free men, better armed and better
drilled they will fight better"