The Memoir of William Henry Cory
11th (Prince Albert’s Own) Hussars, 1853–1856

Letter I

On the 3^rd October 1853 – I enlisted in the 11^th (P.A.O) Hussars – then Commanded by Lieut-Col the Earl of Cardigan, and about ten days afterwards went on board the "Duke of Cornwall" – a superannuated tub of a Steamer; that I bear in any thing but affectionate remembrance – bound for Dublin there to join my Regiment. – I am not going to weary you with a description of the passage. It was of course a Complication of "all the ills that Channel boats are heirs to". – But malgré the désagreables that assailed me at the very outset of my military Career. I neither repined at my lot nor repented of the step I had taken even when finally Consigned to the future authorities in Porto-Bello Barrac^ks.—————— And here Ip. 2 [cut off]ne at once, and for my own justific[cut off] reply to the possible belief, that I was buoyed up by childish anticipations of future greatness – or the mental contemplation of myself, perched like a clothes-peg on the top of a horse, with a pretty suit of Clothes on my back – and a blood-thirsty looking sword by my side. – No. no – I was the "raw" recruit only in so far as my having yet to learn my military duties.. – Misfortune – grim and stark drove me into the army – and I entered it armed with a fair education and the experience gained by having previously made the circuit of the world under equally unfavourable Circumstances. – The Conviction that no other resource was open to me prepared me to meet privation with Contempt – and the inevitable "pains and penalties" that awaited4[5?]p. 3 [cut off]e with the most complete indifference, and it was in this frame of mind that I met and responded to the greetings of my future Comrades of the 11^th Hussars.——————

At the period of my joining, this Regiment, under the Command of its noble leader, had attained the highest perfection of discipline: and boasted as fine and effective a body of men, and as gallant a staff of officers as any in the British service. – It derives its title of "Prince Alberts Own" from the fact of its having escorted His Royal Highness from the Railway Terminus to Buckingham Palace when he first landed in England to become the husband of our Queen. They were then Light-Dragoons – with a great Peninsula reputation – but when the Prince became their Colonel – pro tempore – they were Converted into Hussars – andp. 4 had the crimson nether integuments – given to them, and which they have retained ever since.——————

But as I am desirous of writing my own "experiences", and not the history of the Regiment – this is a digression – so revenons à nos moutons.——————

Two or three days were allowed me to look about, whilst my Regimentals were being "built", and these I employed in an inspection of the interior economy of the Barracks. – At length, however, the "structure" was Completed – and behold me "inhabiting" a very tight suit of my Country's livery.——————

I Commenced my drills; fully resolved to make myself efficient as speedily as possible – and by dint of Considerable perseverance – and a great many rapid descents from my horse's back – which were attended with some little personal inconvenience, I became in six months a very tolerable rider – and was altogether5p. 5 dismissed foot drills.——————

During this time – somehow or other – the idea of being sent upon active service never crossed my imagination. – I was awakened, however, to the extreme possibility of such an occurrence by the intelligence of a positive rupture of friendly relations with France and England allied – and the Autocrat of Russia. – The Declaration of War speedily followed – and we had the order read out to us – on a Sunday morning's Church parade to hold ourselves in readiness to embark for the East. – Lord Cardigan – now promoted to the Command of the Light Brigade – inspected "the Regiment in that Capacity. – The "Recruits were sent to the Ranks as "effective soldiers. At the usual examination by the Doctor – I was pronounced a fitting person – so far as my bodily health was Concerned – to be shot at – sabred – or bayonetted by Her Majesty's enemies.

The Depot was formed – and Campaign necessaries distributed. – The Troops were inspected and addressed inp. 6 Phœnix Park by General Blakeney as Commander of the Forces in Ireland. –

Then Came the last sermon so many heard inside a Church walls – and finally the morning of our departure. –

The circumstances under which I was now placed – so far from depressing my spirits as would have been the Case with many – only gave me satisfaction. – And I must even plead guilty to a feeling of pleasure that an opportunity now presented itself for relieving myself of the burthen of my own thoughts by the possible dénouement of an engagement. – My home was gone – my family scattered – and I a wanderer – and at that time – altho' so young, the world to me was divested of all charms:– and altho'. But to proceed. –

The Bands of the different corps then Comprising the garrison of Dublin – "played us out" of the Barracks – and half-way on our march to Kingstown. – The weather was beautifully fine – the sun shining bright – and there was a light, Cool breeze that was fresh and invigorating.. –7p. 7 But as we approached the wharf, the sky became suddenly overcast – and when we drew up in line in embarcation order – the rain poured down in torrents and speedily drenched us to the skin. –

It was under these depressing circumstances that after Considerable difficulty our horses were got into their stalls in the hold – the men ordered on board – and sentries placed along the wharves and at the gangways to prevent desertion. – That night we [layd?] in the Harbour – and the next morning, the wind favouring us, we sailed out amidst cheers from the Crews of the surrounding shipping; and, as the land receded from our view mentally bade adieu – many – too many for ever, to home – to Country – and to friends.——————

A detailed account of the passage and of aboard ship reminiscences – would but be "flat, stale, and unprofitable". – A soldier – and particularly a Dragoon – at sea, is not much more at his ease than a Clod-hopper would find himself in8p. 8 a noblemans ante-room. – But despite the professional antipathy of a Blue-jacket – to a "sodger" – the knowledge that we were bound on an expedition fraught with danger and hardship – excited all the kindliness and even sympathy inherent in a seamans nature – and we passed our time as pleasantly as present inconveniences and forebodings of the future would allow. – We visited Malta for water – and Carried on an extensive intercourse with the bum-boats that Came alongside laden with the delicacies of the island. – At Constantinople we received our orders to proceed to our final destination – Varna – in the Black Sea.——————

Our debarcation was performed under great difficulties – from the nature of the Harbour, not allowing of the ship approaching nearer than within a mile and a half of the shore. – Rafts had to be constructed – and towed by boats to and fro the beach – and by this means men and horses ( the latter offering many restive objections to the9p. 9 novelty of their transit) were landed on the dreary looking Coast of Bulgaria. – We encamped near the beach – opposite the Town. –

At the period of our arrival – the celebrated siege of Silistria – resulting in the signal repulse of the Russians – and their retreat from the Provinces – across the Danube – had taken place. – Shumla was occupied by the Troops of Omar, Pasha's army – and the plains of Bulgaria were already glittering with the white tents of the English and French armies. – Varna itself with its dirty, narrow, streets – with Gallic names – and dilapidated buildings – presented a spectacle the like of which may never again be seen. – The Babel of the Scripture Can alone illustrate the mingling of tongues – the blending of human voices in that discordant-tingling – hum so painful to the tympanum. –

Here might be observed English and French officers of all ranks – and of both professions – Naval and Military – private soldiers – and "Jacks" before the mast" – Turks – lean – dirty – and hungry. – Civilians of – all nations under the Canopy of Heaven – principally adventurers – who – having left honesty, as an inconvenient travelling10p. 10 appendage behind them, had Come to improve their own fortunes by sharing in the "Fortunes of War". – Such a glittering of uniforms and diversity of dress – such Cursing and drinking – such haggling on the one side, and cheating on the other such laughter and groans – such a collection and luxuriousness of filth – which reigned supreme – in fact such a tout ensemble and pot pourri was never known before since the world began.

Lord Cardigan had ^[illegible] made his début in Turkey some weeks before us – had started on a reconnoitring expedition with a party of Light Dragoons in the direction of the Danube – and had not returned when we landed:– His protracted absence – and the lack of intelligence as to his movements, began to occasion uneasiness – and at length it was determined to despatch a detachment of the 11^th Hussars in search of him. – I was selected as one of the number. – As near as I11p. 11 can recollect we mustered one [Serjeant?]; one Corporal, and 10 or 12 men, with a subaltern in Command – and a Staff Officer in Charge of the whole. – We paraded before Lord De Roos for orders which were explicit and unmistakeably intelligible. – They were briefly to "Spare neither men. money, nor horses – to sacrifice either so we Communicated with Lord Cardigan: and each man to study "well the road he travelled" – so that in the event of our having to return alone we should have no difficulty in finding the road^way". – From the nature of these instructions – no one Can blame us if we began so far to impeach Cardigan's military skill, as to suppose that he had allowed the enemy to get between him and a well timed retreat – and that the pleasing duty now devolved upon us of Cutting our way through every obstacle to get at him by hook or by crook. –12p. 12 However, we were then young soldiers – and the excitement of the enterprise Caused us to look forward to a brush with a delight which the extreme possibility of a few accidents did not diminish. –

Here – my dear Sir – I pause for the present – and will resume the thread of my story in a day or two.

Remember me, please. most kindly to Mrs. Rowsell and family – and

Believe me, Ever,

Your's Respectfully and Sincerely

William H. Cory

P.S. If I forward "Maud" on Saturday will it be in sufficient time?

Letter II

We started on our journey late in the afternoon, and, taking our way through Varna, passed the British Camp lying under the shadow of its walls, entered the wooded tracks, and Commenced the ascent of a mountainous range of hills, the name of which I have forgotten. – About ten o'clock at night we reached the summit, and Commenced to traverse a barren plain, dotted here and there with an occasional tree ^and stretching before us for miles. – The moon was enveloped in a shroud of gauzy mist – and lightning was flashing vividly in the South – a pretty Correct indication of the approach of foul weather. – Our horses were getting fagged – ourselves drowsy – and the mule Carrying our tent-Camp utensils, &c – positively declined proceeding further – and resented any attempt at Coercion as mules usually do. – Under these Circumstances a halt was Called – and dismounting we proceeded to drive the picquetting posts into the ground, whilst our officers went in search of water. – A running stream in the neighbourhood enabled us to refresh the beasts, and having made them fast to the picquet ropes, stripped the saddles from14p. 14 their backs, and fed them – we lit a large – fire – pitched our tent – and prepared to snatch an hour or two's repose – so necessary to stimulate us for the next days fatigue.

But, alas! for all human hopes and expec==tations. – L'homme propose. et "le temps" dispose.

Barely had our eyelids Closed. when the crashing of the thunder, the glare of the lightning. the rush of the heavy falling rain. and the liberties taken with our frail habitation by the boisterous wind. aroused us to a sense of our utter helplessness. – The now moistened ground declined any further Connection with our tent pegs, and, as one by one quitted its hold. we were Compelled to supply their "place by grasping the fluttering Canvas to keep it between us and the deluge falling "without. – But even this "shelter under difficulties" was denied us, for a "more than usually severe blast snatched our "house" from our powerless fingers, and soon the pitiless shower drenched us to the skin.——————

Our assistance was needed too at this particular juncture to Capture our runaway steeds. – Frightened by the brightness of the lightning, and the pealing of the thunder – and unappeased by the efforts of the sentry, they had tugged at their ropes until the picquet [posts?] gave way, and thus released from their thraldom. they were rushing about tied to each other. at the eminent risk of all in their vicinity. – This pleasing sport lasted15p. 15 until daybreak, and the storm having expended its fury, the sun broke through the dense masses of Cloud, and as it lit up the face of Nature seemed to laugh at her for the freaks played upon her in the dark watches of the night. –

We received orders to prepare for the renewal of our journey. – The tent and Camp necessaries were again Consigned to the mule – and wet and Cold – with empty stomachs – and ere the last lingering shades of darkness had succumbed to the advance of day – we were once more on the road.——————

But Fate had it not in store for me to pursue this enterprise further. – Our sumpter mule endowed with a full share of the Characteristic obstinacy of his race positively refused to budge an inch;– whether his objections were founded on the earliness of the hour, or his prophetic spirit enabled him to ^foresee the futility of the journey, I am not enabled to affirm; but it must suffice to state that persuasions and more powerful arguments were alike unavailing. – At length as despatch was particularly enjoined in our orders – it was resolved to dispense with the services of such a jackass, and the tent he Carried. Had not jackasses, however, been so valuable in the Crimea he would doubtless have met an untimely end. but after some Consultation I was asked if I Could find my way back alone (a distance of some ^two or16p. 16 three and twenty miles) and not liking to say no – I replied in the affirmative, and the remainder of the party pursuing their intended route, behold me alone in the wilderness – the temporary "lord of all I surveyed" – viz – my own horse and a refractory donkey.—————— After the first two or three miles, my Clothes and the sheepskin that Covered my saddle – under the influence of the warm rays of the sun. began to [eschuel?] their unpleasant moisture. – The donkey trudged along by my side doubtless enlivened by the prospect of a speedy return to Varna, which for all I know to the Contrary may Claim the honour of being his birth place. – Coming up with a spring I dismounted – watered the quadrupeds, fed them with the small allowance of Corn yet left, and then made my own breakfast off wet, black Turkish bread – some salt junk – and the same innocent beverage. – The Cravings of nature thus partially appeased I resumed my homeward Course – and on entering the narrow path that Conducted me through the wood. I was forced to send my obtuse Companion on in front there not being room for two abreast. – Finding that his speed did not increase by this Change of position – I drew my17p. 17 [sword?] – and by pointedly Calling his attention to my impatience, succeeded in getting him into a pace that suited me.——————

After losing my way two or three times and finding it again as often. I at last saw myself reentering Varna, but. although so near home – my troubles were not over. – I had again taken the string attached to the head-Collar of the mule, and on entering the Town made him keep by my side. – We Came up with a French encampment, where a band was playing some very spirited music, of which my agreeable Companion shewed his appreciation by letting out sundry kicks which rendered it very difficult for me to hold him. – Whilst endeavouring to quiet him – one of the tent poles attached to his side Came in Contact with my horse's flank – and in order to retain my seat – I was forced to liberate the mule. – No sooner at liberty than he made a Charge direct for a French officers tent – which he speedily crushed – and the owner was sent rolling amidst all his domestic paraphernalia – ink – writing paper – pots. stools – boxes – and an assortment of every description of Camp Comforts. – "Sacré nom de Dieu!" "Dix milles Diables!" growled the Gaul, scrambling up with the face of18p. 18 a person with the scarlet fever, and seizing the mule – who was held tight by the tattered Canvas – he bestowed his favours upon the offending brute thick and fast, which were duly resented, whilst I sat upon my horse unable to speak for laughing. – Order being partially restored I explained the Cause of the accident – but the Choleric Frenchman swore the donkey should be his until such time as my "Officier" had given him Compensation for the damage done to his person and household Gods. – The four--footed prisoner was then given in Charge to some soldiers, who had gathered around their superior in respectful sympathy for his overthrow – and I – nothing loth – hastened on to the Camp alone.——————

On arrival I reported the Cause of my return to the Commanding Officer – together with the incidents I have related, and was then Conducted to Lord Lucan's tent to repeat the tale to his Lordship. – The same afternoon – accompanied by my Captain – I rode over to Varna – and having effected a Compromise with the wounded dignity of the French Officer. regained possession of the mule.——————19p. 19

I have been thus prosy in giving a full, true, and particular account of the preceding adventure, because it was my first exploit as a soldier, and it is perhaps for that reason more indelibly impressed upon my memory than subsequent events of greater importance. – I have only to add in reference to it that my Comrades of the expedition returned to the Camp after about ten days absence, having failed in their object, and without meeting an inimical biped of any description. Their horses Completely knocked up, with sore backs, and the men utterly exhausted. – Lord Cardigan and his party – the objects of their search, also turned up shortly afterwards – having journeyed as far as Silistria without obtaining even a glimpse of a Russian force.——————

We quitted our Camp at Varna with regret, for its situation was pleasant, and possessed many advantages. We were Close to the sandy beach and benefited greatly by sea bathing, and being only a short distance removed from the Town. Could procure many additions to our Creature Comforts which we Could not expect in the interior.——————

I shall not dwell on our march to Devna and Yeni Bazar. – Under any20p. 20 other Circumstances – the great beauty of the Bulgarian landscapes might have engrossed our attentions – and demanded a minute and pleasant description. – But our minds were otherwise preoccupied. – We were but as strangers overrunning the land, and the object for which we were sojourners in it blinded us to its enjoyments. –

"How sour sweet music is,

When time is broke, and no proportion kept!

So is it in the music of mens lives." The most enticing delicacies become objects of loathing when the stomach is out of tune. – And so with us – our minds were diseased – and Nature tho' clad in her most dazzling garb Could not minister to them. ——————

The absence of an enemy rendered our occupations and mode of life not dissimilar to Camp routine in England, or any other portion of the Three Kingdoms. – The prevalence, however, of that most mortal disease – Cholera – fully Compensated for want of excitement in the field – and was a much more awful foe than the Russians would have been. – The 11^th Hussars suffered but little in Comparison with other Regiments of the21p. 21 Brigade – but never a night passed over our heads that the dismal notes of the trumpets were not heard tuning the Dead March in Saul – and calling our attention to the mournful processions, – varying in number – wending their way towards the spot set apart for our Grave Yard. —————— I have since witnessed the terrific —————— spectacle of the Battle Field after an engagement – but it was with Compara==tive unconcern that I gazed on the havoc, created by those dreadful Engines of War, invented by the genius of man to destroy his fellow worm. – There is, however, something inexpressibly solemn in the unerring strokes of Death by Disease: it is a danger that no human aid Can avert; its approach is as unseen as its aim is sure: and a Comrade or a friend is laid suddenly low – not fighting gloriously by our side in the excitement of mutual strife – but in a manner that Compels us to acknowledge an agency much more terrible than that of man. ——————

Perhaps it was that this sentiment was generally experienced amongst us –22p. 22 but whatever the cause – our spirits began to yield to a depression that would have induced us to hail an actual contact with the enemy as a satisfactory change. ——————

After three months of inglorious inactivity in this baneful climate – 3 months rendered still more hateful by [harrassing?] harassing field days and unnecessarily imposed duties – a General Order of the French Marshal – couched in the characteristic style of flowery panegyric of the Gallic chivalry – [announced?] to his troops the finally determined expedition to Sebastopol. – In due time we received our orders – and Commenced our preparations for returning to the coast. with much the same feelings that one would experience in escaping from a burning house, or a French prison in War time. – For my [Own?] part sickness had Compelled me to become an inmate of the hospital marquee – and I had to take a place in one of a long line of arrabas – impressed into the service to [convey?] ^Carry the afflicted. ——————23p. 23

Weak and ill as I was, however. the jolting of these primitive Conveyances over an uneven road induced me to give the preference to the back of my horse as the most pleasing mode of transit – and on arrival at Devna – I reported myself Convalescent – was dismissed by the medico – and resumed my place in the ranks. – As we passed through the "Valley of Death" – (Devna) and revisited our former camping ground, the recollection of our departed Comrades who had fallen victims to the pestilential atmosphere of the place, produced sensations of the most sorrowful nature. – But our regrets gave place to the bitterest indignation on learning that even the undisturbed possession of a last resting place was denied them – and that many had been sacrilegiously exhumed for no other obvious purpose than the robbery of the dead – and their bones left to bleach in the sun. ——————

On entering Varna we again encamped by the beach for two nights and a day – when the transports being pronounced in readiness to receive us, we for the second time set about embarking our horses and baggage24p. 24 The vessels which conveyed the Fifth or Cavalry Division were "The Jason" – "The Trent" "Himalaya" "London" "Simla" – and one or two others, the names of which I have forgotten. ——————

Here – my pen being like the mule which upset the Frenchman at Varna – and refusing to shape letters any longer – I am Constrained to pause for a space. ——————

Please remember me most kindly to Mrs. [Rowsell?] – and Your family – and.

Believe me, Dear Sir

Most sincerely and respectfully

William H. Cory

Letter III

By the 4^th September 1854 the whole of the Expeditionary army was on board ship, and the Fleet stood out to sea. – What an imposing and magnificent spectacle did this vast Armada of nearly Six Hundred vessels of all classes present – Conveying their freights of the finest and best disciplined Troops in the world, to the shores of a hostile Country! The ocean, as far as the eye could traverse. was dotted with the tall masts of our Transports, varied, at frequent intervals, by the low funnels of the steamers – the long trails of smoke emitted from them defining their tracks. – Our advance was conducted with the nicest precision and Calculation. The utter absence of all Confusion – and the incomparable unanimity existing throughout, was admirable, and deserving of all praise. – The interchange of signals by day – the brilliant illumination of the deep by night – when the rich music of the military bands would be wafted to our ears from the different ships, intermingled with the unceasing murmurings of the restless sea – the general novelty of the whole scene – and last but not least – our prospects on landing – afforded an exhaustless fund of amusement^{[illegible] [speculation?]}. ——————

The party to which I was attached had been transferred from the Steamship26p. 26 Trent" to the "London" – and as we were unaccompanied by our horses – having left them to the care of our Comrades in the former vessel. we had plenty of spare time. – This interval I devoted for the most part to inditing farewell letters to my friends – for I fully anticipated a soldiers end on the first battle field. – I even prayed that it might please God to take my life rather than I should be deprived of a limb – for I had a great horror of mutilation: ——————

At length – about the 15^th we made the land – and after two days Coasting – stood in shore opposite Eupatoria – the spot selected for our debarcation. The Fleet anchored in lines – and the ships, of the French expedition passing us – Commenced the process of unshipping their troops on our right. – They were the first to occupy the Crimean soil – and were speedily followed by large bodies of British Infantry. – I have been told that plenty of Cossacks were observed spotting our proceedings. – Of this I Can say nothing of my own personal knowledge, as the Cavalry, luckily, did not land till the next day: –

I say luckily: – for as the night closed in upon us – the sluices of Heaven appeared to open, and let down a deluge that drenchedp. 27 the unfortunates on the beach, and by extinguishing their fires, left them no resource but to submit to their fate. – Tents they had none, and I do not suppose they would have been of much service in resisting the force of such an overwhelming torrent. – For ourselves we suffered no other inconvenience than that occasioned by the heavy rolling and pitching of the ship – for the wind was blowing very fresh. and the sea ran high. – The next morning was beautifully fine, and the sun. holding undisputed possession of a cloudless sky, poured down his fierce rays upon us with unmitigated rigours – The signal was made for landing Cavalry – we packed up our duds, bade adieu to the crew – tumbled into the boats – and soon were stretching our legs on His Russian Majesty's soil. ——————

The principal burthen of landing the horses devolved upon the men-of-war sailors – and they merit every Commendation for the energetic and good-humoured manner in which they performed their difficult and novel task. – And here let me observe, en passant, that during the war, wherever and whenever the British tars came in Contact with or were thrown into society of our soldiers – the utmost good-fellowship28p. 28 always prevailed – and many a Red-coat has most substantially benefited by their friendship too. – Verily. they shall have their reward –

"For the true heart and kind,

Its recompence shall find;

Shall win praise,

And golden days;

And live in many a tale." On the present occasion it was truly gratifying to witness the care taken by Jack lest the soldiers should get saturated in passing from the boats to the beach – to hear the admonitions that we should thrash the lubberly Russians – and many other little characteristic traits that I shall not pause to mention. ——————

For two days we were encamped near Eupatoria. – On the Third we shifted on to the Plateau to the right of our landing place – where the Brigade formed. ——————

Foraging parties were despatched to the surrounding villages, and by the inhabitants of such of them as were not deserted we were treated with hospitality and respect. – And here let me say a word about the Tartars. – To judge from their appearance alone one would hardly take them for the descendants of the hardy29p. 29 race, the former conquerors of the Crimea In person they are under the middle height – square built – and sturdy – without an inconvenient superfluity of flesh – but with well-knit and powerful limbs; large, and very tough-looking heads. placed on their shoulders like a knob on the top of a gate-post – their [broad?] necks being short and bull-like. – Expressionless faces – presenting a flat surface – with low foreheads – very small, cunning looking eyes – and noses so sunken as to appear desirous of getting out of the way altogether – Their Costume is of the Coarsest and most unenticing description – Consisting of a long, shaggy, woollen Coat – loose Turkish trousers of the same material. round. thick, fur Caps – and boots or shoes made of I don't know what, – untanned leather perchance. – In fact they are such people as you would suppose fit for any work, however laborious – or any hardship. however severe. – In manner and habits – they are dirty, slothful, degraded. and selfish. To a degree inert – and apparently willing to submit to any yoke. – They profess the Mahometan faith – and were hospitable and respectful to us openly – but we did not dare to trust them.30p. 30

The Eupatorean Tartars may be a shade better – perhaps a little more intelligent and trustworthy – rare qualities in a Russian serf – But on the whole I believe I have given a faithful picture of the Crimean Tartar as we found him – tho' I think a little improved by intercourse with us when we left him. ——————

In our foraging excursions we collected dromedaries, ducks. pigs, arrabas, and oxen – and conveyed them to our bivouac. – I particularly recollect that we were once returning from an expedition of this nature – when a Corporal in advance gave an alarm that the Cossacks were Coming: – Leaving ducks and dromedaries to take Care of themselves – we drew our swords; gallopped pell-mell in the direction our supposed foes were approaching from – and fully resolved to sell our lives and liberty dearly. – But on a closer inspection we were not displeased to find that the cause of the alarm was a party of Mounted Algerines or Arab Scouts attached to the French army – their black faces, scarlet mantles, and high-backed saddles – with the long gun slung behind them being a costume entirely unknown to our unsophisticated Corporal.31p. 31

In the evening of the same day on which the above occurrence took place – we were aroused from our slumbers by the Camp fires by the rattle and flash of musketry – and the "pinging" of the balls in much too close a proximity to our ears. The trumpets sounded "Turn out" – the Officers bawled: "Get mounted. get mounted, men, the enemy's upon us" – and the utmost confusion prevailed for some minutes in the searching for saddles, bridles. swords. carbines, &c. in the dark. – One young Subaltern in his fright, fired a pistol at his servant, and wounded him, though – not dangerously, in the thigh. – but at last we were all mounted and formed to receive an attack. – None was made, however, and this is an incident I have never seen mentioned. – Many were the conjectures at the time as to the origin of the alarm – and I believe, the blame was attributable to one of our picquets – who – in the darkness of the night – had mistaken our fires for those of the enemy, and had saluted us accordingly. – The affair has been smothered in silence – but had it been attended with [fa?] fatal Consequences there would have been an enquiry very unpleasant for some one. – We wanted experience in those days. ——————32p. 32

At day break on the 19^th we marched in Company with the whole army. – The Country through which we passed was barren – not a vestige of tree or shrub to enliven the lofty ranges of hills sloping away to the sea – or the wider plains across which we were making our way. – After an hours slow marching we halted for the space of Twenty-minutes – and our Colonel (Douglas) took the opportunity to address us on the probability of our that day falling in with the enemy – and enjoining us in the event of an engagement, not to allow our eagerness in the charge to carry us too far – lest our array should be broken and ourselves scattered and cut to pieces. ——————

We again got into motion, the Cavalry pushing on Considerably in advance – and on ascending a rising point of ground, beheld a large, level, plain. overtopped on the opposite side by a gloomy looking chain of hills – on the crest of which a dark mass of Troops were plainly visible. – Our force Consisting of the 8^th Hussars, 11^th Hussars, and 13^th Light Dragoons, barely numbered 500 men. ——————

Skirmishers were extended along the whole of our line, and the challenge was responded to by a33p. 33 similar movement on the part of the enemy.

A brisk fire was maintained on both sides for about a Quarter of an hour, without any material damage to either party. – The Trumpets then sounded "Skirmishers in", and we moved to the rear a short distance. very slowly, then faced again to the front. – The Russians. probably encouraged by the paucity of our numbers, for the main body of the army could not have been visible to them, now moved in dark. heavy masses steadily into the plain, and we could quite plainly observe them unlimber their big brass field-pieces and place them in position. – Presently a flash and simultaneous spirt of white smoke – and Bang – a 28lb. shot Comes tumbling clean through our ranks. – What is that confusion in our right squadron? Alas! that ball has taken off a poor fellow's leg. – But there is no time for con--dolence – Bang-bang – go the guns again and the shot knock the dust into our faces all around us. – "Threes about. walk. march," is the order – and we retire six horse's lengths – then "Front" – and again shew the enemy our faces. – This manœuvre we repeated several times. with the object of drawing them [illegible] further into the plain, where, the ground being level. we might charge them. – All this While we were Complete targets for their cannon34p. 34 until at last finding they were too Cautious to follow us up – or attack us with their Cavalry. as they might have done with too good a chance of success – the I Troop, Horse Artillery advanced to our support. and opened such a brisk and effective fire upon them. that after returning the first few rounds, they were in their turn induced to make a move rearward. which they did in apparently good order, retiring through a break in the hills to the left. ——————

This was our first affair, and I think I am justified in asserting that our little band of Cavalry behaved admirably. – The loss of the three Regiments, considering the severity of the Cannonade, was but trifling; something like four or five horses. and as many men. – The enemy had a gun Carriage knocked to pieces and doubtless some killed and wounded – but when they retired they left no traces behind them. – We should have rendered a better account of them – if instead of being supplied with a stupid, clumsy. useless Carbine – we had had a nice little light Rifle. – Our skirmishers were perfectly harmless – for when our balls left the Carbines – they took their course entirely upon their own responsibility – and if they knocked over any body or anything35p. 35 it was all chance. ——————

We dismounted – and remained in the position we were occupying when the enemy retired – until darkness overtook us – when we withdrew to the rear of the Infantry and bivouacked for the night. ——————

The intense heat of the day gives place to a cold and damp fog as the sun goes down at this season of the year (September) in the Crimea. Our fires cast a deep glare around the vicinity of the Camp – and the dusky, shivering forms of the men as they were grouped around them – cooking their Rations – and smoking their pipes – and discussing the events of the past day – would have afforded an interesting subject for a painting. – On the morrow a general engagement awaited us – and how many now enjoying the full possession of their energies – unimpaired by age – but strong and powerful as in the hey day of youth – might be. ere another sun set. Stretched on the bed of Nature – as cold and devoid of feeling and motion as the soil to which they would then have returned. We stood as it were, on the brink of Time – ready to take the plunge into Eternity. – Ready did I say – prepared for the solution of that terrible [mysterity?] – Futurity! Let me36p. 36 take a retrospective view of my life – and see if there is any sin that I have Committed sufficiently black to shut out all hope – no – for I find that the "Blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin" – and that all ^that is required even to the Eleventh hour – is Belief and Repentance.

Then said I, I am ready – if it shall please God that tomorrow be my last day. –

I have endeavoured faithfully to shew what were the feelings of one suddenly called from the pleasures and thoughtlessness of life to face Death in his most terrible form in a strange land. – I consider that night before the Battle of the Alma as the turning point of my existence – and its effects will never be effaced from my memory. —————— But to resume. ——————

Teams of arrabas. laden with baggage and Commissariat stores. continued rumbling in till the sun rose next morning, when the "Reveillée" aroused us from our slumbers – and after partaking of coffee and biscuit, as a breakfast – we proceeded to the burial of an officer who had died of the Cholera in the night. – Very37p. 37 shortly afterwards the army got into motion. ——————

As a private soldier can have no possible means of ascertaining the plans or designs of the Commander-in-Chief – or the reason for such and such a movement being executed – I can but give an exact account of what actually took place within the compass of my own knowledge. – The force of Cavalry was too small to be of essential service or in fact to be of any positive service at all – and was very inadequate to the purposes to which it might have been effectually applied. – Our energies were not therefore put forth to shew what this branch of the service is really Capable of performing – until subsequently we were set a task – the performance of which nearly effected our utter annihilation. – We were keenly alive to the inglorious; but dangerous inactivity we were Compelled to maintain, whilst our Comrades of the Infantry were earning their immortal name for gallant deeds and chivalrous daring on the Heights of Alma. ——————

The evident object of our Commander was to keep up a Com==munication with the Fleet. – Our march38.p. 38 was this day (20^th September) to the right of our yesterday's position – and we gradually approached the sea in a slanting direction: with the heavy and dark masses of the French army ^moving between us and it. – In this respect our allies had undoubtedly the advantage of us – for whereas they were sheltered and assisted by the guns of the shipping. which diverted the attention of the enemy in a great measure from their movements – our Troops had to bear the brunt of the most obstinately and desperately contested part of the Heights. ——————

The position of the Cavalry was on this memorable day on the right of the army – and a little advanced to the front, in support of the skirmishers. – A more imposing sight than this splendid array presented as at a slow steady march – it approached the formidably intrenched position of the deadly forces opposed to their progress cannot be pictured in the most vivid imagination. – The glittering of their bayonets in the rays of the sun – [Presenting?] ^{as it were} an entire field of steel – their bright red uniforms and white belts – the calm, yet resolute demeanour of [From?] the men – the parade like precision and unanimity of their movements – andp. 39 the clearness and distinctness with which the English word of command rang out clear and sharp on the still. pure air, formed a coup d'œil that may be termed the spectacle of the Campaign.

By a little after the sun had attained its meridian – a dense volume of smoke in our front told of a very successful ruse on the part of the Russian to veil their position from our view, and at the same time warned us that the struggle was about to commence. – The French were already engaged on our right – and whilst the shipping threw a shower of shot and shell into the enemy's camp – were toiling amidst a perfect hail storm of iron missiles up the rugged ascent of the heights. – By degrees our own skirmishers came within range – and the batteries opening upon us the whole hill side appeared to emit sheets of flame and volumes of smoke – while the very ground seemed alive with balls. – Obedient to a command to that effect the Infantry threw themselves on the ground – and for a time there was a pause. – But it was a calm preceding the tempest. – The word40p. 40 was passed to advance to the attack, and like the undulations of an overwhelming torrent – with their colours floating bravely over them – our gallant band of English hearts rushed into the melée with the desperate courage of indomitable resolve –

But I must conclude the "Battle of the Alma next time. – Please remember me most kindly to Mrs. Rowsell and all your family – and

Believe me. My dear Sir,

Ever most truly and respectfully y^rs

William H. Cory

The Rev. Evan Edward Rowsell [M.A.?]

P.S. Again thanks for your long letter – Believe me I place [value?] on it – knowing the way in which your time is occupied. –

Letter IV

And now in real earnest Commenced the hellish din of mortal strife. – "Forward", "Forward" – is the cry of the officers. – "Lead on. we follow" is the resolute response of the men, and with an unsurpassed physical obstinacy of purpose, we could observe our glorious Infantry men, amidst the clouds of smoke in which they were enveloped. combating step by step, inch by inch. and bayonet with bayonet with their grey Coated foes. – Deadly vollies of grape and chain shot, mow them down in Compact ranks – almost impenetrable looking legions are hurled against them to crush them with their very weight – but still "Onward" is the cry – for this day it was destined that all the efforts and stratagem of military skill – all the fearful advantages of numbers and position – and the haughty, vaunting Confidence of the Muscovite chief – should be signally defeated by the resistless enthusiasm of a band of heroes – and themselves driven with ignomy in little more than three short hours from intrenchments they had boasted they Could maintain against any force for at least six weeks. –

But where was the Cavalry the while? Ah – where indeed? At the Commencementp. 42 of the action we changed fronts to the left – and moved to the rear – nearly but not quite out of range. – Here we halted – dismounted – and lighting our pipes. narrowly watched the progress of the fight. – Every now and then a huge ball – something Cooled in its fury by the distance it had travelled would pay us a visit – and induce us respectfully to acknowledge his superiority by making room for him to pass. – One big chap rolled along at a rather dangerous pace under Lord Cardigans horse. – But this inactivity – whilst many a soul was winging its flight to Him who gave it existence – and many a true heart was Ceasing to beat in the upholding our Countrys Honour – whilst our very blood was boiling at the sound of Battle – was hardly endurable. – What would our Countrymen say at home of their puppet Soldiers! Had our numbers warranted such a proceeding – the Cavalry could this day have done great execution in pursuing the flying Squadrons of the enemy – and by cutting off the Stragglers and otherwise harrassing them in their retreat have rendered their reforming for some time very difficult – and thus have Completed the victory. – Why then wasp. 43 our Strength so insufficient at the Battle of the Alma – as even to render the presence of English Dragoons a laughing stock to friend and foe alike! But to resume. – Towards the termination of the engagement – a large force of Cossack Cavalry made a threatening demonstration on our left flank – and a Troop of Horse Artillery with our Cavalry to Cover them was ordered to move to the front. – Across the River we dashed at a canter – and reached the elevation of the hill on the opposite side – in time to witness the enemy flying before us. – The field pieces opened upon their retreating Columns; and did fearful execution – and then as the Joyful fact became known to us that another victory was added to our Colours – the Dragoons waving their swords in glittering circles above their heads – and the exhausted Highlanders throwing their bonnets into the air – gave three such tremendous, heart-felt, Hurrahs! that it must have hastened their Speed – and panic stricken them.

The whole British army now advanced en masse – and on gaining the44p. 44 summit of the plateau just evacuated – by our foes – beheld their retiring forces receding from our view like a dark vapour, rolling over the plain. ——————

Detachments of Cavalry were despatched to disperse small parties of Cossacks hovering around the recent scene of action – but did not succeed in Coming up with any of them – and the Troops thus rid for a time of their enemy proceeded to bivouac on the Battle ground.

Repose after the excitement of such a day was indeed needed. But first we had to find water and forage for our horses – and fuel for our fires – and then to fetch our own provisions a Considerable distance from the Commissariat Stores. – However – thanks to the Consideration of the Russian for his own Comforts – we found on this night at least plenty wherewith to satisfy both man and horse. – Casks of Rum were found in various parts of the field – for it is a Spirit, under the influence of which our Muscovite friends seem to have attempted all their deeds of daring. – and few of us after our work was done objected ^to its genial warming properties – althó it is a liquor – which, under any other circumstances would have been absolutely.45p. 45 hateful to me. –

The next morning – no order having arrived for renewing our march – (Contrary to expectation. and I think to policy) – most of us took the opportunity of wandering over the field of yesterday's Battle, – and administering help to such as needed it. –

It was the first time the majority of us had witnessed such a spectacle – and we were inspired with a deeper sense of awe at the sight of such a Concourse of dead bodies and groaning wounded than we had ever experienced during the heat of the engagement.

What a moral! thought I – or rather what an infinity of thoughts suggest themselves when gazing upon the desecrated temples of the soul. – Is it not but a few short hours that I saw these mutilated forms – now hardly recognizable as belonging to humanity – moving with all the Conscious pride and beauty of manhood – endowed with the Divine gift of intellect that gives to Man [power?] over every other created thing! And now as you gaze upon these senseless clods – of even loathsome clay – rendered corrupt by the very air that once they breathed – how appalling Comes the suggestion home to You – that the spirit4[3?]p. 46 which gave it animation, with the stain of sin still upon it – is even now before the Dread Tribunal – hurried there unprepared by the hands of men who must even some time lay ^lie as they now do – and follow their victims to

The undiscover'd country, from whose bourn

No traveller returns." —————— Such is War – the civilized term by which Kings and Princes – respectable marauders – define wholesale murder. ——————

The debris of the fight – Russian guns, swords. pistols, Knapsacks, (their contents scattered to the winds) tobacco, bread, helmets, busby's or Shakos – and an assortment of military necessaries of all descriptions. were distributed in profusion over the field. – But the ghastly appearances of the dead – many of them with the brains scooped out by canon balls – legs and arms blown off – and otherwise defaced – added to the disconsolate and woe-begone Countenances of the swarthy Muscovite prisoners – put curiosity to flight. – Our own men were being removed in ill--constructed litters. – But the French had all the benefit derived from, and47p. 47 loss avoided by an efficient Ambulance Corps. – I wonder if our sleepy-headed authorities in London would tell us they had not the same "means and appliances" as the Imperial officials in Paris. – We thought it somewhat hard when we were doing all the dirty work abroad – the gentleman in power Could not assist us by a little very Common place forethought at home. – This was not the only instance in which a Comparison of our comforts with those of our Gallic friends elicited even curses upon the stupidity of English Ministers. –

On the 3^rd day after the Battle our army resumed its march towards the valley and River – Katcha – keeping Sebastopol on our right. – At night we bivouacked near the village – and treated ourselves to a glorious feast of grapes, apples, and pears which were found in great profusion in this pretty little valley. – The demon of War had preceded our arrival here, however, in the shape of the infernal Cossacks. – That which had once been the happy home of hundreds of simple and unoffendingp. 48

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between us – sent several rounds after them as they retreated down the hill, which had no other effect I believe than that of increasing their speed. –

We reached the Black River by nightfall – and proceeded to water our horses in the stream prior to encamping.

Whilst we were so occupied an alarm was given by some one that the Cossacks were advancing over the hills towards us – and for a time we were thrown into some confusion by the intermingling of the Regiments in the dark. —————— The spot where this took place was called Mackenzies Farm.

A great many of our men had this day made some very Considerable im==provements in their wardrobe by the plunder of the baggage left behind by the enemy when they fled as before stated. Shirts, stockings and boots, mostly the property of officers from the superior quality of the articles were found in Considerable quantities – and the linen and hose were particularly valuable acquisitions to us who had not changed either since we landed. – There were also goods of far more substantial value. – Uniforms and Shabracques, Covered with gold lace – gilt belts and Sabretaches – and even money and watches Also several Cassocks evidently belonging51.p. 51 to priests of high rank – from the large gold crosses worked on the back – and as luxuries for immediate Consumption, Tobacco – white bread – and some hundreds of pounds of reisty bacon.

This latter with some fine cabbages, found in the neighbourhood of the River – enabled us to make a tolerable supper. – But the greatest curiosity of all was Prince Menschikoff's Carriage – in which were left all his orders and [decorations?] – and articles of very Costly wearing apparel – nearly all of which were "boned" by our officers. – A prisoner was also taken in the Carriage – but having imbibed some narcotic beverage or other to a dangerous extent – he was perfectly unconscious of his change of circumstances until some hours after. –

I have been told that a very Considerable sum of money fell into the hands of the Staff – but whether this is founded on fact or not I do not pretend to affirm. –

On the 26^th September we entered Balaclava – and on the 27^th the whole army finally sat down in front and on the South side of Sebastopol – and formed encampments52p. 52 on the plateau overlooking the Town. –

Of the preparations that were [immediatly?] commenced to lay siege to this fortress, a Cavalry man can say nothing. – With fascines, gabions, sandbags, and parallels he has no Concern. – Reconnaissances and picquets occupied all our time – and repeated alarms of an attack kept us constantly on the alert. – The duty assigned to the Light Division to which we were attached was to watch the movements of the enemy in the rear of our position – and for this purpose a long Line of intrenchments were thrown up on the heights overlooking the valley communicating with Balaclava. – Here night and day Cavalry picquets were always stationed – and at night were strengthened by a strong party of Guards and Highlanders. – Rumours of a general engagement in the rear were Constantly spread in our Camp – and we were always exhorted to use the utmost vigilance. ——————

With kind remembrances to Mrs. Rowsell and all your family

I am ever, D^r Sir, Your's most sincerely

William H. Cory

Letter V

One little incident which happened to myself about this time is particularly impresse[cut off] upon my memory. and I will briefly relate it: ——————

The mounted sentries placed by the officer in charge of the Cavalry picquet watching the valley. extended as far, as a French outpost on our right, with which our orders were to cooperate in the event of a surprise. And the sentry nearest to it had to patrol up and down and visit the French picquet occasionally during his vigil. – This particular duty was invariably assigned to me as being enabled to speak the language. – The heights at this period were covered with thick and very tall brush-wood or gorse – and in the dark – after quitting any particular spot it was very difficult to find the trail again unless very great observation was practised. – Repeated attempts had been made by parties of Cossacks to entrap our sentries by Concealing themselves in these bushes at night. –

On the occasion referred to I had discovered the French picquet by means of the glare of their fire. – Having responded to the "Qui vive"? of the sentinel. I rode close up to them – asked for some water – and was very kindly offered a drink of "Cogniac" – the officer in charge handing me his Cantine – and also making me a present of some "tabac" – for they were always very sociable with us chaps. – Thus reinspired I started on my way back. – Somehow or54p. 54 another I became entangled in the Copse – and wandered further down the slope of the hill than I conceived either advisable or safe. – I was retracing my steps when I perceived by the sparkling of some live embers, a group of figures ensconced in a recess formed by the bushes. – I Could also observe a pile of muskets – and a sentry standing at his post. – My horse – a grey one (a nasty colour for such work – for it made his rider too conspicuous) kept champing at his bit, and made quite a sufficient noise to warn them of my neigh==bourhood, but they continued perfectly still. – Not knowing what to make of them I challenged in English – but no one replied – I then demanded in French "Qui vive? but no answer. – Puzzled and not a little startled by their [passeveness?] – and not being aware of the presence of another French picquet in this direction I sung out for the last time "Who goes there? and meeting with the same result – drew my sword and trotted up to the obtuse sentry: – all of a sudden he seemed to be endowed with life – down he brought his musket to the level – and would have fired had I not too quickly given him the word "Anglais: – I interrogated him as to the reason of his not replying to my challenge – but being a Swiss I could making make nothing of him. – One of his Comrades, however, informed me that they were55p. 55 an avant poste. – My impression – a very natural one under the circumstances, was that none of them were quite so much on the alert as the occasion required. – Such an instance as this, however, is but an exception to^[f?] the rule – for to do them Justice our allies were pretty wide awake where duty called for it. ——————

On another occasion I was one of a cordon of double sentries watching the Woronzoff Road – which had a direct Communication with Sebastopol. – The night was pitch dark and drizzling with rain, and I was "chatting sotto voce with my comrade" – when a flash from the wood on the opposite side – and the crack of a Rifle – followed by the whistle of the ball as it passed between us – told us that one at least had nearly fallen a victim to the vigilance of a Russian sharpshooter

To dash across the road was the work of an instant – but the obscurity of the evening – and the impossibility of a mounted man entering a wood without risking his head favoured our assailant – and he escaped our vengeance. ——————

Towards the beginning of October we received orders to shift our position – and join the Brigade of Heavy Cavalry encamped on the plain near Balaclava. – Here we had to listen to numberless stories of attempts to surprise and56p. 56 cut off the picquets – one of which so far succeeded as to result in the death of 3 – and the capture of 2 men of the 4^th Dragoon Guards. – One of the latter. however. very cleverly effected his escape by siezing one of the Cossack horses – after he was conducted to the enemy's lines – and notwithstanding that he was chased a distance of more than two miles – he succeeded in distancing them. ——————

On the 18^th the Moscows made a show of engaging us on the plain – but they found us prepared for any game they might have in waiting for us – and Consequently retired after a few "hints" from the Turkish batteries. – The day after a similar ruse met with a like success. – All this was but harassing work. however. – For Three weeks we neither removed the Jackets from our backs – the boots from our feet – nor the saddles from the horses – except for an hour each day to groom them – and even this work was done with our pouch-belts on. – As we [lay?] down we got up – and as we got up we [lay?] down again. – Our swords and Carbines were our pillows – mother earth our Couch – and our pipes our only solace. – Hence my present love for the fragrant weed. I Could fain digress to eulogise its soothing influence on us – its tendency to assist thought – and ameliorate misery – and even its power to allay the cravings of unsatisfied hunger. –57.p. 57 I could even become sentimental on the subject. but I won't. – I will dismiss it merely reminding all whom it may Concern – that in our severe hardships – and hours of trial and peril – it was a "friend in need". ——————

Each morning at Two o'clock – the Reveillée aroused such as were not on duty from their slumbers. – In the dark we bridled up our horses – struck tents – and buckling on our swords – mounted – and formed up on the plain – some distance in the rear of the Turkish Redoubts – the 1^st of which – Canroberts Hill as it was Called was an earthen-work battery – the farthest from our lines – and consequently the nearest to the enemy. – Here we dismounted – and remained, mostly smoking our pipes – and chatting with each other – till the sun rose, when we returned to the Camp – and proceeded to repitch our tents – and draw our forage and Rations from the Commissariat. – After breakfasting on a most luxurious decoction of green coffee, and mouldy biscuit, we rode to a short distance – where we watered our horses – and many a time ere we have half Completed this task – the Trumpets have recalled us at a gallop to stand to our arms to repel an imaginary attack. – At this season of the year too the mornings were bitterly cold58p. 58 whilst in the day time the sun was intensely hot. – The only benefit we derived from this state of things was – that the necessity for being in Constant readiness – precluded all other work – and thus I have written many a letter home at this time when I expected to be interrupted by a Call to Battle. – To these letters I am now indebted for an accuracy in dates – and minuteness of narration [in?] some matters which otherwise I should perhaps only partly have remembered. ——————

It is worthy of remark that our constant theme was the exposed and unsupported position of the Cavalry – and we always came to the conclusion that more Infantry ought to have been sent from before Sebastopol to join us. – If they could not be spared it was clear our numbers were insufficient to meet the demand – or rather the exigencies – and a greater error than that of embarking in such an enterprise with inadequate forces a Government or a General Could not have Committed. ——————

Had an attack in our rear succeeded – the enemy would have regained possession of Balaclava – and have Completely hemmed us in, and confined us to the plateau in front of Sebastopol. – Our59p. 59 supplies must have been landed at an imminent hazard on an open beach – entirely exposed to the sea – and when Winter and heavy weather set in – (and they were fast approaching); our starvation on these bleak and dreary looking Heights would have been inevitable. – In our turn. in fact. from being the besiegers we should have become the besieged. ——————

And yet our defence of this important position – our defence I mean against sudden attack – than which nothing was more possible – was Confined to the exertions of the Cavalry, (two skeleton Brigades) a body of Highlanders – and a horde of unproven Turks. – True we were Covered by the batteries of the Naval Brigade and Marines on the heights on our right – close to the Town – and the French on our left – whilst General Bosquets Zouaves were keeping a bright look out in the Trenches overlooking the valley. – The Chasseurs D'Afrique (Cavalry) too would have been advanced to our support – and I daresay one or two Divisions of our own Infantry – but then they were all so far off in case of an emergency. – As for the Redoubts (4 of them) in our front. they were manned by the "Bono Johnnies" – and we had already learnt to estimate them at their proper value. – Would they had thought less of Mahomet and more of their60.p. 60 national reputation for gallantry!

During this interval too. the papers received from England conveyed to us the flattering intelligence that the Cavalry were most culpably inert – that they had held back when their services were almost indispensable; &c – and various other Complimentary Criticisms tending to shew that we were rather "above" performing our allotted duty. – This opinion of our Countrymen reached our ears at the particular moment when the very Cause of our previous inactivity was the most exposing us to positive danger and almost unbearable hardships. – We had scarcely sufficient men to perform the duties demanded of us – and sickness was rapidly thinning us still more. ——————

The booming of the guns at Sebastopol sufficiently demonstrated to us that the siege operations were not at a standstill – and news was constantly conveyed to us of Sorties and Skirmishes, and the gallantry with which the enemy were always repulsed.

In our rear the presence of a tremendous force. under General Liprandi – began to occasion uneasiness – not that we – (I use the collective pronoun because I identify myself with the army) entertained any doubts of our own determinations – but the great importance of our position – and the miseries its loss would61p. 61 entail upon us were facts patent to us all.

The bare possibility then of such a catastrophe through an unforeseen inadvertence produced anything but agreeable reflections. – Some prisoners taken about this time put us in possession of the resolute intention of the Russian Commander to make a desperate effort to relieve Sebastopol by driving us into the sea. – Bombast of Course. but still a guarantee that the attempt would be made. ——————

On the morning of the 25^th October. we had formed up in the plain as usual before daylight – and the sun having risen without any indication to excite alarm – we were on the point of returning to the Camp – when a puff of white smoke on Canroberts Hill – and the report of a gun warned us that at all events something was visible. – We had barely time to spring into the saddles. and gallop to the rising ground in rear of the Redoubts – when a general burst of Cannon – followed by the yells of the Turks who now came swarming over the plain towards us like a flock of frightened sheep – told us that our 1^st Redoubt was lost to us. – The beggarly Moslems had not even stayed to spike the guns – which were conse=62p. 62=quently soon playing with terrible effect upon 2. 3 – and 4 Redoubts. – The Turks in these quickly followed the example of their Comrades in the 1^st – they fairly "mizzled – and as they fled towards us – were pursued and many of them sabred by the Cossack Squadrons. ——————

The Light Cavalry were in advance: a little to our left front the I Troop Horse Artillery under Captain Maude – were keeping up a brisk but ineffectual fire. – In our right rear were the glittering masses of the Heavy Dragoons – and somewhat in advance of them – the Highlanders under Sir Colin Campbell. ——————

As soon as the enemy obtained possession of the Redoubts – they turned [their?] guns in them upon us – and were replied to by our Horse Artillery until every round of ammunition was spent. – As might be expected when our field pieces were reduced to silence – the Russians plied their batteries with renewed vigour, – Poor Captain Maude was knocked over by a piece of a shell – and was Carried off the field by 4 of his men: – And several horses and men were severely wounded until we63p. 63 received the order to retire: – We moved to the rear a short distance – then again faced to the front – and as we gave way the enemy's Cavalry [illegible] ^cantered into the plain – and brought up their guns also. –

We now fairly fell back – under cover of the French battery on our left – and as the Muscovy Cavalry. continued to follow us – they caught sight of the long line of Highlanders, with the Turks now formed on their flank – waiting to receive them. – From the elevated ground on which we were stationed – we could distinctly observe all that was going on below us. –

Onward came the Russian horsemen at an easy gallop: – before they are fairly within range the Turks fire a volley and again take to their heels. – Not so the Highlanders – they fire it is true at too great a distance but they calmly reload :– and when the enemy's Cavalry is within a couple of hundred yards of them down go their Rifles and out rings a discharge of Minie balls – that deals64p. 64 death and destruction in their ranks – and empties many a saddle. – They open out right and left and fly in confusion.

But still, in serried masses, with spears glistening and sabres flashing still onward come the dense squadrons of Russian Cavalry. – We have no time to think of the gallantry of the Highlanders – for it is now the turn of our Heavy Dragoons to shew their prowess. – Gen. Scarlett – with his grey hair streaming from beneath his helmet – is in front of his men encouraging and directing them. –

The Scots Greys and Enniskillen Dragoons are in the first line – onward comes the enemy's legion – our Trumpeters have put their instruments to their lips, – and ere the echo of the Charge has died away in the hills – our Troopers parting from their position like an arrow from a bow – have completely dashed through the enemy's first line – as tho' they were but shadows in their path – and somewhat scattered it is true – but65p. 65 still firm – are now observable rushing on the second line behind them. –

But now the 1^st line of the Russians has rallied – and are preparing to attack our men in rear and in flank. – They will be lost, we thought as Irish and Scot were perceived struggling like the giants of old with their overwhelming foes. – But help is at hand – for again the brazen notes of the Trumpets Give out the Charge – and away they go – the 1^st Royals and 4^th and 5^th Dragoon Guards with a force and velocity apparently irresistible – for the enemy barely waiting to receive the shock wheel about – and fly from before a force certainly not one Fourth of their own strength. ——————

Apparently abashed by the ignominious discomfiture that had attended their proud and arrogant advance – the enemy now withdrew their forces to the head of the valley behind the Redoubts – three of which they still retained – but abandoning the first and spiking the guns. –

The 1^st and 4^th Divisions under the Duke of Cambridge and Sir Geo. Cathcart66p. 66 respectively, moved into the plain – as also a small body of Chasseurs D'Afrique – whilst the Light Cavalry pushed forward at least three quarters of a mile in front of all – to the entrance of the gorge – and there dismounted. – They were in two lines – the 11^th Hussars (Col. Douglas) the 17^th Lancers (Col. Laurenson) the 13^th Light Dragoons (Col. Doherty) in the first – and the 4^th Light Dragoons (Lord George Paget) and 8^th Hussars (Col. Shewell) in the second. –

The Heavy Brigade were drawn up a long distance behind. ——————

During this time we could visibly observe the Russians settling into position – and placing a long line of full 30 guns immediately in front of them – with flank batteries right and left. Their numbers have been variously computed at from 60.000 to 70.000 men – composed of Infantry – Artillery – Cavalry (Regular and Mercenary) in all the "pomp and circumstance of War" – in fact an army – whilst the Light Brigade told off the memorable Six Hundred. – Our supposition was that for this day at least our fighting was over – not dreaming that it would even be policy on our part to attack them with adequate numbers. –

But about Eleven o'clock – a Staff67p. 67 [Officer?] (poor Nolan) came galloping towards Lord Lucan – and we saw him hand his Lordship a note – like a billet-doux. – After reading it – and making a few remarks – Lord Lucan turned to the Earl of Cardigan – and we distinctly heard him give the order for us to advance: – How our hearts beat! But there was no time allowed for speculation: –

"There's not to reason why

There's not to give reply. – "Prepare to Mount". "Mount" – were the orders – (many sprang into their saddles with their pipes in their mouths) – and – "Walk. march". "Trot" "Canter" "Gallop" and "Charge". succeeded. – No sooner did we get into motion than the guns commenced. to play upon us – Nolan. fell at the first discharge – the very air was darkened by the bursting of the shells – our comrades dropped all around us – still onward we swept over that terrible "Half-a league" of ploughed field – waiving our swords above our heads. – [Past?]

Past the guns we dashed at a headlong speed – cutting down the artillerymen wherever we could reach them. – Every man's face bore the marks of the Devil on it – every nerve was strained – every feeling deadened – the very foe shrunk from before us for a time panic-stricken – and paralysed.68p. 68 But then on come their Cavalry – hand to hand we fight – whilst the Infantry pour volley after volley into us of musketry.

I knew nothing until I found my sword crossed with a beggar that was glaring at me like a tiger. – I fought for dear life – we became separated by the crowd – "Ride for your lives – and retire" – shouted the officers – and turning our horse's heads we struggle to do so. – A Regiment of Polish Lancers is drawn up across our path – at their centre goes Colonel Shewell with the 8^th Hussars – whilst the others ride round them. – We repass the guns – the gunners return to them – and again we are deluged with balls and bursting shells. – At this moment I espied the Serjeant that enlisted me engaged with some Dragoons who had followed him – methought he called to me – I turn to his assistance and so do 3 men of the 13^th Light Dragoons – but it is too late – poor Jordan! he falls cloven to the chin – and at the same instant a big shot strikes my horse full in the chest – and down I go. I was partially stunned – with my eyes – ears – and mouth full of69p. 69 dirt – but instinctively gathering myself together as well as I could – I succeeded in disentangling my leg from the horse. which was lying dead upon it – but to do this I had to draw my boot off – and then to sit and put it on again. –

The Cossacks – thank God! had not pursued us – for the Heavies were now advancing to cover our retreat – Had they done so my life would not have been worth a rush – but cannon balls were bowling along all around me, –

Run I could not – but picking up my sword blade – hobbled along for a mile before I got out of range – recog==nizing the lifeless form of many a comrade on my way. ——————

Such, as I have endeavoured faintly to picture it, was the "Light Cavalry Charge at Balaclava". – In relating it I can see the whole affair again veluti in speculum – and the excitement seems to return on me. –

"Who was to blame?" has been askedp. 70 over and over again – but never replied to definitively. – I say, And would do so openly – The Earl of Lucan: – as a General of Division – he was vested with discretionary powers. – The fatality was not possible – but positive.

The result was certain – before the order was given. – Even the private soldier knew it – and in the face of it – Lucan must send his men to certain destruction – because – he has received a command – which in such a strait he is not bound to obey. – Poor Nolan is stated by sarcasm to have galled him into the act. I say – Lord Lucan was not the man to allow himself to be galled by his subordinate – in a minute he would have deprived him of his sword and placed him under arrest. –

As for the Earl of Cardigan – as a simple Brigadier – he had nothing to do but obey orders – and he did so gallantly and well. narrowly escaping the Cossack lances – two of..p. 71 which pierced his clothes. –

But I can say no more now. – Next time I may give more minute particulars. –

Will you please remember me most kindly to Mrs. Rowsell – the young ladies – and the two gentlemen – and

Believe me. Mydear Sir,

Ever sincerely and respectfully Yrs.

William H. Cory

The Rev. Evan E. Rowsell M.A.

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Letter VI

"The remains of the Light Brigade [illegible] ^continued on the plain watching the enemy until dark – when a picquet being selected from the Heavy Dragoons for duty for the night. we retired to our lines. ——————

Here the scene of desolation was almost too much for the strongest nerved amongst us. The enemy had charged over our tents as they lay upon the ground – crushing every thing of value to us – that the rascally Turks had not pillaged when they fled – beneath their horses' hoofs. – A few of our own horses – mostly sick or lame – left tied to the picquet ropes – were hacked and gashed by their sabres – the ground where they stood being literally dyed with their blood – and piteous were their looks when we approached to feed them. – It seemed as tho' our home in the desert was destroyed – and the dreary desert alone left to us. –

The Roll was called; in the whole Brigade – 350 men. at least, never answered to their names – that being something under the Total of Killed, Wounded – and Missing – while upwards of 500 horses were entirely lost to us. ——————

350 men out of Six Hundred! what a fatality was here! and the few who survived. dispirited – heart-broken – and overwhelmed with grief. – Tears stole down the cheeks of the hardiest and coarsest Lord Cardigan himself wept – and for a time we74p. 74 hardly spoke above a whisper – as tho' we [feared?] to offend the shades of our deceased Comrades – whilst as we discovered evidences of their former presence – their cloaks – blankets, and rude bedding scattered about the Camp – and missed the cheerful laugh – the cheering joke – and hearty offers of assistance in our labours, we almost groaned. – Well might General Liprandi ask our prisoners if we were not "all drunk". ——————

About 8 o'clock in the evening the Brigade suddenly shifted its position – leaving the ground strewed with all the inseparables of a Camp and Dragoons accoutrements – and the wounded horses with the saddles still on their backs tied to their ropes. – Lighting a large fire – myself and another – having congé d'elire – resolved to keep them company till the morning – and remain behind. – We cooked some potatoes purchased the day before of a Maltese by a comrade, who now, minus his right arm, is filling a situation at Hampton Court Palace. – These, with some biscuit and dirty water were our sole sustenance for 24 hours. – Then wrapping ourselves in our cloaks and blankets – and placing our heads in a large box – we [lay?] down on the grass and fell asleep – to dream of horrors as terrible as befell the unfortunate lady in Blue-beards Castle. ——————

We awoke at daylight next morning with stiffened limbs – aching heads – famished75p. 75 stomachs – and paralysed with cold – whilst our blankets and clothes were completely saturated with dew. – We lit our pipes – and wandering over the deserted Camp – succeeded in finding a bottle of Cogniac – doubtless the property of some unfortunate Officer – but under the circumstances I do not take blame to myself for the appropriation of what I Considered was the salvation of our lives.

I drank but abstemiously – tho' I recollect when the escort came to assist us in removing the arms and wounded horses – it had taken such effect on my weakened frame as to almost unfit me for the performance of my duty. ——————

The Brigade was again retired to the hills on the road to Balaclava – in the immediate vicinity of the French encampments. – By mid-day we obtained forage and Rations from the always dilatory Commissariat. – Two hours were then spent in the selection by the Veterinary Surgeon of such of the horses whose cases were hopeless – and as Sentence of Death was passed on each we led them out and destroyed them. –

This agreeable occupation over. I [lay?] down with my head resting on one of the saddles, and was endeavouring to snatch an hour or two's repose in the warmth of the sun when the Adjutant76p. 76 came – and tapping me on the shoulder: – said he had heard that I could speak French – and had therefore a commission for me to execute in the Camp of the Chasseurs D'Afrique – about Four miles off. – He gave me a note for the Commandant – and told me that one of our wounded horses having escaped to them – I was to walk there and ride him home. ——————

I started with reluctance – for my leg was painful from the effects of the bruises – and I could barely put one foot before the other: – On my way I met the Chasseurs going on duty – delivered my note to the Colonel – and was requested to proceed to the Camp and wait till they returned. – I did so – and on arrival – was treated by such of the men as were left behind – principally batmen as they are called – or officers servants – with the greatest kindness. – They provided me with a dinner such as they had prepared for their masters – gave me Abscinthe and beautiful coffee to drink. and tobacco to smoke – and when the Regiments returned at Six o'clock in the evening – the officers sent for L'Anglais to their mess tent – asked me many questions about the Charge – where I learnt to speak French. &c – and finally gave some77p. 77 of their men money to take me to the Cantine and procure Wine – to drink success to their "camarades Anglais". –

I ought here to remark that simultaneously with the charge of our Light Cavalry – the Chasseurs had attacked the enemy's battery on our left – and would have carried off the guns – but like ourselves they were compelled to retire with heavy loss. –

When I set out on my return to Camp by Moonlight – the horse – which had lost an eye – and – as it turned out – its rider an arm (he is still alive) was brought to me saddled and bridled; – a Cloak was tenderly thrown over my shoulders when I mounted – and one of them held out to me a tea cup – more than Three parts full of Brandy – (reminding me of the stirrup cup fashion of old) and made me swallow it – despite my protestations and desires to be excused. ——————

This little incident at a time when my mind was loaded with bitter reflections – and fearful misgivings – was peculiarly apropos and soothing: – it seemed to make our poor fellows too, to whom I related the story. rejoice that they were fighting side by side with such warm hearted and sympathetic allies – and never perhaps, was the old78p. 78 animosity between French and English soldiers so completely buried in oblivion as during the first year of our hapless Campaign in the Crimea. ——————

By various removes we took up our old position near a Windmill – now Converted into a Magazine on the Heights of Sebastopol. – We supplied a picquet for Sir Colin Campbell near the Town of Balaclava – and although diminished in numbers by more than one half our original strength – and horses and men alike disabled by privation and the increasing severity of the season – we continued to "turn out" at daylight as usual – and present to the enemy the shadow of a Cavalry force: – I suppose upon the principle that "to be poor and seem poor" too is bad policy. ——————

Our utility as Cavalry had indeed gone – and it is well known that Lord Cardigan tried hard to get us declared unfit for service. – But it was positively necessary that the enemy should not be possessed of the miserable fact that we had no Cavalry to manœuvre – and therefore we had to assume as bold a front as we possibly Could. ——————

During this period the incessant roaring of the Cannon at Sebastopol79p. 79 was stunning our ears night and day and sometimes shook the earth around our Camp. as though it trembled from the effects of some internal convulsion. –

But beyond the occasional information obtained from the Infantry men who visited the Camp, the people in England were better informed, as to the operations in conducting and progress of the siege than ourselves. – In the valley below us the Russians gave us every now and then proofs of their continued presence by an occasional alert, which, however trifling in their consequences, were always harassing to the troops who had the task of watching their movements assigned to them. ——————

Heavy rains were now constant occurrences: the soil – naturally of a soft and clammy nature – cut up by the constant movement of men and horses – began to assume the appearance of a sea of mud and filth. – We had to make miniature canals to intersect the ground on which our tents Stood, to allow of the water running off – whilst our blankets – and indeed our clothes – ourselves and accoutrements, became begrimed with, and took the hue of the nastiness in which we were Compelled to wallow. – I should not be80p. 80 be drawing a faithful picture of the misery to which we were subjected, if I omitted to add – that owing to want of clean linen – and the scarcity of water – and necessity for sleeping in our clothes – we were nearly all – officers included – smothered with vermin.

Dysentery was making terrible ravages amongst us – and the poverty of our food gave it plenty of scope. ——————

It was about this time that happening one morning to be taking my way towards one of the French Camps – a Zouave officer splendidly mounted on a beautiful Arabian – and wearing what had once been a pair of Highly polished Hessian boots over his red, loose Cossack trousers – came riding up to me – and pulling up, began to question me in very indifferent English as to the locale of certain of our Divisions. –

He was a fine, handsome looking chap – and very easy and affable in his manners – so finding after I had given him the information he sought that he did not seem in a hurry to part company – I began in my turn to interrogate him – but respectfully of course. – At last pointing to a Camp a little distance off – I asked if it did not belong to the Zouaves? He replied – "Oui, [c'est?] les81p. 81 Zouaves" – Then said I – "Le Général Bosquet, il est Commandant de les Zouaves, n'est ce pas, monsieur?" "Oui, mon ami", he answered. "et pour moi je suis le Général Bosquet" – or words to that effect as nearly as I can recollect. – I fell back and saluted – but he stood talking for some minutes before he rode on. ——————

On the 5^th November – long before daylight – the Reveillée had summoned us from the murky atmosphere of our tents – to wade through the mud to saddle our horses – which were standing shivering and more than half-starved in the lines. – The cooks of the different Regiments had just commenced the process of lighting the fires – preparatory to boiling the water for the coffee. The wind was blowing sharp and keen from off the sea – a thick, drizzling rain, or "Scotch mist" was falling – and the whole scene presented a horribly miserable and desolate appearance. – All of a minute the sharp and spattering rattle of mus==ketry – followed by a terrific cannonading were heard in the direction of the Light and Second Division Camps, –

The Trumpets and bugles sounded the alarm – and almost before we Could realize the fact – our army and the82p. 82 French were engaged from the Inkerman heights to Balaclava. with the Russians,

The enemy had driven in the picquets and penetrated into our lines, before their advance was known – and a struggle was going on which for ferocity and desperate resolve on the one side – and for calm, determined. and obstinate Courage on the other, is unprecedented in history.

To draw a picture of the Battle of Inkerman is not possible:– the obscurity of the morning and the peculiar nature of the ground – which as I have before stated was covered with tall and thick bushes – almost hid the combatants from our sight – and only when occasional breaks in the copse enabled us to obtain a glimpse of what was going on – could give us an idea of the forces we had to contend with. – The flashes of the guns – the whistling of the shot – and the yells of the foe – however – together with the crowds of wounded hurrying from the field were evidences sufficient of the dead==liness of the strife. ——————

Towards Eleven o'clock, Lord George Paget – who took charge of all that remained of the Light Cavalry in locum tenens for Lord Cardigan, who was83p. 83 ill on board ship – followed the advance of the Chasseurs D'Afrique towards the right of our position – and brought us within range of the fire of the Russian shipping in the Harbour. – Meantime tidings had been Conveyed to Lord Cardigan of the action that was raging at the front – and his Lordship lost no time in hastening to the scene – and following us to our perilous position.

We had already lost several men and horses – literally knocked to pieces by cannon balls – and the first words uttered by Lord Cardigan were – "Paget – Paget" – what are you doing here – are you going to Charge the shipping"

In fact nothing could justify so rediculous a movement – the emaciated appearance of the poor Cavalry beasts and men – and the paucity of our numbers, rendered us perfectly useless – and it was only cruelty to take us into fire in such a plight. – We moved out of range – and as at the Alma – sat and watched a Contest in which we could take no part with honour to ourselves or credit to our colours. ——————

Towards midday the fire slackened – and the Russians again retreated, having been foiled in one of the most tremendous attacks ever made. – Our loss in men and General Officers was terrible – but not84p. 84 so great as that of the enemy. – The ground was literally covered with the dying and the dead – throwing the field of Alma into the shade:– friend and foe were lying side by side – their animosities over, but the very positions in which we found them testifying to the rancour with which they were inspired when living. ——————

Simultaneously with the attack in the rear and front of our position a desperate sortie was made from Sebastopol – but was signally repulsed by the French. ——————

This day the whole extent of our line had been engaged – the Russians fighting with the furor of fanaticism – for they had been blessed by their Priests – and their Grand Dukes were there to judge their deeds. –

Doubtless the bitterest curses and anathemas had been levelled at our devoted selves – and the most sacriligeous rewards held out for our destruction. – But God was pleased to bless our Banners – and under His glorious auspices – the bull-dog hardiness of English Warriors – and the active gallantry of our allies – put them ignominiously to route. – The God of Battles had us in His keeping. – and the might of our adversaries could not prevail against us. ——————

I am, Dear Sir

Ever most–truly and Respectfully Your's

William Henry Cory

Letter VII

In following the events which marked the course of my career in the Crimea. my narrative must necessarily be to a certain extent disconnected. —————— "The memory". says Addison in the Spectator. "The memory is "perpetually looking back. when we have "nothing present to entertain us; it is "like those repositories in animals. that are "filled with stores of food. on which they "ruminate. when their present pasture fails."

To adopt [Mr?] Addison's metaphor, – I have "ruminated" so long on the contents of my "repository" – that the old "stores" collected in the early part of the Campaign, have. by secretion. diminished in proportion and have given place to others of more recent gathering. – The more exciting incidents are indeed inexhaustible – being of a nature too tough to masticate – but it is no easy task – to recall the daily scenes of years gone by. – God knows. the history is sufficiently replete with the bitterest recollections – which tho' rendered a little less acrid, perhaps, by the pancreatick juice of time – are nevertheless still unpalateable enough to justify my generalising as much as possible – if only to spare the feelings of86p. 86 those who may peruse it – as well as my own. ——————

Harrowing as our position was before the Battle of Inkermann – that engagement did but date the Commencement of a Reign "of Terror", which. though devoid of comparison in its features, was not the less terrible than that which succeeded the outbreak of the first French Revolution. – Those who had successfully evaded the stroke of Death on the "blood-stained field", had now to face it in shapes far more appalling. – When the link which attaches us to life is suddenly snapped; and the transition from this terrene state to that which succeeds is instantaneous – the pangs attending our passage through the Dread Valley are remitted to us. – But to drag out a "slow length" of miserable existence – with the unrealized certainty staring us in the face; to be tortured on the brink of the precipice when the leap is inevitable: to sustain in quick succession

"The thousand natural shocks

That flesh is heir to," ere the deep and final sleep closes our eyelids, surrounded by fellow-sufferers87p. 87 from whom the boon of dissolution is withheld – is indeed the very acme – the Alpha and Omega of mortal misery. ——————

And yet such was the unmitigated fate of Thousands of our countrymen – my brother soldiers and actual Comrades in the Crimea. —————— The Winter advancing upon us with rapid strides found us unprotected – unprepared – and unsheltered on the bleak and barren Upland of Sebastopol. – Our clothing was reduced to tatters – and no reserve to fall back upon .. But stay – I will essay a pen and ink sketch. – Voyons!

Picture to yourself – imprimis – a few dirty looking tents – rendered transparent – and perforated with holes by the action of the weather – (Please mark I speak of a Regiment – as a type of the rest). – About 20 feet. removed from, and in front of, them, is a row of starved and skeleton horses, with their coats actually matted with filth. – Their tails and manes are gone – and if you watch them for a few minutes you will perceive – that the absence of the straps on the wooden frames on their88p. 88 backs – that have been saddles – and also of the aforesaid manes and tails. is accounted for – for they are gnawing the leather and each other for lack of food – one handful of barley per diem, when they can get it. Comprising their means of sustenance. – They are standing more than knee deep in slime, from out of which they can barely muster strength to draw their hoofs. –

Now if you can stump through the mud. without having your boots sucked off your feet. just enter one of the bell. =shaped tents. – When you throw aside the piece of canvas that fastens over the entrance – you will observe it may be Ten – Eleven – or Twelve forms – that you will recognize as human beings if you look at them for a bit – laying with their feet to the pole. – To commence at the foundation of their "eligible residence" – the flooring is of the same flexible material as on the exterior – viz. mud – only ^but the thickest of it has been scraped out – only the liquid stuff left – and a small – very small quantity of hay sprinkled over it. – On the top of this, those who have succeeded in stealing them – have placed the Commissariat Corn sacks – and on89–p. 89 these again have spread their disgusting--looking blankets – whilst for coverlets they have their cloaks, which having been worn in the rain when they watered their horses in the morning, are steaming and smelling with the heat of their bodies. – They have all got their clothes on – at least as much as is left of them – for they cannot for one reason, take them off – lest they should drop to pieces. – The Jackets and trousers (I beg the ladies' pardons) are patched all over – and yet the holes are not stopped. – Their shirts are hanging from them in shreds – like paper from the damp walls of a house that has long been uninhabited. – Stockings they are perfectly unacquainted with – and their boots or shoes barely Conceal their feet. – Their flesh is of the same hue as a bricklayers' presents – before he has cleansed himself from the impurities of his "profession", and the crops on their visages having been allowed to luxuriate in an ad libitum growth – are straggling about like weeds in a garden;– but they do not hide the sunken cheek – and hollow eye – and the mark branded by Despair. – They are nearly all suffering90p. 90 more or less from Dysentery. and Scurvy.

But what are those rust-Covered tins strewed about? you ask. – They are their mess-tins that they eat out of:– they cannot clean them. for they have nothing that is pure enough with which to do so. – If you take notice too – some of them have got in them a little rice – with a large lump – or mahogany-like block, which the Commissary people have discovered to be "salt beef – laying on the top of it. This. with some dirty biscuit – "and green Coffee – they will tell you is the "inner lining" that is to fortify their Constitutions against their exposure to the "season: ——————

And where are their arms? You demand again. – One of the men will turn back his "sac" – and under the curtain of the tent you will perceive two long looking things. which from their shape You will rightly judge to be sword and –Carbine – but I do not know whether ^if he will be able to get the blade out of the scabbard to shew you whether it is sharp or not. ——————

But here comes a Robinson Crusoe91p. 91 -like figure – what does he want? He is the Serjeant Major. – He approaches the tent door – and looking in. says – "Turn out and water Your horses You men". – This warning he repeats at every tent – and presently You see emerge from their canvas habitations a posse of some 20 or.. 30 men – some with their cloaks on and some without. – They endeavour to wade to the lines – but more than half have" to feel in the mud for their boots – for when you draw your feet out and leave them behind, they are entirely hidden beneath the surface. – At last, they reach the horses: the quadrupeds are made fast to a long rope. each end of which is attached to a short post. – The men fish for this rope – and drag it up;– then comes the difficulty of untieing them: but this. after a great deal of trouble is effected. and the brutes liberated. – They tighten the girths, put the bridoons in their mouths. and climb on to their backs. while the poor creatures stagger at every step they take. ——————

Whilst they are gone let us [go?] ^walk round to the rear of the tents and see the92p. 92 Cooks. – Here is a large. square hole dug in the ground – in which are some burning logs of wood – fanned into a lively flame by the wind. – Around it are clustered a number of black camp-kettles – also sacks containing coffee ("raw" of course) – sugar – salt beef – pork – &c – &c – whilst the axe – and a heap of chips demonstrate that the fuel does not come from Newcastle.

The cooks themselves – two troopers excused every other kind of duty – are distinguishable by the primitive nature of their Costume – which – from the varieties of which it is Composed – baffles all attempt at des-=cription. —————— I need only add that the weather decides each day as to whether our meals are cooked at all or not. ——————

Such is a picture of the Cavalry Camp before Sebastopol in the beginning of the Winter 1854-5. – My only fear is lest I should have failed to do justice to it. – That it is not exaggerated there may yet be a few still surviving to testify.

But I will now proceed – for it is not near

"The last scene of all

That ends this strange eventful history." ——————93p. 93 About the 10^th or 11^th November. I went to Balaclava. for the purpose of procuring some additions to our comforts in the shape of tobacco and pipes. and was agreeably surprised by encountering poor Captain Lewis – of the ill-fated "Resolute" – in which vessel. on her first voyage. I had sailed for Sydney some 3 years before. – As I do not wish, however, to introduce extra==neous matter in this narrative – I shall not dwell on the feelings of astonishment experienced by us both at a meeting under circumstances so widely different to our separation at the Antipodes. – But inasmuch as this unlooked and unhoped for presence of an old and greatly esteemed acquaintance was as a gleam of sunshine after a tempest to me, and afforded me one happy day at least out of the many miserable ones spent in the Crimea – and ^as also his subsequent untimely and much lamented Death has a bearing upon the events of which I am treating – I justify myself for allusion to it..– But I am anticipating. —————— I parted with him – promising to see him again – and I hope to keep that promise yet – but in a better place – "where the wicked cease94p. 94 from troubling and the weary are at rest". –

I set out on my return, on foot, as I came – and had barely mastered a mile of the journey. when my boot divided itself into two parts – and the remaining five miles were performed with no better substitute than a dilapidated sock. –

The next day my feet were so swollen that I was compelled to "strike" – and throw myself upon the hands of our Esculapius (a process not dissimilar to the acceptation of the Chiltern Hundreds by a Member) – and was duly introduced as an inmate of one of the Hospital tents. – But do not be led astray by the chimerical assumption that these Hospital tents were an improvement on the others..– No. No – why I verily believe they were the worst in the camp; nor is it to be understood that our food was better – or that we had even the benefit of medicine. – Tout au Contraire. – The hospital tent was simply a sanctuary – a dernier ressort – the residents of which were [excempted?] from duties they could not perform – and where if their constitutions succumbed to95p. 95 the paralysis of disease – they could lay down and die unmolested. ——————

At daylight on the 14^th – the wind – which had been boisterous and fitful all night – began to blow a perfect hurricane – at first from the South and warm – attended with a drifting rain. – But by degrees it veered round to the North – and the rain gave place to a keen and cutting sleet – whilst the mud became sufficiently congealed to render it more unpleasant than before. – All the horrors of the gloomy Region of ice-girt Greenland seemed to be let loose upon us. – Never in my life – nor in the memory of the oldest man – was the wind known to have such irresistible force: the strongest could not stand against it – whilst each tent was levelled – and the air filled with every description of Camp utensils travelling seaward. ——————

The tent in which I was domiciled shared the fate of the rest. – The pole bent before the blast till it yielded to its influence – and snapped in the middle. and down came the fluttering96p. 96 canvas, stiff with mud and frost about our ears. – Escape for me was an impossibility – I had neither boots or shoes – nor could I have put them on if I had been blest with the possession of a pair. – So I lay quiescent where I was – whilst my more fortunate companions crept out – and sought for relief by the French fires – where many of them actually burnt the skin from their feet, before they could restore circulation, ——————

Meantime as the sodden folds of the tent heaved and tossed about me, it positively hemmed me in with an embankment of mud. – Mud I have said because all my research will not discover a word even in Johnson's Dictionary that will adequately convey an idea of this compound of filth. – Ever and anon I peered out upon the dreary waste. – Nothing but desolation met my eye. – Nothing to be seen but an endless bog – Nothing to be heard but the howlings of the hurricane – and the flappings of the tent – "Oh" – I exclaimed in effect –

"Oh that a man might know

The end of this day's business ere it come!

But it sufficeth that the day will end." –97p. 97 for no other prospect could I see but the extinction and utter annihilation of us all. ——————

And the day did end – for as the "shades of evening deepened into night" – the tempest lulled – tho' the cold continued as piercing as ever. – One by one the men returned from I know not where – and intuitively began to make prep==arations for their lodgement by an attempt to raise their tent. – In this they succeeded – experiencing. however. great difficulty in splicing the pole – and after swallowing a small quantity of Rum each, together with some biscuit sent us by the Doctor – when he had ascertained that we still retained the capacities of eating and drinking – we squatted down back to back for support – for laying down was not to be thought of – and yielded to the enticements of Morpheus. –

With the next morning our sufferings did not recommence – but proceeded. "Evidences of the dire effects of the Hurricane were visible all around us in the deaths of the horses – the fast98p. 98 spreading sickness amongst the men – and the fatality in the shipping on the coast – the intelligence of which being dismal was not slow in reaching our ears. ——————

Poor Captain Lewis – despite his prophetic remonstrances against the mad-brained regulation – received the order, with many others – to remove his ship to the outside of the Harbour – and perished. – I cannot up to this moment comprehend why he did not stand out to sea – and give the land a wide berth. – The toughest bottom is not proof against a heavy rolling serge – with an iron-bound Coast of lofty rock under the lee. – Surely there was no restriction against an endeavour to preserve life – and having seen the spot where the catastrophe took place with the recollection of the Hurricane still fresh in my memory I could come to no other conclusion than that to drop anchor in such a place was little short of an act of suicide in him who voluntarily did so or of murder in whoever ordered it. –99p. 99 Knowing Captain Lewis as I do – and his qualities as a seaman – fully tested when we rounded ^the Cape [Horn?] ^{of Good Hope} together – where at 60 Degrees of South latitude we experienced the roughest weather – I have no hesitation in expressing a belief that he was shackled in some way or another by commands dictated by the usual amount of Crimean wisdom. ——————

When the reality of his death crept upon me – for it was long before I could realize it – it seemed as though my last prop were struck from under me – and the sense of utter loneliness was all but unendurable.

I am ever, My dear, Sir.

Most sincerely, truly and Respectfully yo.

William Henry Cory

The Rev. Evan Edward Rowsell M.A.

Letter VIII

There was in the Regiment to which I belonged. a smart. dapper little fellow of the name of Smith. He was the [prosopopaia?] of a handsome English Dragoon – and for his soldier-like bearing – and general steadiness of character had often been selected as orderly to Lord Cardigan. – To this may be added that he was a good and agreeable comrade – generous to a fault – and as brave as a lion: ——————

Debilitated and reduced to a skeleton by Dysentery, poor Smith was compelled to seek the aid of the Doctor very shortly after the Hurricane and was sent to the same tent as myself. —————— But he never rallied; each day he became more and more attenuated; there was no nourishing food, no medicinal liquor to assuage his suffering. no kind hand to minister to his wants:– and smooth his pillow. —————— "A merry heart", saith the Proverb. "doeth good like a "medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones". – Ours were the "broken spirits". – There ^he was stretched, side by side with ten of his comrades, afflicted like himself. within the narrow limits of a tent. his life-blood resolving itself into water from weakness: the film of dissolution already in his eye; the jaws of Death gaping to receive him, whilst we were compelled to look on – to watch a soul struggling to burst its prison-doors. powerless to aid or to sooth him. – I have been aroused from uneasy and troubled sleep at dead of nightp. 101

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and found him outside lying in a pool of water, whether he had crawled. – Though barely able to lift my own head from the earth – I have frequently had to drag him in= bitterly anathematizing the necessities that had brought us all to such a strait. – Worse and worse he grew:– bereft of speech before – Reason now mercifully vacated her seat – till at last the short. thick breathing. and the marble hue of his clammy features, painfully contrasted with his jet black hair and beard – warned us that the crisis was near at hand. – The Doctor paid his morning visit: alas! earthly means would have been fruitless had he possessed them; he ordered a little Spirit to be poured down the dying man's throat – then shaking his head – he went his way sorrowing – and at Mid-day the soldier's Spirit fled to Him Who gave it existence. – His body – wrapped in his cloak. was left on the outside of the hut till the next morning – when a hasty grave having been dug for his reception – he was deposited in his last resting place – and I much fear without a prayer for his Salvation.

This is no ideal picture of a heated imagination – nor is it an isolated. nor even an extraordinary fact. – Thousands of the defenders of our country's liberties – have died in the Crimea – miserable even as Poor Smith died, victims to the culpable mismanage==ment of the Administration and their creatures. – Even the unlettered Private would frequently103p. 103 propound such questions as these.. Why was the expedition set on foot so late in the Year?

Why was it undertaken at all without suitable provision for the maintenance of the army against Common-place casualties? Did Ministers forget that in the rotation of the Seasons, Winter follows after the Autumn? Were the gentlemen that ought to have known every==Thing. ignorant of the nature of a Crimean Winter and the resources of their enemy? or did the Allied Generals fail in realizing their expectations – by not taking Sebastopol by a coup-de-main before the Winter set in?

Neither an affirmation nor a negation of these queries would have acquitted them of at least the charge of neglect.– Napoleon in his retreat from Moscow sacrificed his tens of Thousands to his ambition: our Solomons at the Commencement of their foray with the same foe – their thousands to their ignorance. ——————

I do not speak inadvisedly – strong as my strictures may appear – and I found my defence against a charge of presumption upon the fact that I was myself a sufferer. and a witness to the martyrdom of the poor fellows – who placing a blind. implicit, and child-like confidence in the Wisdom of their rulers. were led to a certain and inglorious Death. —————— But to proceed. ——————

The horrors with which I was surrounded, were beginning to tell so fearfully10[cut off]p. 104 and depressingly on my spirits that I found it absolutely necessary to arouse myself – however great the effort.– The swelling in my feet had subsided – and having by great good luck, succeeded in obtaining a larger sized pair of shoes of that peculiar species known as High-lows. I feigned Convalescence and was dismissed from Hospital. ——————

Almost the first task imposed upon me was a Journey round the French encampments in search of runaway steeds, with an implied leave to be absent till I found them.– The great hospitality with which I was always treated by our kind and sympathising allies – a hospitality evinced in the most marked and flattering manner by the officers in particular, caused me to be always glad of an opportunity to cultivate their acquaintance – and it may be readily understood that somehow or another I contrived to find the poor horses very difficult to catch – knowing well at the same time that I should only be returning them to a state of Starvation. ——————

The French are decidedly better campaigners than ourselves in many respects. The Spirit of warfare appears to be inherent in their nature – and is as much part and parcel of their Composition – as the otium cum dignitate of an Alderman.– During the first Winter of our Campaign, the Contrast of the lively, cheering, and therefore successful105p. 105 patience of the Gauls, with the sullen, dogged. despairing resignation of our poor fellows was painful – and by no means flattering to the National temperament.– Very frequently have I gladly fled the dejected gloom of the society of our own men – and sought the little tentes d'abri of our laughter-loving allies – where a hearty welcome was sure to greet me – and where my ludicrous misapprehension of their Provincial French would be certain to create mirth. ——————

The whole system of the French is different to ours.– Is it better. is the question. I confess I think it is.– In our own service promotion is very difficult of attainment to any but the representatives of the aristocracy of birth or of wealth.– With our neighbours merit Carries the sway – and hence the pretty generally recognized Superiority of their Officiers. ——————

We all know – or can imagine the vivacity which pervades a household where its master does not separate himself from – but the rather courts the sympathies of, his inferiors – by a winning affability, tempered with dignity – and a generous Care for their welfare.. And we are equally well acquainted with the reverse of the picture – where the lord. paramount – maintains a Cold, unbending. haughty. exterior – whilep. 106 he condemns as smile as tending to under--mine his authority – and deems all below his station too insignificant to engross a thought of his – so long as they perform the task allotted to each. The one governs by the discipline of fear – which is sure to breed a smothered hatred:– the other by affection and a Voluntarily recognized authority. ——————

Thus metaphorically is the difference between the two services French and English.– Despite the conscript system pursued by our neighbours – I have no hesitation in asserting that their officers have a firmer hold on the sympathies of their men than ours – and I am willing to maintain this in opposition to the generally entertained opinion to the Contrary.– Our officers belong to a class – separated from the men – not only by the strict laws of military discipline – but also by the wide gulph of social distinction:– The French soldier is taught to look upon the Contest in which he is engaged as an affair that personally Concerns himself – and in which – the door being open to him – he may rise to the highest grade in his country's service.– The Englishman on the Contrary hires himself to a master – whose threshold he feels he cannot cross – to perform a certain work – and the master takes sufficient care that that work shall be107p. 107 performed – and retains an instrument like the cat in terrorem – without making an effort to enlist the affections of the hireling. ——————

With all this our soldiers are made of more sterling stuff than the French – as many a well contested field has proved.– Our allies Can make an enthusiastic attack – but the steady, obstinate, Courage of the English in maintaining an advantage is invincible.– I do not speak from a feeling of National conceit but honestly from experience – and if Napoleon – who may be accepted as an authority on such matters – really did say as he is represented to have done – that with English soldiers and French officers he would beat the world – I think he was right. ——————

Towards the latter end of November the Cavalry took up a more sheltered position – near the village of Kadikoi – about a mile and a half from Balaclava – and as our horses were now too weak to ride – we were compelled to make them bear the lesser weight of the baggage. while we walked and led them.– Our track was marked by the dead bodies of the poor brutes who succumbed to the fatigue of the Journey – and dropped lifeless under their burthen – and instead of the proud array of a Brigade of Cavalry on the line108p. 108 of march our men came straggling up to their new Camping ground in knots of two and three at a time – like a horde of half-fed – ragged – and miserable outcasts. ——————

For the first week or two our remove was a decided advantage – the soil being firm – and not yet cut up with the Constant traffic of horses and men.– It was the wrong season of the year, however, for a continued improvement in anything –. for soon the heavy falling of the snow, rendered our position even worse than before: ——————

A "fatigue party" was selected by each Regiment. to dig foundations (holes) for stabling – and mules put into requisition to bring up scantling from Balaklava to roof them over.– In the performance of this duty great hardship and difficulty were experienced from the necessity arising for clearing away the snow at the Commence==ment of each days work, and the number of hours the men were kept at it.– There was no respite from labour even on a Sunday – for now that only a few unsightly skeletons of the beautiful creatures we brought out from Ireland with us remained, it was suddenly discovered that shelter was indispensable. ——————

Our best-founded fear during the progress of these operations was that by the time the stables were Completed there109p. 109 would be no horses to put in them.– We were constantly compelled to shift them about from place to place – for as the soil became boggy and soft – the poor wretches would have been implanted as it were – and their removal a matter to be decided by pick and shovel. ——————

Two particular duties, in addition to the usual guards. were especially abhorrent to us, arising as they did from want of Transport.– These were the bringing up Forage from Balaclava, and the fetching sick from. and Conveying biscuit to the "Front", as the Heights overlooking the Town of Sebastopol – the base of our operations, were Called. ——————

As I have before stated we were now about a mile and a half from Balaclava.– Each day a certain number of men were "told off" for "drawing forage". These had to saddle their horses – and lead them down accompanied by the Quarter-Master.– Roads at that period were only in embryo – and the grass having entirely disappeared, there was no relief to the boundless expanse of mud. ——————

On entering the Town – the first objects that will rivet Your attention if You are a novice (we were quite accustomed to it) is a procession of filthy. ill-favoured, sickly looking Moslems, conveying very possibly a Dozen of their departed Comrades from their Hospital11[cut off]p. 110 or lazar house to their graves on their shoulders.

Here too the mud, by the influence of the rain – the melting of the snow – and the traffic of the Hundreds that daily thronged to the suttlers shops and Commissariat-Stores. took a more liquid form – and the houses – mere dilapidated, primitive looking sheds – appeared to be standing in or rising out of a River – the bottom of which being constantly stirred up, made it look like a thin batter – varying from one and a half to two feet in depth.– Through this we had to flounder – and even found it a relief after the heavier tramping through the firmer and more mortar-like stuff.– Having reached the Wharf by dint of a great deal of pushing and shoving – and elbowing even General Officers in the motley crowd – and formed up in line – we have had to wait for perhaps an hour or two, shivering and shaking with cold and wet feet for our turn – and sometimes committing our horses to the care of an obliging comrade; – have entered the shops – if we had any money – and purchased it may be a bottle of Porter for Three Shillings or a 3/4 lb. loaf of light Maltese bread for Half a Crown; then undoing the straps or ropes we Commenced the process of throwing the wet. heavy sacks of Barley – as much as two of us could raise – across the saddles – whilst our fingers were almost frozen by handling them. Having seen that they111p. 111 were fastened as securely as we could make them we set out on our return. ——————

Then it was that the trouble commenced. As soon as we got into the sticky stuff again, the horses in heavily drawing their hoofs out of it – with a sucking. squashy sort of sound – would topple the sack over – in which case it would either come off altogether – or You would have to hold it tightly on the whole of the way.– If the first – and by far the worst of the two evils happened – Your comrades having pushed on with better luck considerably in advance – You would find Yourself [illegible] alone – without strength to lift the load – subject to a Court-Martial if You left it behind – and therefore compelled to wait until some kind Samaritan came up and rendered You assistance.– In these dilemmas the little Frenchmen – who seemed to have the power of ubiquity – were invariably my best friends – and many a time have I been indebted to them for relief from an otherwise insurmountable obstacle. An accident of this kind too would very likely happen several times in the course of the Journey – and instances have occurred where poor fellows having been delayed by them. till after dark – have been found stiff and cold in the morning – when the weather has been unusually intense, where they11[cut off]p. 112 had lain down fatigued and dispirited – and allowed themselves to be overcome by sleep.

I am – My dear Sir.

Most truly and Respectfully Yours

William Henry Cory

The Rev: Evan E. Rowsell M. A.

Letter IX

The same cause which reduced us to the necessity of conveying our own and our horses Rations from Balaclava. gave rise to the employment of the Cavalry as a Land Transport Corps for the benefit of the Infantry on the Heights. —————— In this omission the authorities were peculiarly open to censure; for there cannot be found even the shadow of a justification for the absence of all facility for the transmission of food from one part of the Camp to the other.– But 'tis only supererogatory to condemn anything in particular when the whole system bore the unmistakeable stamp of supineness and pusillanimity. so I will e'en confine myself to facts: they will. with suitable eloquence, tell their own tale. ——————

The men whose turn of duty it was to carry biscuit to Sebastopol. were "told off" as in the case of "Forage drawing" the night before, and on such occasions we fervently prayed that the weather on the ensuing morning might be propitious.– It was very rarely. however, that it was so, for when at sound of Trumpets we reopened our eyes on our scene of misery. we either found that a steady fall of rain or snow had been. and was adding to our discomforts, or that a severe frost had fastened the saddles so firmly to the soil,114p. 114 as to render their application to the purpose for which they were intended a matter of no inconsiderable difficulty.– In this latter emergency, after cutting them out of their beds. we have had to hold them on the horses backs to thaw the leather into some--thing like pliability: but if it had been snowing, our sole means of discovering their whereabouts was by a recollection of their geographical bearings on the night before.–

The period of our departure was generally fixed for about 1/2 past 7 a.m.– If the weather permitted the cooks to have the water boiled for the Coffee – we breakfasted before we set out, – but if not we consoled ourselves with a prospective repast on our return.– The order of our march was each Trooper, riding one horse and leading another, for the conveyance of the biscuit – and having proceeded to the Wharf at Balaclava – and loaded – we started afresh from thence for "the Front"; the total number of miles to be accomplished, including the trip to Balaclava, being about Thirteen by the time we reached the Camp again over ground – the nature of which rendered it a toil to the horses of treble that distance.

Of course the casualties amongst the poor quadrupeds were numberless – Many of them dropping down, and being left on the ground dying or dead, whilst the men who115p. 115 did succeed in delivering their load. underwent the most harassing labour in their endeavours to keep the biscuit on the saddles. for when the sacks fell off in the mud, irrespective of the injury to the soldiers bread – the task of dismounting to fasten them on again was necessarily a painful one. ——————

We usually contrived to return to Camp a little before dark, exhausted and famished, and having tied our horses to the lines – rid them of the saddles – and fed them – we sought repose beneath the shelter of our tents. and "dined" off the stimulating viands the Commissariat afforded.– I have run over the "Bill of fare" before. ——————

Possibly the next morning another Journey to Sebastopol with led horses awaited us to bring down sick to Balaclava.– I shall never forget one days work of this description.– The morning was intensely cold – the wind blowing keen from the N. E. – and as we emerged from the shelter of the valley upon the bleak Heights. the snow drifting towards us was enough to deprive us of sight.– Icicles hung from our eyes. our ears. our noses and beards – not a beaten track of any kind was to be seen – nothing but the glaring. glittering. silent snow, whirled about us in dense, blinding clouds.– It was with difficulty we could get the horses to face it; they sometimes went sideways, sometimes turned their backs116p. 116 upon it altogether, sometimes stood stock-still shivering and quivering as if with an ague, whilst the sharpness of the atmosphere almost deprived us of breath. ——————

As we neared the Camps of the Infantry Divisions – not a living thing was visible. and the tents appeared like little, dark specks. dotting the plains and hills – from some of which a long thin line of dirty smoke struggled into the open air.

When we came up with these evidences of the presence of our brother soldiers – a figure started from out of one of the "specks" and approached us – and proving to be an officer, conducted us to the Hospital marquees.– After a good deal of talking amongst the miserable. despairing. Esquimaux looking medicos, the poor fellows we were to be placed in charge of emerged from their hiding places. ——————

Realize to yourself the appearance of Lazarus, as he "came forth" from his tomb at the command of our Saviour. wrapped in his grave-clothes, his face with the bloodless hue of Death still upon it – peering from under the linen bound round his head, and you may form a faint conception of the figures of the English Infantrymen as they issued from their tents, when their names were called by the Doctors.– They were mostly the Frost bitten victims of the Trenches.:117p. 117 Trenches – and in the absence of every vestige of the British uniform – were mere bundles of blankets and rags.– Their feet and hands blackened by frost; eaten up with scurvy; weakened by fever, [diarrhœa?] and every human frailty. and with scarcely a Spark of manhood left.– The woe begone, appealing expressions of their upturned visages as we lifted them moaning and groaning into the saddles – whilst the hoarse tones of the Dragoons voices were heard in soothing and encouraging accents, speaking to them as though they were children can never be forgotten.– As we filed slowly away with them – the poor wretches for whom we had no conveyances – would crawl on their bended knees to the Doctor – and implore him to let them go too.– And I have heard those officers with tears in their eyes promise that they should be sent by the next opportunity.– We have had to hold them in the saddles the whole of the way – and when we entered upon the slippery, frozen roads of Balaclava we had to dismount and lead [both?] their horses and our own. lest they should fall down and injure both the poor invalides and us. ——————. Where were the Ambulance Corps? The brains of the comfortable old gentlemen in England could not compass Such an idea as the necessity118p. 118 for providing some method of conveyance for sick and wounded soldiers.– As amateur legislators and not practical men – perhaps they did their best – or maybe they were trying an experiment to test the result of an army left entirely to its own resources in the depth of Winter in an enemy's Country. If so the solution of the problem may be obtained by an inspection of the Crimean grave yards – but methinks the lesson is a somewhat costly one.–

During this period from all we could learn, the operations of the siege were at a Comparative stand-still.– The occasional report of a gun would tell us that neither the Russians nor the allies were asleep – whilst the activity of the enemy in throwing up batteries and earthworks, and their otherwise extensive preparations for defence. were a sufficient guarantee, that when the season for renewing hostilities with energy arrived there would be plenty of work for both sides.– Meantime sickness and the severity of the weather were making fearful havoc amongst us.– The number of horses in the Light Brigade were reduced to something under 50, and we could barely muster men enough to attend to them.– Long processions of Infantry were daily passing and repassing the Camp carrying up shot and shell (in which they were assisted119p. 119 by the Zouaves) and planking for huts to their respective Divisions – and many a tale reached our ears of these poor fellows perishing on the way. ——————

About the 20^th December I was again compelled to give up. and enter the Hospital tent, the scurvy having broken out in my legs to such an extent that I could no longer perform my duty.– I was in this state on Christmas Day – and made my dinner off some French Chocolate – the only nourishment we could procure. and Thankful even for this. ——————

On the 30^th the French made a reconnaissance en force in the direction of Komara and the village of Tchorgoun – and the Chasseur's D'Afrique charging the Russian Light Cavalry – put them to flight and occupied their position.– It appears they made a great many prisoners and lost one or two only of their own number.– The object I believe of the affair was rather the more for ascertaining the strength of the enemy, than for any substantial advantage to be gained by it.–

A considerable reinforcement had arrived during this month and November in the shape of draughts and fresh Regiments – but no sooner landed than disease broke out amongst them – and proved even more fatal to them than to us who had become to120p. 120 a certain extent climatised and hardened.–

I was once more discharged from Hospital on New Years Day. By this time there had been issued to the Troops a number of iron stoves – and a small allowance of Charcoal to burn in them.– Considerable caution. however, had to be exercised in the use of these apparatus – in taking care that the tents were [properly?] ventilated – and the gas allowed a proper facility for escape – as many accidents of a painful nature had occurred. —————— As for our warm clothing, it was slow enough in reaching us. a great quantity for one reason having been lost at sea.– A few Turkish boots – of barbarous workmanship had indeed been served out – together with some Stockings made of a species of thick blanketing – and were found very acceptable – but the increasing severity of the weather was rapidly doing its work of devastation – and opening still further to us the blindness of our home authorities in not sooner providing us with the means of setting it at defiance. ——————

On the night of the 4^th January we had a dreadful frost – and the Heavy and Light Brigades together actually lost more than 50 horses – literally frozen to death.– Indeed we had every cause for belief that ere long we should be altogether dismounted121p. 121 as we were already in effect.– At length. however, the joyful news reached us of the arrival in the stores of Balaclava of great coats. Guernseys, flannels. &c. and "fatigue parties" were despatched thither to bring them to Camp. ——————

What a relief it was to find ourselves clad in a warm and ample Coat – a fur cap to draw down over the ears – and some Comfortable flannels next the skin! But we were in a dreadful state of filth – and no means of cleansing ourselves – whilst the food continued as poor as ever – and the scorbutic eruptions were Carrying many to Hospital.– A great boon to us at this time was a supply of pipes and tobacco sent to us by our Queen and the Prince Albert.– We could now – when night enveloped us in gloom. hie to our tents with Comparative pleasure – and whilst our [illegible] glowing pipes were glimmering like stars through the fragrant but somewhat stifling atmosphere, console ourselves in pleasant Converse upon the happy scenes of past days – that had now Gone and might never return. ——————

But I must now generalise.– The History of one day is the history of months. The same weather; the same duties; the same going into hospital and getting out of it; The same mortality amongst horses and122p. 122 men; the same journies to Sebastopol; the same expeditions to Balaclava. – Mud, rain. and snow. – Snow, rain. and mud. – every combination of misery – with only an occasional alleviation. ——————

Picquets were provided by the Cavalry during the month of February. for the ostensible purpose of watching the movements of the enemy in the rear, – towards Kamara. – We "mounted" duty at Five o'clock on the afternoon of the day before. – Slept in the Camp all night, "turning in" as a sailor would say "all standing", with the horses ready saddled, and at daylight in the morning filed on to the plain; and taking up a position in the rear of the ruins of an old house, remained there looking at the Cossack vedette on Canroberts Hill till the next picquet relieved us – and having the Rations for men and horses brought to us. – On one of these occasions I recollect that I had taken my boots off over night, and placed them under my head for a pillow:– The next morning when it was time for me to turn out – they were so frozen that I could not get one of them on – and I had to mount my horse and move on to the plain with it tucked under my arm, and my foot in the stirrup with no other protection from the frost than a Turkish stocking, and in this pleasant predicament had to123.p. 123 remain until the sun was Strong enough to thaw it. – These picquets, however, were nothing more than "dummies", or a ruse to deceive the vigilance of our Cossack friends, for had they advanced upon us, our horses being too weak to carry us, we should have had to trust to our own legs for escape. ——————

On the 20^th February the Highlanders under Sir Colin Campbell. in Cooperation with a French force under the Command of General Villenois, were to have availed themselves of a favourable change in the weather, which had suddenly become mild and Spring-like. to make a reconnaissance of the enemys position in the rear. – The different Regiments of Cavalry were to supply as many men as they Could mount: – The 11^th Hussars mustered one Serjeant, one Corporal, a Trumpeter, and a Farrier – –but no Private. – There either not being a horse fit for the work – or no man off duty to put upon one. – About the time they were to start, viz. 9 p.m. the weather as suddenly changed into intense cold – as it had into unexpected warmth, and the snow began to fall with blinding heaviness. but as we afterwards learnt, Sir Colin Campbell. unwilling to abandon the design without an effort, advanced close upon the124.p. 124 Russian lines, whilst the enemy aroused from their security receded before him across the Tchernaya ridges, exchanging a few harmless shots as they retired. –

Doubtless had the weather favoured the attempt a good account would have been rendered of them – but benumbed as the men were with cold – and baffled by the darkness, rendered doubly "thick" by the heavy-falling snow – so much so as to create dangerous confusion – Sir Colin was Compelled tho' I believe with reluctance to issue the order for returning – and the affair terminated with no better result than the having scared the Russians into redoubled vigilance – and knocked up a good many of our own men by the severity of the frost. ——————

Towards the beginning of March our stable sheds were completed, and each Troop had about Six horses to put into them. – About the same time the "materiel" for huts began to be delivered to us from the ships, and we set to work in all haste to put them up. – The transition from the tent to the wooden house was a pleasant one – and we celebrated it with as much joviality as our slender means and the occasion would allow. ——————

The French too were busily at work constructing a road from Balaclava125.p. 125 to Sebastopol, and the "navvies" having arrived from England, were occupied in the formation of a Railroad, and very soon the Cossack sentries were edified by the manœuvres of "Puffing Billy", as Jack styles a Steam Engine, under their very noses. – Verily our adversaries must have given us credit for plenty of impertinence in making ourselves so completely at home on territories we had invaded – and particularly as the trouble and expense of a chemin de fer eloquently demonstrated our implicit reliance upon our tenacity in retaining the property we had confiscated. ——————

The Cooks now and indeed all through the Winter had the most exposure to endure and the largest amount of labour. – Not being supplied with a sufficiency of fuel for the pursuit of their culinary avocations, one mans time was entirely engrossed in journeying to the hill-sides to grub for roots. a very painful, arduous, and difficult operation, whilst his comrade watched the pots in the Cook-house. [I?] said Cook-house; well you shall know what our cook-house was. – A hole about six feet in depth, with rafters of boughs, and sacks for a roof, and two or three Busby's (Hussar hats) joined together for a chimney. – a ledge being left in the excavation for a fire-place. – A strong wind would sometimes demolish th[cut off] Roof, and a snow drift occasionally fill the hole; in which contingency the Cooks' first performance in the morning would be to resto[cut off]126p. 126 the one and eject the other, with the assistance of any instrument he might have to hand. –

The Suttlers (Maltese principally. or natives of Greece and even Austria) began to establish Store-Tents in the various Camps, for the sale of luxuries in the shape of Bread, Porter – Cheese – Tobacco – Pipes – Figs – Matches – &c, &c, &c, at extra-ordinarily fabulous prices. –

But there is an uncouth Proverb to the effect that "Needs must", when a certain queer Character becomes your Coachman, so when we had the money we became^were necessarily purchasers. ——————

Balaclava too had assumed the appearance of an extensive Mart. in which the unconscionable traders of all Nations had assembled to impose upon the luckless, helpless soldiers. ——————

Nor were our own countrymen – Truth constrains me to proclaim – free from the sin of exorbitant imposition. – The Stewards of the Transports and others, availing themselves of the demand by the Troops for articles of sustenance, only procurable by them by the outlay of their hard-earned and always meagre pay, brought to the Crimea private Stores of such Provisions as Butter – Cheese – Spirits, &c – and actuated solely by the desire for sordid aggrandizement, vended them without the least manifestation of compunction, or sympathetic display of commiseration for the hardships to which the soldiers were exposed – at prices so scandalous as almost to place127p. 127 them entirely out of our reach. – An act that deprived us of the only chance for the ameliorations of our sufferings. ——————

Was it not the province of the General commanding by a strict interdict to have thrown an obstacle in the way of this nefarious, unjust trade! and was it not at the same time a stain upon the British character. that Englishmen should be found aiding and abetting the cheating, scoundrel few Foreigners who flocked to the Crimea with the same views! The reproach of Ezekiel was truly applicable to them:

"Thou hast taken usury and increase. and "thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortions". – But tho' men punish not such deeds, there is an account yet to be rendered by those who wrong the helpless, for, to again quote the words of Scripture "Verily they shall have their reward. ——————

The French as I have before stated were the most indefatigable in providing for their creature comforts, and evinced in a marked degree the characteristic good humour of their race whilst submitting to inconveniences they could not avert. – Many a Hundred daily passed through our Camp on their way to the hills to seek for wood, and they would frequently halt at our tents and enliven us by attempts to make themselves understood by dint of the most energetic and pantomimic128p. 128 gestures. – One day. one of them dropped his sack of roots close by the door of my tent to rest himself. – I entered into Conversation with him. and gave him a lift with his load when he resumed his journey. – He thanked me with the air and politeness of a gentilhomme accompli. and asking me if I lived there, promised to return in the evening and spend an hour with me. – He was as good as his word. for about Six o'clock he made his appearance, accompanied by a comrade, and begged my acceptance of a pint of Wine, très ordinaire, a loaf of his Ration bread, and a pacquet de tabac.

He appeared in high glee, and informed me that his term of service being nearly expired; he was in hopes of soon obtaining his congé, and returning to La Belle France, and the arms of his devoted fiancée Lisette, Susette, Annette, Antoinette, or whatever name his fair inamorata might rejoice in. – Also that he had once been a sous officier, but that his unfortunate penchant for le bon vin et –Cognac, had reduced him to the rank and pay of a Private soldat. ——————

I am ever, My dear Sir

Most truly, Sincerely. & Respectfully Y^rs

William Henry Cory

Letter X

The month of March dawned upon us with more than characteristic fierceness. – In the first few days we had a continuation of the most intense cold. and the severest Frosts.

But we were now; armed against the influence of the Wintry season; for that season having passed over us. sweeping Thousands from the earth's surface to premature graves, we were inundated as it were with even a superfluity of warm clothing. and every requisite of Comfortable attire. – The maxim "Tis never too late to mend" – though excellent enough as an axiom. has I think, a somewhat dangerous tendency if interpreted too literally, since it may sometimes occur that the experience which leads to amendment may be purchased at too high a price. – Its application to the Crimean Campaign is peculiarly inapt. – Before the least symptom of activity was manifest in the conduct of the British Government – nay before they had even attached a due importance to the struggle into which they had entered, the finest, best disciplined. and most effectiv[cut off] army that ever quitted the English shores to uphold our country's honour. had dwindled away to a mere skeleton and nonentity. and was reduced to the inferio[cut off] position of a subsidiary to our allies, an[cut off] converted into an object of pity to them

Would amendment then restore the li[cut off]130p. 130 and give us back the services of the gallant veterans, who though scorning to succumb to an enemy, however powerful, in the field, were nevertheless no match for the dire influences of Frost. Snow, Wet, Hunger, Nakedness. and exposure of all sorts to which they were needlessly and ruthlessly subjected!

Would it retrieve our loss of prestige as a powerful military authority in the eyes of Foreign Potentates! The victims perished with their reputation – the reputation of brave soldiers. untarnished – but the recollection of their Fate will never be effaced from the memories of the present generation, and a tale will be handed down to posterity, exhibiting the most puerile display of Statesmanship ever recorded in the pages of our country's history. ——————

But as I have said we were now hutted and clothed. – The contributions too of private individuals in England – especially of our ever kind and sympathising fair countrywomen – began to pour in upon us in profusion so far as wearing apparel went, and the interest in our welfare thus demonstrated by our country produced a proud and grateful impression. ——————

I have remarked, "so far as wearing apparel went" – for as I intend this narrative to be as nearly as possible an epitome of the various transactions which came within my own knowledge in the Crimea – and as131p. 131 I also desire to deal impartially and truthfully with all of whom I may have occasion to make mention. I cannot pass over in silence the ungenerous selfishness evinced by our officers in the eagerness with which they grabbed at and appropriated the bulk of that portion of the "luxuries" meted out to the Cavalry Division.–(for it is not my province to animadvert upon proceedings in any other branch of the service than that to which I belonged.)

The Non-Commissioned officers. and Private soldiers, being the most helpless in resources – and the most exposed to overwork and hardship, doubtless were, as they assuredly ought to have been, the more immediate objects of England's bounty; for they – the aforesaid Non-Com's – and Privates, have no pecuniary resort – no private property and income – other than their daily pittance [1/–?] [1/1½?] – and [6^d?] Field money – out of which they have to pay for kit, messing, &c –

They were not even recompensed for losses sustained on the Campaign in the unusual wear and tear of their Wardrobe – and in addition – no appeal from them for leave of absence on "urgent private affairs" – or the resignation of a Commission – would procure either their temporary or entire release from their thraldom and possible Fate. –

A plea of sickness would be equally unsuccessful – unless Death had already administered a warning blow. – They were132p. 132 embarked in an undertaking and must go through with it. – They were there in their country's behest, without even a just and reasonable prospect of promotion for services rendered – and yet that they realized every and the most sanguine expectations, England has testified and acknowledged. – It was for them then that their countrymen's sympathies were aroused – and let it be known how their generous solicitude was abused by those gentlemen who should have constituted themselves their protectors as well as their leaders. ——————

Of the immense quantities of provisions – I mean. edibles and drink-ables – rightly termed "luxuries" in the Crimea. sent by private and public contribution [for?] our benefit, we got absolutely nothing – save and except a pound or two of cheese – an equal allowance of butter – and some tobacco and pipes! – That the supplies arrived in the Camps I can testify – for I – and many others – have seen them carted to the officers tents day after day – and am equally aware of the consequent improvement in the appearance of their Mess tables. – Our greatest mortification was to peruse the Journals. containing accounts of the liberality of our friends in transmitting these "luxuries" for the benefit of the "poor soldiers" – and to see at the same time such especial good2133.p. 133 care taken that the "poor" soldiers should not be permitted to share in them. –

We hear a great deal about aristocratic prejudices – one would imagine they would at least operate to create a disinclination in those who entertained them, to be gainers by the public charity. – But War is a great leveller of everything but selfishness and all the meaner vices to which our frail nature is heir. –

It is needless for me to add that our respect for our superiors diminished in proportion with the quantities they "boned", and that our disgust was increased by the reflection that our countrymen were congratulating themselves at home upon the restoration to health and content of their "poor" soldiers by the glorious feeds they had so generously provided.

"Might gives right" is an old Proverb – but very trite – and exceedingly easy of application. ——————

As the month advanced in age, the weather gave us an occasional hint that the vernal season was approaching. and [was?] near at hand. – A few warm, sunshiny days were very effective in diminishing the mud, whilst the hills began to assume a delicate tinge of green – and here and there a crocus or a snowdrop would raise their heads with a timidity that134p. 134 seemed to express the appeal "We trust we are not intruding". – Just, however, as we had congratulated ourselves on the long--looked and long-hoped for return of Spring, by a caprice very characteristic of the Crim-Tartar climate – we were carried as far back as November at least – a dense fog. attended with a drizzly. cold. and miserable rain. again converting the treacherous soil into mud every bit as troublesome as before. and producing a sort of "dissolving view" of our sometime improving landscape. –

This state of things continued for several days – but at length, as if weary– of inflicting further torture upon us – the bad weather. and slime and uliginous matter (I am tired. and so is my pen, of the monosyllable "mud") disappeared altogether. in real earnest, and the country was speedily covered with verdure, whilst the thick bushes burst cheerfully into leaf. ——————

In taking leave of the Winter – so fatal to the British army. let me note, par parenthese, the intensity of the cold which had marked it's course. – The Thermometer had repeatedly and for lengthened periods. ranged as low as 22 and 23 Deg. [Fahrenheit?] and in the Tents, heated by the respiration of 12 or 14 men, our clothes were frozen stiff under our heads. – Imagine then"135p. 135 the sufferings of the half clad, hardly fed soldiers.. ——————

In the beginning of March intelligence reached us of the Death of the Autocrat Nicholas, and gave rise to innumerable Speculations as to the influence this event was calculated to exercise on the further prosecution of the War. – Rumours of a possible cessation of hostilities began to circulate pretty freely. Whilst some asserting that the new Emperor (who, though a mild, was nevertheless represented to be a somewhat vacillating sort of personage) would in all probability be guided by his rather pugnacious brother Constantine – looked upon an advance on the part of the Czar – or even his assent to any terms that might be proposed, as a less likely affair than ever.

Another on dit was that the allies were resolved upon the destruction of Sebastopol, and that until that fortress was demolished they would not consent to the entertainment of any conciliatory overtures whatever. – What I deemed conclusive in my poor judgment was that the object of the expedition to the Crimea was undoubtedly to deprive the Russians of their dangerous prestige in the Black Sea by the annihilation of their formidable and threatening stronghold; had the allies evacuated the Crimea before the achievement of this purpose, the whole136p. 136 affair would have borne a ludicrous similitude to the movements of a certain great man who is said to have marched a large body of Troops up a hill. for no other design than to have the pleasure of bringing them down again. – Ergo – as no other basis for treaty could have been accepted by the allies than the demolition by the Russians themselves of their own City –.. and as the Russians were not supposed to admit that our successes hitherto had been so alarming to them as to justify either our imposing or their acceding to such humiliating terms, I did not think that a proclamation of peace at that period at any rate was within the limits of possibility. – But 'twas only a Rumour at best. ——————

With the returning genial weather – and the arrival of the draughts from England, the operations at Sebastopol were prosecuted with renewed vigour. – The heavy cannonading resounding in our ears at a distance of more than Six miles from the Scene of action, was the only organ of intelligence by which we were informed of even the continuance of the siege. – The Journals from England gave us the best, indeed the only insight into the progress of our works, although the policy of the allies in permitting the Russians to throw3137p. 137 up such formidable intrenchments and batteries, ere a decisive attempt was made to bring matters to a crisis was pretty generally canvassed in our hearing. – Upon a matter involving such technical import I do not of course presume to offer an opinion. but leave it to the judgment of those who may be constituted. or constitute themselves. com==petent authorities. – Indeed I am rather disposed to condemn all such speculations as to what might. could. would. or should have been done, as unfair towards those to whom was entrusted such serious respon==sibilities. ——————

An equal activity was manifest at Balaclava in the carrying out designs for facilitating the landing of stores, &c –, the construction of wharves and warehouses. the removal of filth. the interdict against Turkish or other burials within certain limits of the Town, the establishment of a properly conducted Sanitorium. &c. &c. &c which were all much needed and effectual improvements. – While the appointment of a Provost Marshal. and his staff of assistants. vested with full magisterial power to administer justice and reform abuses, was a requisite protection for property against the inroads of the unscrupulous gentry of all nations. who had "settled" at Balaclava and Kadikoi138p. 138 for the purpose of driving any species of trade" that circumstances and the furtherance of their pecuniary views might suggest; and it was at the same time a salutary warning to the black sheep among the Military that any peculations or peccadillos into which they might allow indiscretion to lead them, would be sure to entail such a punish==ment as any departure from virtue and the nature of the offence would merit. –

The arrival of fresh meat. and such vegetables as carrots, potatoes, cabbages, &c, were a great boon, since it opened to us a prospect of diminishing the evils of scorbutic complaints, from which we had hitherto suffered so severely – and consequent upon the extreme poverty of our food. – In pro==portion with this amelioration in our condition of life. our usual flow of good spirits and animation returned – and instead of the cursing and groaning; the darkened brow. and despairing look; the cheerful laugh and boisterous song of the always careless soldier. began to be heard in the Camp once more, whilst the increasing facilities for cleansing ourselves and removing the rust from our arms and belts, and the dirt from our clothing, produced a corresponding agreeable im==provement in the appearance of the parade.139p. 139 In fact the army began to look more like an army. instead of an assemblage of miserable, half-clad aborigines – and although our uniforms were still some--what diversified and tattered. I am of opinion that could we have been exposed to the view of our countrymen in England, the tout ensemble completed by our weather-beaten faces. and long beards, we should have found greater favour in their eyes than any military exquisite of the tapis, with his delicate empressement and simpering airs. ——————

The poor "beasties" too, as many as were left of them, and the figure was fearfully low; began to exhibit the beneficial effects of warmth. – Their coats. under the influences of Curry-comb and brush, and a regular and ample supply of food. shewed encouraging signs of returning gloss and sleekness, while their manes and tails bade fair to be as handsome appendages as ever. ——————

On the 16^th April the Cavalry force was considerably augmented by the arrival from India of the 10^th Hussars – and a few days afterwards of the 12^th Lancers. – These two fine Regiments passed through our Camp. with their bands playing – "Cheer boys. cheer" – "There's a good time Coming. boys", and other tunes140p. 140 equally appopos to the occasion. – Our curiosity was considerably excited by the appearance of the little Arabians on which the 10^th were mounted, and the soldierly veteran deportment of the men. – Lord Geo. Paget who had assumed the command of the Cavalry Division in the absence of General Scarlett, who had gone home on "urgent private affairs" was now superseded by Colonel Parlby of the 10^th – this latter officer being his senior. ——————

On the 19^th a Reconnaissance in the direction of Kamara was made by the Turks and the English and French Cavalry and Artillery. – The morning was beautifully fine – and warm without being oppressive, and as the Troops moved down upon the old Redoubts, and scene of the memorable Cavalry conflict of the 25^th October. they passed many a memoranda of the en-=gagement in the shape of the skeletons of horses – with the rotting framework of the saddles still on^{clinging to} them – lying where they fell – whilst rude mounds of earth marked the last resting places of the slain. – As we subsequently ascertained from some of our men who were taken prisoners in that engagement, and were returned to us a year afterwards to a day, the dead were stripped of their clothing, and Russians and English cast indiscriminately into one4141p. 141 [or?] two large holes dug for the purpose. – As we advanced the Russians crossed the Tchernaya by the [Traktir?] Bridge, and the Fords near the village of [Tchorgoun?], whilst the French commenced a sharp Rocket practice upon the retreating Cavalry. – After halting the Troops for a short period, the Reconnoitring party returned in high spirits to their Quarters. ——————

From the 19^th to the 26^th April no event of any moment occurred, unless we except a severe skirmish between the French and Russians in the advanced works of the former on the night of the 24^th, in which our allies suffered a loss of over 200 men, but gallantly repulsed the enemy at the point of the bayonet; and a grand military spectacle on the 26^th, when General Canrobert reviewed General Bosquet's army of observation. ——————

I have taken no pains to enter into any particular account in their respective places of such occurrences as the following, viz – the commencement of the first Bombardment on the 17^th October; the sortie on the French picquets on the 22^nd. – The attack on our right flank on the 26^th, repulsed by Sir De Lacy Evans with a loss of 500 men; the inconsiderable "alert" on the 31^st. –

The opening of the French batteries on the 1^st November; the attack of the Rifles142p. 142 on Russian caves on the night of the 20^th. – The affair between the smart little Chasseurs de Vincennes and Russian Rifles at the Flagstaff Battery on the 24^th, and renewed on the 25^th, and the tacit suspension of operations during the heavy weather, commencing somewhere about the latter end of November, and continuing until the beginning of January, when on the 12^th the enemy opened a terrific fire on the French position and made a fierce sortie, but were driven back as usual with loss: – A similar severe skirmish took place between the French and Russians on the 27^th, and another in the beginning of February. – On the 24^th of this latter month a furious cannonade was opened upon our works – and in an advance made by our allies on some Russian Rifle Pits on the 14^th March the French sustained a check. – On the 17^th March our allies again attempted a capture of the Rifle Pits, but were again repulsed with considerable loss; on the 21^st, however; Fortune favoured them, and they succeeded in obtaining possession of most of them. – On the 22^nd a severe conflict took place in our advanced works, in which the French killed and wounded amounted to between 300 and 400 men – and on our own side to nearly a Hundred. By dint of overpowering numbers, the143p. 143 the enemy succeeded in carrying one of our works Known as the Mortar Battery; but their tenure was of very short duration, for they were ignominiously driven from their temporary acquisition by a gallant little band of heroes, composed partly of the 7^th Fusileers, and partly by the 90^th Regiment. ——————

On the 9^th April the Second Bombardment commenced, and our batteries opened a deadly fire upon the defences of the beleaguered City. – This cannonading continued without intermission on the 10^th 11^th 12^th and 13^th – and on the 14^th a desperate attempt to carry the left; of the French position by a sortie from the Flagstaff Battery was made, but was signally defeated, tho' with heavy loss, by the gallantry of our allies. ——————

I have said that I have taken no pains to enter into any particular account of these incidents, however [interesting?] and important, in the [rolation?] of the periods at which they occurred in my narrative. – I explain my silence on these topics by the fact that they were not Known to us till long after they had taken place, and then only in part. – To the Cavalry, as it has already been shewn, was assigned the duty of watching the enemy's movements in the rear, and beyond the influence144.p. 144 which the fate of Sebastopol exercised on the duration of the War, but very little interest was experienced amongst us as to the proceedings there. – Whenever the cannonading was unusually severe, we came to the Conclusion that something more than ordinary was going on, but we rarely took trouble enough to enquire what that something was.

I find, however, that I have omitted to mention in its proper place one important movement by the enemy on the plain, and it is necessary to allude to it now in order to explain the cause of our Reconnoitring party on the 19^th April being permitted to advance upon the Redoubts (Canroberts Hill) without resistance. – On the night of the 5^th December the Ruskis voluntarily abandoned the Redoubts and the plain altogether, retiring upon Mackenzies' Farm, and the woods over the right bank of the Tchernaya, whilst the French Cavalry moved into the plain and took possession. ——————

May-day broke in upon us in the Crimea with a brilliancy fully equal to the return of that Joyous season in old England. – But greatly though we were benefited by the beautiful5145.p. 145 weather we were now blessed with, our minds were too far moulded by the stern realities by which we were surrounded to permit of our appreciating as in times of peace we should do, the cloudless skies – the glorious sun – the cheerful aspect assumed by Nature in even our wilderness, and the soft, exhilarating breezes so peculiar to the "merrie month". – As the sun increased in power, too, it caused the earth, saturated with rain and dew, and laden with decomposed matter of all sorts, to emit the most noxious and unwholesome vapours, and thus the very atmosphere in which we breathed became the great purveyor of disease. ——————

The most deadly complaints to which the army was now subjected were fever, malaria, and Cholera. – The prevalence of the latter has often brought home to my recollection the fallacious doctrine so speciously mooted in England that Cholera was propagated by other than atmospheric agency:– in other words that in fact the atmosphere had nothing to do with it – and by some the whole guilt of "population slaughter" was thrown upon the Water, – That it sometimes occurs that the accidental or otherwise impurification[146?]p. 146 of the Water may render it highly injurious, and thus become an aider and abetter in the cause of Cholera, is very possible. – Its malignancy in the Crimea – it's fatality, and successful and deadly strokes, were the results of two Known causes, viz – the predisposition of the men's weakened frames to disease, and the impure gases with which the atmosphere was teaming for a considerable distance beyond the in==fluence of our Camp deposits; and I may mention here that the first to fall victims to this unseen and terrible foe were those, who when they had had the opportunity in England had been addicted to the continual use – or I should rather say abuse of alcoholic drinks. – The well-Known effects of spirits to extinguish the ^natural heat of the stomach will account for this, and those who are still having recourse to such a stimulus will do well to bear in mind that they are throwing down the only impassable barrier against the onslaught of an enemy that may appear at any time and anywhere – viz – a healthy, well – – toned stomach – ——————147p. 147

Here I pause for the present, to resume as soon as is practicable.

I am, My dear Sir,

Ever most sincerely and respectfully

William H. Cory.

The Rev: Evan E. Rowsell M.A.

——————

Letter XI

The weather during the first Two or Three weeks of our stay at Baidar was excessively hot; so much so as to render the atmosphere of the tents unbearable. – To obviate this inconvenience our chaps set themselves to work to construct bowers of the leafy branches of trees, of which the adjacent neighbourhood yielded an abundant supply. – I had a nice little arbour of my own, so situated as that the front of it should command a view of the valley beneath, and of the hills on the opposite side. – At the close of the sultry days, when the sun was gradually sinking in golden Majesty behind the towering summits of these hills, and the advancing shades of evening. were creeping over the forest; when the gnats were sporting around my door, the birds warbling in the woods, and the indolent soldiers reposing in various anti-picturesque attitudes on the grass, I have lit my pipe, manufactured a jug of strong, hot tea, (always a favourite beverage with me) and stretching myself on the ground, have taken up some one or other of my French books (Rousseau's "Julie" Jouy's "Hermite de la Chaussée d'Antin – or perchance a production of Rochefoucault or La Bruyère) and wiled away many an hour in a moodp. 149

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more thoughtful than studious. – The morbid sentimentality pervading almost every page of the most eminent French authors, however, and which serves too frequently to tarnish the lustre of the more sterling metal. was but little calculated to produce a lasting feeling of sympathy in the mind of one surrounded by such stern and startling realities. – But the possession of these odd volumes were useful in enabling me [pour?]^à passer le temps. –

Towards the latter part of the time. the weather underwent a change: – Violent thunder storms, accompanied by heavy rains. became of frequent occurrence. and the soil being of a soft, clammy nature rendered necessary an incessant alteration in the position of the horses. and canvas habitations as eligible residences in rainy seasons. fell very low in our estimation.

When a sudden order was issued for our return to Head Quarters at Kadikoi, however, on the 12^th August, our regret at quitting such a position was great. – But we were already aware that danger threatened us – for information had been procured of the concentration of Russian forces on the151p. 151 Heights overlooking the valley on our left, and had the enemy advanced upon us in superior numbers there would have been a great possibility of our being cut off, the nature of the country between us and Balaclava rendering a retreat far from easy of accomplishment. ——————

On the 3^rd day after our recall, the Cavalry being drawn up on the plain as usual at daylight in rear of the Redoubts, a sharp, irregular fire of musketry, and the booming of a gun in the direction of the Sardinian position. warned us that the Russians were in the act of commencing the long anticipated attack on the line of the Tchernaya

The English Cavalry took up their old ground of the 25^th Oct. in rear of the Fedukhine Hills, commanding a view of the French and Sardinian positions in front of the Blackwater River. and ready to defend the plain and Town of Balaclava in the event of the Russians succeeding in making good their advance. – The splendid front, and fresh and hearty appearance of the Cavalry, 6000 strong, and in spirit prepared for any emergency, made it almost a matter152p. 152 of regret that the Moscows by moving on to the level plain did not give us a chance of punishing them for the warm reception we met with last year. – Their first assault on the Traktir Bridge, and the fords to the right and left of it, from the multitude of their numbers, and the dense, compact order of their advance seemed at first to prove successful, the Zouaves, though gallantly and desperately resisting, being compelled to fall back upon their main body. –

The Russians followed them up as they retired, but were themselves, in their turn. forced to retreat across the River. – A second time they rushed upon the Bridge, but. the Sardinians and French uniting. in a determined and chivalrous resistance they were compelled to yield the supremacy to them and finally retreated under cover of their Cavalry and Artillery. ——————

The loss of the Russians in this engagement was tremendous and variously computed at from 12,000 to 15.000 men. Their officers bodies were found scattered about the scene of action in all directions – the most noted of whom was General Reid.2153p. 153 Reid who had the conduct of the attack.

For several days afterwards we were in constant expectation of a renewal of the attempt to force the rear of our position. – The desperate straits to which the enemy were reduced; the very critical aspect of their affairs at Sebastopol; and the approach of the season when stress of weather must necessitate a suspension of active operations, all tended to warrant a belief that some desperate effort would be made on the part of the Russian Commander. – Matters continued thus in statu quo till the first week in September when. after a succession of Sorties and skirmishes which invariably terminated in the discomfiture of the luckless Muscovites, the allies on the 5^th opened the final bombardment of the fortress of Sebastopol. – The burning of one of the enemy's Frigates in the Harbour; the flames which were observed to break out in various parts of the suburbs; the shattered and ruinous appearance of the buildings; and the reports which were constantly made by deserters and others of the miserable state of the besieged from the effects of disease and hunger, seemed to silently impress154p. 154 upon our understandings that the crisis was at hand. –

On the 7^th September, as on the 18^th June, a cordon of Cavalry was drawn around the front to prevent any communication with Cathcarts Hill and the Picquet Houses except by such as were supplied with passes. –

Of the minute details of the two attacks on the Malakoff and the Redan I can give no account. – The French advance upon the former under a terrific and deadly fire was gallantly executed and terminated in their entire success, but the English continued to hammer away at the Redan until dark put a stop to the conflict. –

The whole of this night was occupied by the Russians in the evacuation of the South side of Sebastopol by means of a pontoon bridge thrown across the Harbour to the North. – On the following day at 11 a.m. a succession of heavy explosions directed attention to the fact that the enemy were destroying as much as they could of the Town prior to finally abandoning it to the allies, and at nightfall the English and French Troops moved into the place and took possession.

The sight which the interior of Sebastopol presented to the conquerors was such an one as I trust I may never[155?]p. 155 again witness. – The Cavalry were employed in the prevention of plunder and other excesses to which in the first flush of victory a heated and excited soldiery is but too prone. The streets were rendered almost impassable, by heaps of shot, fragments of shells. gun carriages, guns, arms of all descriptions, dead bodies, and the debris of falling houses, whilst the effluvia was most fearful. – The buildings which the Russians had converted into Hospitals were crammed with the mortifying, loathsome figures of the shrieking, groaning, dying wounded, and completed the general spectacle of ruin, desolation, and agony. – The explosion of magazines; the bursting of shells; the lurid glare cast over the place by the [cut off]ames arising from the burning houses; the forms. of soldiers and sailors staggering under the weight of chairs, tables, and all the contents of an upholsterers list; the shouting and cursing; the business--like air with which the burial fatigue parties set about the process of committing all that remained of their fellow creatures to the pits they had dug for their reception, all combined to convey an idea that Hell itself had broken loose.. –

I feel myself so completely156p. 156 unequal to the task of doing justice to the scene that the foregoing few remarks must serve: – Suffice it to say, the South side of Sebastopol was ours, and the Russians now concentrated on the Heights over the North of the Harbour, vigorously set themselves to work to throw up intrenchments and construct batteries there, and were speedily engaged in completing the work of devastation commenced by the allies, by throwing shot and shell into their own City. –

On the anniversary of the Battle of the Alma the Crimean medals were issued to the British soldiers, and in the manner of their distribution gave but little satisfaction: – The award of the Balaclava clasp to several Regiments [of?] Infantry, whose share in the charge, in commemoration of which it was intended (I suppose) was simply that of spectators, created an universal discontent. – I do not wish to disparage the Infantry – God forbid that I should do so even in thought. – Their fame cannot be heightened by praise – nor blotted by misrepresentation. – But in the bestowing Honours I am of opinion, that there should be a thoughtful care not to arouse the natural jealousy of those who3157p. 157 [have?] clearly established their title to them by profusely and indiscriminately scattering them about at random. –

Towards the latter end of this month extensive preparations commenced to be made by the army generally for the Winter Rumours of peace began indeed to be whispered, but the general impression [was?] decidedly adverse to so pleasing an [illegible] nor did they indeed tend to put a [illegible] to the erection of huts. stabling, [&c.?] Those who had shared in the [terrible?] experiences of the Winter of last [year?] [looked?] forward to the approach of [this?] [illegible] [illegible] little or no concern. – Plenty [of?] [food?] [cut off]ring, clothing. and shelter were [secured?] [cut off]us, and the Wooden Towns of [Balaclava?] and Kadikoi now sprung into importance as the result of the flourishing trade carried on in them. guaranteed a satisfaction of all demands by such as [illegible] fortunate enough to be supplied [illegible] the means of purchasing luxuries. [illegible]-making. building, drilling. and [illegible] [cut off]ties were now the order of the [illegible] [cut off]d were performed with zest and [cut off]tness. –

Up to the 6^th October nothing occu[cut off]ed to break in upon the ordinary routine of our Camp life. – The Russians kept up a constant "popping" – at Sebastopol from their batteries on[158?]p. 158 Fort Michael, the little Severnaya, and the Harbour Spur Battery, but beyond knocking a few more stones out of their own houses did little or no damage. – At the above date, however, an extensive fleet sailed from Kamiesch for the Dnieper, and on the 17^th the announcement was made that Kinburn had fallen into possession of the allies. –

On the 9^th November Sir Will[cut off] J. Codrington assumed the comma[cut off] the forces in succession to General [cut off] who "Knocked up" and went home. –

Beyond the ordinary dutie[cut off] soldier nothing transpired durin[cut off] [whole?] of the Winter, the narration of [cut off] would excite interest, that is t[cut off] if we except the intelligence of [cut off] [of?] Kars in December. – The C[cut off] season came and went amidst [cut off] [round?] of festivities and enjoyments cha[cut off]istic of the occasion, – and hopes and f[cut off] [all?] engrossed with the two possibilities that the next year would either [cut off] our return to England, or see [cut off] landed on the shores of Asia. –

Towards the latter end of February an armistice was [illegible] ^{decl[cut off]} [cut off]; at its expiration it was renewed, a[cut off] on the 3^rd April we were thrown into a delirium of joy by the announcement that Peace was proclaimed, and that the War159p. 159 was at an end. – A general salute of 101 guns was fired, and all the means and appliances at our command brought into play to do justice to the happy intelligence. –

The 11^th Hussars were now the only Cavalry Regiment in the Crimea, the whole of the Division with their sole exception having gone into Winter quarters [at?] [illegible] and Scutari. – We were Co[cut off]tly in constant demand for escort [illegible] [cut off]tter carrying, Reviews, &c. now re[cut off] doubly interesting by the frequent [cut off] the Russian Commander, and [cut off] splendid and numerous Staff [cut off]hese Military spectacles were indeed [cut off]essive and beautiful sights, [but?] [cut off]inds were now all bent upon [the?] [cut off]pic – our Return to old England [cut off] – This desire to bid adieu [cut off] the Crimean soil was heightened by [the?] harassing drills to which we were sub[cut off]ted, and were only rendered bearable [cut off] the circumstances by the assurance [cut off]hey were necessary to bring us [cut off] fitting state of discipline to [cut off] us to appear to advantage when [cut off]re reviewed – (rather say welcomed[cut off] hom[cut off] by our Sovereign. –

The Troop to which I was attacked embarked in the Steamship "Tonning" in June, and after a prosperous passage[160?]p. 160 of six weeks we arrived at [Portsm[cut off]?] from thence we proceeded to Aldershott Camp, where, having been inspected by Her Majesty, we received orders to march into Canterbury. – On the 7^th November 1856 I took my [leave?] of the Army. –

The gallant deeds and misdeeds alike, of the Crimean Campaign have becom[cut off] matters of his[cut off] – All that o[cut off] engrossed the [cut off] interest, pu[cut off] anxiety, public grief, or public jo[cut off] now passed as a tale that is t[cut off]

But to one who has acted a p[cut off] drama – whenever his past ad[cut off] recur to him – he will be u[cut off] influence of two emotions – a[cut off] sorrow; – exultation will not [cut off] place: –

William Henry [Cory?]

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