Although it might be dangerous to communicate facts likely to be of service to the Russians, it was certainly hazardous to conceal the truth from the English people. They must have known, sooner or later, that the siege towards the end of November had been for many days practically suspended, that our batteries were used up and silent, and that our army was much exhausted by the effects of excessive labour and watching, to which they have been so incessantly exposed. The Russians knew this soon enough, for a silent battery — to hazard a bull — speaks for itself. The relaxation of our fire was self-evident, but our army, though weakened by sickness, was still equal to hold their position, and to inflict the most signal chastisement upon any assailants who might venture to attack it. In fact, I believe nothing would have so animated our men, deprived as they were of cheering words and of the presence and exhortations of their generals and destitute of all stimulating influences beyond those of their undaunted spirits and glorious courage, as the prospect of meeting the Russians outside their intrenchments. Rain kept pouring down, the wind howled over the staggering tents — the trenches were turned into dikes — in the tents the water was sometimes a foot deep — our men had neither warm nor waterproof clothing — they were out for twelve hours at a time in the trenches — they were plunged into the inevitable miseries of a winter campaign. These were hard truths, which sooner or later must have come to the ears of the people of England. It was right they should know that the beggar who wandered the streets of London led the life of a prince compared with the British soldiers who were fighting for their country, and who, we were complacently assured by i he home authorities, were the best appointed army in Europe. They were fed, indeed, but they had no shelter. The tents, so long exposed to the blaze of a Bulgarian sun, and drenched by torrents of rain, let the wet through " like sieves."
On the night of the 20th of November, three companies of the Rifle Brigade (1st battalion), under Lieutenant Try on, displayed coolness and courage in a very smart affair. In the rocky ground in the ravine towards the left of our left attack, about 300 Russian infantry established themselves in some caverns and old stone huts used by shepherds in days gone by, and annoyed the working and covering parties of the French right attack and of our advances.
CRIMEA.
These eaves abounded in all the ravines, and were formed by the decay of the softer portions of the rock between the layers in wrhich it is stratified. It was found expedient to dislodge them, and at seven o'clock this party was sent to drive the Russians out. The Rifles soon forced the enemy to retreat on the main body, but when the Rifles had established themselves for the night in the caves, they were assailed by a strong column. The action ended in the complete repulse of the Russian columns, but we had to deplore the loss of a most promising and excellent officer, Lieutenant Tryon, who was killed by a shot in the head. Seven men killed and eighteen or nineteen wounded.
General Canrobert issued a very flattering ordre du jour, in which he especially eulogized the intrepid bravery and noble energy of the three companies of the 1st battalion of our Rifle Brigade in the action, and Lord Raglan mentioned it in very handsome terms.
Our army was in a strange condition now. The Light Division was provisionally commanded by Codrington, Sir George Brown being on board the " Agamemnon."
The Duke of Cambridge was on board the " Retribution." The Brigade of Guards appeared to be commanded by Colonel Upton.
The Brigade of Highlanders was down at Kadikoi, under the command of Sir Colin Campbell.
The Second Division was commanded by Brigadier- General Pennefather, in the room of Sir De Lacy Evans, who was on his way home unwell.
The First Brigade was under the command of a Lieutenant- Colonel.
The Second Brigade was without a brigadier, General Adams' wound v as more serious than was supposed.
The Third Division was under the command of Sir Richard England, and was fortunate in not being much engaged.
The Fourth Division, deprived of all its generals, was commanded by Sir John Campbell.
Brigadier- General Lord Cardigan was unable to leave his yacht. The Artillery was under the command of Lieutenant- Colon el Dacres during the absence of Lieutenant-Colonel Gambier, who was wounded, after having succeeded to the command left vacant by the death of Strangways.