Now that the plan of direct attack on Sebastopol has been persisted in, the Turkish hero finds that his occupation is gone, and, although a transfer to Asia would leave the more honourable command on the Danube in the hands of his rival, Ismail Pasha, he is nevertheless said to be desirous of making an attempt to relievo Kara. CHAPTER IV. Sanitary condition of the troops — Crimean mud — Arrival of the Duke of Newcastle at Balaklava — Another storm and its consequences — Lake in front of tlie writer's hut — Poultry under difficulties — Sharp practice — Progress of tlie siege — Anecdote of General Pelissier — Rumours of another Russian attack upon the line of the Tchernaya — Efi'ect of these rumours upon tlie health of the troops — The Sardinian contingent at church parade — Splendid appearance of the men — Tlie Sardinian military system — In what particulars it resembles the different military systems of France, Austria, and England — The Turks in the valley of Baidar.
Before Sebastopol, Jahj 30. Since the sortie of the 23rcl inst. nothing of importance, or even of interest, has occurred here. The desultory fire, to which we are accustomed, continues by day, usually swelling into a roar of artillery for a portion of every night. Last evening, for instance, the din began at half-past ten, and lasted, with intervals, for about three hours. The casualties continue much as before, not very heavy, although some days are unlucky, and on the night of the 28tli the Guards had twenty-five or thirty men killed and wounded. However unimportant, in a siege of ordinary duration, would be the usual daily casualties experienced, in one so prolonged as that of Sebastopol it becomes a serious consideration, especially when taken in conjunction with the loss from disease.
This, I am glad to say, diminishes. Cholera cases have become very rare. Fever and diarrhoea prevail, but not by any means to an alarming extent. Upon the whole, the sanitary condition of our army must be deemed satisfactory — far more so than many predicted that it would be at this season. It appears to me that more might perhaps be done by other departments to aid the medical to sustain the health of the men. I have been told of instances in which sufficient care is not taken to save them from exposure to the burning sun and chilling dews, which in this climate produce such pernicious effects. Thus the difference in the sick returns of vai'ious regiments or batteries may be partly accounted for.
One hears of men being compelled to parade on Sunday, in full dress, on which occasions some fall in the ranks from heat and fatigue. This is obviously not a season or a spot for the rigid enforcement of certain military practices which, in other climates, may be proper and desirable. I do not dwell upon tliis point, because I have reason to believe that the gi-eat majority of commanding officers are careful and considerate of their men, and if some still adhei-e, rather tenaciously, to the routine of homo service, or do not sufficiently study the time and manner in which the soldiers may perform their duty with the least prejudice or risk to their health, I am persuaded thoy only require to have their attention called to the subject in ci'der to make a change.
As regards rations, these continue to be abundant, and of excellent quality. The cleanliness of the camp is well attended to; oflal is nov/here allowed to lie about, and delaulters in this respect are sure of punishment. The generally healthy condition of the troops has doubtless been favoured by the weather, which lately has been wholesome, if not altogether pleasant. The tempcratm-e is moderate, and rain not unfrequcnt. As I write, a fine fresh wind is blowing over the heights, sweeping away many impurities in its course. I rode this morning through a part of the French camp, reputed to be usually not very fragrant in its exhalations, and I was agreeably surprised at finding it free from evil odours. We had a heavy rain in the night, and this morning it descended in torrents for a short time.