We hold our own, but we do not progress. Let us hope, however, that when the new French batteries are completed, we shall witness a marked change in this state of things. It was between ten and eleven o'clock, p.m. when the Russians sallied out of the town by the Woronzoff road, and advanced to the heavy iron frieze placed across the Woronzotf road, between the left and right attacks. The advanced picket at the cltevaux de frise was commanded by Lieutenant R. E. Carr, of the 39th Regiment, who behaved with coolness and gallantry. He fell back slowly, keeping up a fire on the Russians, to the advanced trench guard, under Captain Lackie, 39th Regiment. The trench guard on the right of the fourth parallel, under Captain Boyle, 89th, and Captain Turner, 1st Royals, checked the enemy, and they retired after ten minutes' firing, leaving a few men killed behind them, and carrying off a part of the barrier.
They had advanced with great cheering and bugling, and were estimated at 2000 strong, with heavy columns iu support. On the 30th of July a medical board was ordered on Lieutenant-General Sir R. England, G.C.B., commanding Third Division, and he was recommended to return to England. He was the last of the generals who left England in command of a division. Major-General Eyre succeeds him in the Third Division. Captain Montague, R.E., returned from Simphei'opol, where he was detained for some time as prisoner of war, and was very kindly treated. E. H. CHAPTER VI. Loss in the trenches — A mysterious conflagration — Funeral solemnities in Sebastopol — Review of the Light Division by General Codrington — Review of the Chasseurs d'Afrique on tlie spot at wliich tlie celebrated Balalvlava cavalry cliarge toolc place — Deatlis of Colonel Cobbe, Lieutenant Evans, and Captain Layard — A new road from Balaklava to the camp in contemplation.
Camp before Sebastopol, August 6. Little has occurred here since my last letter to vary the oftendescribed routine. A great deal of ammunition continues to go up to the front, and there are many speculations as to the probability of an early attack. The French are working away on the right, with the view of getting at the Eussian ships, and the usual nightly cannonade continues with more or less vigour. Last night there was a good deal of firing, more than has been heard for some time. The Russian Minies were at work, popping at sentries and everything that showed itself. I am informed this morning, that the Light Division, which was on duty, had iift^' men hors de comhat, nearly double the usual number.
Statements of this kind, however, are so apt to be exaggerated, that one can scarcely credit anything but the returns. One thing is certain, that the English loss in the trenches, at the ])resent rate, may be estimated at about 1000 men a month. This includes every man hors de comhat, for however short a time. As regards disease, I do not learn that there has been any particular variation since I last wrote. The weather has been fine and bright, usually very warm of a morning, cooler of an afternoon, with pleasant breezes sweeping over the heights. The heat here does not, to me, feel so relaxing as on the shores of the Bosphovus — infinitely less so than in that steam bath, Constantinople.
There is much conjecture to-day as to the meaning of a fire which commenced yesterday evening in rear of the Redan, and burned all night, sinking and dj'ing away towards morning. As yet nobody has suggested a plausible explanation. Yesterday afternoon there was a funeral in Sebastopol, evidently of some personage of importance. The procession was numerous, and there was a firing party, which is unusual. We continue to hear tales, probably exaggerated, of the great moi'tality prevailing in the Ibrtress. The heat of the weather and the number of dead bodies would account, however, for a good deal of disease. On Saturday afternoon. General Codrington reviewed the Light Division, which went through some manoeuvres in its ■usual steady and satisfactory style. The appearance of the troops was excellent.
Yesterday about 2000 or 2500 Chasseurs d'Afrique were reviewed. The place selected was the ground over which our Light Dragoons executed the memorable but fatal charge of Calaklava, and mournful was the contrast which suggested itself to the minds of those who in October last beheld the I'eturn of the handful of heroic but battered warriors, and who yesterday saw the fresh and well-equipped squadrons of France prancing over the plain. Dearly indeed, by the loss of so many gallant fellows, was purchased that " one A KEW ROAD TO BALAKLAVA. 4S laurel more," now added to the numerous wreaths that twine round the standards of Britain's brave horsemen. The African Chasseurs looked gay and smart yesterday in their neat light blue vests and the inevitable red trousers.