The Eussian General, in no way daunted by the failure of his two attempts, ordered a second column, of equal force to the first, to attack; they advanced with such impetuosity^ covered by the fire of their numerous artillery, that a third time the bridge was carried, and the heights above it crowned, but they were again repulsed, and retired in great confusion into the plain, followed by the bayonets of our gallant Allies. The General Officer who commanded the Eussian column, and who is supposed to be General Eead, was killed, and in his possession was found the orders for the battle, signed by Prince Gortschakoff, who commanded in person. From these it would appear that it was a most determined attempt to force us to raise the siege.
Had they succeeded, Balaklava was to have been attacked by one portion of their army, whilst the heights on which we now are, were to have "been stormed with the other; at the same time a vigorous sortie was to have been made from the town on the French worlcs on our extreme left, from the Quarantine, and another on the works on omextreme right on Momit Sapomie. The action which I have endeavoured to describe is most glorious to the arms of the French and Sardinian troops. To meet the force of the Russians, the former had but 12,000 infantry, and four batteries of artillery engaged; the latter had 10,000 men in position, 4500 actually engaged, and twenty-four pieces of cannon. The Russian force consisted of from 50,000 to 60,000 men, with 160 pieces of artillery, and cavalry to the amount of 6000.
This disparity of numbers wU readily explain to your lordship the difficulty that would have been experienced, had an attempt been made to follow up the advantage by a pm-suit. The Russian retreat, moreover, was protected by the lire fi-om the heavy guns in position on the Mackenzie heights. The loss sustained by the Russians is estimated at between 5000 and 6000 men, including 600 prisoners, whilst on the part of the Allies it does not amount to more than 1000 men. ^This brilliant affiiir has caused the greatest delight amongst the ranks of the allied army; and while it adds fresh lustre to the gallant achievements of the French arms, it is with the utmost pleasure that I have to record the intrepid conduct and gallant bearing of the Sardinian troops, nnder Geneial De la Marmora, who have for the first time met, conquered, and shed their blood against our common enemy, who is now disturbing the peace of Europe.
Captain Mowbray's battery of 32-pounder howitzers was placed in advance with the Sardinian troops, and did most excellent service in preventing the advance of the enemy's artillerj% Our cavalry, nnder Lieutenant-General Sir J. Scarlett, K.C.B,, was placed in the plain of Balaklava, prepared to take advantage of any circumstance that might present itself, but the opportunity did not arise for calling upon their services. I regret that I am unable to give a more detailed account of the part performed b}' the Sardinians, as up to this time I have not received General De la Marmora's report. I have, &c., James Simpson, General Commanding. The Lord Panmure, &c. d-c. tix. Befobe Sebastopol, August 18. ISIy Lord, — General Pelissier having announced to me, that the batteries against the Malakhoff and adjacent works were prepared to open fire, arrangements were made that a steady fire should be commenced yesterday morning against those works and the Redan.
This continued throughout the day, and the effect produced was as much as was anticipated. The Russian fire, which at first answered briskly, became by the evening ieeble. In the afternoon a shell from one of our mortar batteries ignited and caused the explosion of a great number of shells in one of the enemy's batteries, doing apparently much damage. I regi'et to have to report the deaths of Captain Oldfield, of the Roj-al Artillery, and Commander Hammet, of the Roj'al l^&vj, amongst the number of casualties caused by the fire of yesterday. Major C. S. Hemy, of the Royal Artillery, received a severe wound, and has had his right arm amputated; he is, I am rejoiced to add, doing well. I enclose the list of casualties.