This, in fact, is no siege, for we have two powerful armies, each occupying a line of extremely strong positions, not to be taken without severe loss and some risk of defeat. The disadvantage is evidently with that army which is first compelled to assume the offensive. The result of the action on the Tchernaya affords sufficient proof of this. Since it occurred, the defences of the point then assailed have been greatly strengthened by the French, who now laugh at the idea of a similar attempt being made with the slightest shadow of success. An attempt on Balaklava or a general attack on our lines would be a strong indication that the statements of the straitened condition of the Russians are well founded, and tliat they are driven to tiy the effect of a desperate effort.
Such an attack, if our generals prove as able as we know our soldiers to be brave, ought to recoil with terrible force upon the heads of the assailants, occasioning them heavy losses in men, and giving us solid proofs of succ-ess in the shape of newly-acquired positions. Besides the reports current of approaching famine and actual drought in the I'ussian camp, there are others of the plague being in Sebastopol, and of a mutiny having broken out, in consequence of which a hundred men were shot. I mention these flying rumours, which I have been unable to trace to any trustworthy source, with the belief that they are not true. Our works on the left continue to advance. Several new batteries— one of 15 mortars — have been constructed in front of what were recently our most advanced positions on that part of the line.
The Greenhill Battery, lately so prominent, now appears as if it were in the rear, and heavy batteries have been erected in the second parallel. There was a heavy fii''^ before daybreak this morning. The Eussians showed themseh.^s outside the Redan, possibly with a view of repairing damages to the parapets, but we made it too hot for them, and they promptly retired. To-day the batteries have been very quiet on both sides. Monday Night. The ceremony of the Investiture of the Order of the Bath took place to-day between one and two o'clock. Sir Harry Jones being ill and unable to attend, Lord Stratford de Eedclifle went to his quarters and invested him there. Lord Stratford arrived here two days ago, accompanied by Lord Napier, M.
Pisani, Mr. Moore, Mr. Brodie, Mr. Alison, and Dr. Tice, stafF-surgeon, as medical attendant. The place in which the ceremony came off to-day is a square court in front of General Simpson's quarters. One side of the court is formed by the long, low building occupied by the English Commander-in-Chief, two others by stables and outbuildings, while the fourth is open to the downs. This square, over which, a year ago, Crimean pigs and poultry grunted and crowed, glittered to-day with British and French uniforms, gilding, and embroidery. At the entrance to the house a sort of tent was formed of flags. Above waved the standard of England, Hanked bj'' the British ensign and French tricolor and by the Sardinian and Turkish colours. The square of buildings was lined by another of troops, consisting of detachments of the Guards, Rifles, Line, Artillery, Cavalry, and Naval Brigade.
From the side facing the house, along a gentle slope, adouble line of lancer sentries appeared, and at the extremity of the line guns were placed in readiness to fire the salute. Inside the square a number of officers in full dress were assembled. Outside were other officers and a few civilians, and some ladies' riding habits were observed in the crowd. General Pelissier came in his carriage, with his staff, and several other French generals were present. The French commander is as corpulent, short, and dark, as General Simpson is tall, slender, and fair. When all were assembled, the ceremony commenced. Lord Stratford made a dignified speech, which acquired additional interest from the circumstances. He remarked on the unprecedented nature of the investiture, occurring, as it did, almost on the ground where the services had been rendered and the exploits achieved for which the honour was conferred, and almost under fire of the enemy's guns.