Thursday, September 6. Last night a steady fire was kept up all along the front, with the view of preventing the Russians from repairing damages. At ten p.m., orders were sent to our batteries to open the following morning, as soon there was a good light, but they were limited to fifty rounds each gun. At 5.30 a.m. the whole of tiie batteries from Quarantine to Inkermann began their Are with a grand crash. There were three breaks or lulls in the tempest; one from half-past eight till ten; another from twelve till five; and the third from half-past six till seven — during these intervals the fire was comparatively slack. The agitation in the town was considerable throughout the day; and the enemy seemed to be greatly distressed.
They are strengthening their position on the north side — throwing up batteries, dragging guns into position, and preparing to defend themselves should they be obliged to leave the city. They evince a disposition to rely on the north side, and are removing their stores by the large bridge of* pontoons, and by the second and smaller bridge of boats to the Karabalnaia. Notwithstanding the large number of men in the town, the enemy still show inconsiderable strength from Inkermann to Mackenzie; and General Pelissier and General Simpson have received intelligence which leads them to believe that the enemy meditates another attack, as the line of the Tchernaya is the only means of averting the fall of the place. Gur losses have been heavy, and the enemy do not cease throwing up long-range shot to disturb the camp, some of which do mischief.
Gn the 3rd, Captain Pechell, 77th, and eight rank and tile were killed, Lieutenant Chatficld, 49th, and fifty-one rank and file were wounded. On the 4th, Captain Anderson, 31st Uegiment, Assistant Engineer, and six rank and file were killed, and fifty-five non-commissioned officers and rank and file wounded. Gn the 5th, Captain Verschoyle, Grenadier Guards, and Lieutenant Phillips, 56th Regiment, were slightly wounded; thirteen non-commissioned officers and rank and fide were killed; and thirty-seven non-commissioned officers and men were wounded. Gn the 6th, Captain E. G. Snow, K.A., a brave and much esteemed officer, was killed in the batteries bj' a round shot, fourteen men were killed, and fortysix were wounded. The Naval Brigade lost one man killed, and had nine men wounded. Friday, September 7.
The bombardment v/as renewed last night at sunset, and continued without intermission till an hour before daybreak, and the musketry fire was most tremendous and unremitting, for the orders to the trench guards were to keep up a perpetual fusillade on the face of the Russian works, and about 150,000 rounds have been expended each night since the opening of the bombardment. This morning at daybreak, the cannonade was reopened and continvxed as before — the Russians made no reply on the centre, but their Inkermann batteries across the harbour fired briskl)' on the French right attack, and distressed our allies considerably. A strong wind from the north blew clouds of dust from the town, and carried back the smoke of the batteries, so that it was very difficult to ascertain the effiect of the 13G THE FINAL BOMBARDMENT. foe, but now and then the veil opened, and at each interval the amount of destruction disclosed was more evident and appalling.
At midday, a council of generals was held at om* Head-Quarters, at which General Pelissier and General de la Marmora attended, and it is known that our engineers have been in consultation with the French, so that the assault is speedily expected. After the council broke up, orders were sent to the surgeons to clear out the hospitals of patients, and prepare for the reception of wounded; and it gradually oozed out that the assault will take place to-morrow. The Guards will occupy the right trenches to-night, and will be relieved by the Highlanders in the morning— the attack will be made by the Light and Second Division. At 3"30, a two-decker was set on fire, and continued to bum all night with such brightness and ardour that it is supposed she contained stores.