The march of the French cavalry and infantry from Baidar to Kamiesch, where they will embark for Eupatoria, has been retarded by the rain. It is reported that in their recent reconTiaissance, our allies ascertained that the positions of the Russians at JVIangovip, Kaleh, and Aitodor were too strong to be forced. THE FIRST ANNIVEKSAEY OF THE BATTLE OF THE ALMA. September 20. As many of the medals, clasps, and ribands as have been issued to commanding officers were distributed to-day to the various regiments, and on an average there were about ten medals for each company: that, of course, excited dissatisfaction. As to the riband, there is but one opinion, — that it is unbecoming and mesquin to a degree. Men differ as to the merits of the medal, but a large majority abuse it, and the clasps are likened generally to the labels on publichouse wine bottles.
The proceedings at the distribution were tame and spiritless. A regiment was drawn up, with the commanding officer in front; beside him stood a sergeant with a big bag. " John Smith" was called. " Here;" " Step forward," and up came John Smith to the Colonel, who dipped his hand into the bag, took out a small parcel, and said, " John Smith, you were at Alma, Balaklava, and Inkermann?" " Yes." Tlie Colonel handed liim the parcel, and John Smitli retired to his place in the ranks, carrying the said packet in his hand, which he opened at the " dismiss;" and this was all, so far as I could see, that was made out of a proceeding which could have been rendered in the highest degree interesting and exciting to the soldier.
The Light Division, I believe, paraded and received their medals and clasps from Lord W. Paulet en masse, with some show of ceremony. Perhaps the John Smith alluded to never saw a shot tired except at the distance of several miles. He might have been on peaceful guard at Lord Eaglan's headquarters on the 5th of November; yet he wears the clasp for Inkermann. He might have been engaged in no more sanguinary work than that of killing oxen and sheep for the division in the commissariat slaughter-house, and yet he will show oa his breast " Crimea" (of course), " Alma," " Balaklava," " Inkermann." Our Avretched system of bestowing decorations on classes, and sowing them broadcast over a whole army, deprives them of much of their real value.
What can a survivor of the Light Cavalry charge think of the clasp ■" Balaklava" when he sees whole divisions of infantry soldiers o2 19G FIRST FRUITS OF VICTORY. rearing the same on their breasts? The subject is too larsjje to enter upon at present, but it is much discussed and canvassed, not bj"- those who receive tlieir decorations without deserving them, but by the men who really were engaged in great battles from which the chances of war kept others away. This great anniversary was celebrated enthusiasticallythroughout the army. There were many "Alma dinners" in the regiments, among both officers and men, and music and song kept the camp awake till long after midnight. Many a memory of the dead was revived, many an old wound re-opened, at these festive meetings.
The French also had their banquets and festivities. They had a grand ceremony early in the morning — a Missa Sole)inis for the repose of the dead. Indeed, they have had some splendid military spectacles lately, but one never hears of them in this vast camp till his attention is aroused by the echoes of the 101 guns with which they are brought to a close. General Pelissier has been made a IMarshal of France, and has received from Her Majesty the Grand Cross of the Bath. Of the latter order he seems exceedingly proud, and he has on several occasions signed his name " Pelissier, G.C.B." General Simpson has not as yet received any decoration or honour from home, but the Emperor of the French has conferred on him the rare distinction of the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honom*.
The proceedings of the Eussians during the day were inscrutable. They were assuredly verj'' busy in removing, by means of military waggons and store carts, quantities of provisions and stores from the large magazine by the water's edge, which is nearly opposite to Fort Nicliolas, and conveying them over the ridge towards the Belbek. Yet, as if to demonstrate that these movements arc by no means indicative of an intention to leave, they are forming a prodigious depot to the north-east of Scbastopol, in the direction of the Belbek, and not far from a strong earthwork deserving the name of a redoubt or fort. The piles of sacks and bags, stacked up in a j)yramidal form, are plainly discernible with the naked eye, bat it has not j'et been ascertained that the (;arts which are employed in removing the stores from the north side unload at this new c?e/5w/.