The rest of the Hussars cut their way through the enemy, having, it is said, left 40 of them dead on the field. Possibly, this version is as unlike the truth as can be, but I tell the tale as it was told to me. There are very few means of commrmicating with Kertch or Yenikale, and the many delays and mistakes made on board the fleet with respect to the Sea of Azoff maUbags render those means still less satisfactory. What the garrison will do in the Aviater it is only for generals and admirals to determine. In addition to this rumour from Kertch, there is a vague story going about that the French cavalry at Eupatoria, bemg out on dutj', lost their way in a fog and wandered about till they came abruptly upon the Russian troops established in their neighbourhood as a corps of observation.
The sudden appearance of the French caused such a fright among the Muscovites that they bolted off at once, leaving their stores and quantities of provisions behind, which were destroyed by the French, who thereupon returned on their way rejoicing. General Eose, our excellent Commissioner to the French army, has been out at Baidar and towards Aitodor with the French reconnaissances, and the opinion formed after a careful examination of the passes is, that it would be imprudent to attempt to force them at present. Killiecrankie is a bowling-green compared to those high bluffs and tremendous ravines. The outposts are on tolerably good terms with each other, but now and then resume offensive operations and fire at each other with acrimony. The Russians still occupy Aitodor and forbid the right of fishing in the Tchouliou, which is a most tempting little trout stream.
The Tartars, in spite of the Cossacks, occasionally manage to bring in grapes and fine fruit from the interior. Perhaps these gentry serve as spies for both parties. The villas on the seacoast below Baidar have now been tolerably well plundered and emptied of their contents. We have had a trifling share of the loot, but our Hussar outposts got some little mementos of their agreeable sojourn in those pleasant valleys, and one officer at least, who was detached for the special purpose of s\iperintending the men and of preventing plundering, has obtained possession of a very fine China set since he was seen in the direction of Baidar, which did not form part of his original marching outfit. However, our allies in this respect, as in many otliers, have the advantage of us.
They even find it worth Avhile to come over to the slaughter-grounds of our divisions in order to gather the heads, hearts, livers, lights, and tails, which our men often throw away or bury as offal; and although they will not allow the English soldiers to go into their part of the town without passes, they do not scruple to avail themselves of the free permission which is given to all to enter the English portion of the town, and they may be seen very busity engaged, ransacking the piles of old clothing, &c., in the magazines, in the hope of extracting something as a " curio" wherewith to tempt the British amateur. The other day some of our Land Transport men were sent with mules to get some wood beyond Miskomia.
Ten or twelve Greek volunteers, or militiamen, made an ambuscade in a wood close by, and fired a volley at the muleteers, which emptied two saddles and killed two mules. One of the drivers was hit on the head, but he was a native of Tippcrary, and the ball hopped off' his skull. He is now quite well. The other was only slightly wounded. The French have secured all the passes thoroughly, and Baidar Valley is as safe as Regent-street — indeed, safer to a simpleminded and unwary visitor. The position of the armies, with the exception of the movement of the troops towards Baidar, of which you will hear accounts from another hand, remains unchanged in its larger features. Even Pelissier seems inclined to rest upon his baton for the time.