Officers and men are busy with domestic arrangements. Hutting and road-making are the occupations of the hour, and rapid is the progress made in both. Whenever we abandon this encampment we shall leave almost a town behind us. Strong wooden huts are springing up on every side, and here and there a solid stone dwelling is in course of construction. Lots of chimneys will smoke this Christmas on the heights before Sebastopol, and, doubtless, many a good dinner will be eaten on that day, and many a glass emptied to those memories and hopes of home which are the sole consolation for the many privations that must be endured, even under the most favourable circumstances, by the dwellers in a camp. It is now pleasant to contrast the sufferings of last winter — the cold, exposure, famine, and want of clothing then endured — with the prospect of plenty and almost of comfort during that which approaches, and to observe the activity that prevails in endeavours to make the most of the ample means supplied.
The necessary roads progress rapidly towards completion. Drainage is not neglected, and, indeed, it is a question whether it be not almost overdone. Some of the ditches, dug along each side of roads, and around stores, hospital huts, and other establishments, are of formidable width and depth, and of a dark night are likely to prove dangerous pitfalls to wanderers through the camp, especially if they have been taking "just one more tumbler" in the quarters of some hospitable friend. On the other hand, where the rains in this place frequently descend in torrents, and while the water sweeps down the slopes in sheets and Hoods, deep drainage is essential if we are not to live in a quagmii'e, as we hitherto have done as often as the weather has been wet.
To the wholesome labour and activity that now prevail, as well as to tlie fineness of the weather, the healthy condition of the army is doubtless due. Last night's General Orders contained full confirmation of news that had reached us a few days previously — namely, the promotion of Colonel Windham to the rank of Major-General " for distinguished services in the field," and his appointment to the command of the Fourth Division, with which he served as Assistant-Quartermaster-General until he was named (less than two months ago) to the command of that brigade of the Second Division, at the head of which he fought so gallantly on the 8th of September. The fiat of the Horse Guards is in this instance stamped and confirmed by the approbation and applause of the army.
Envy alone could grudge to General Windham the rank to which his judgment, coolness, and intrepidity, so fully entitle him. Lord William Paulet has assumed the command of the 2nd brigade of the Fourth Division, and occupies General Bentinck's old quarters on Cathcart's-hill, where, unlike the previous tenant, he may dwell quietly without risk of a cannon-ball plumping into his soup-tureen or tumbling into his bed. Miss Nightingale is at the Castle HospitaL Tuesday Morning. Late last ni;^]it a memorandum was issued, to the effect, that from to-day (the 16th) until further orders, the whole of the ai'my should be under arms at half-past 5 a.m., and remain until dismissed by generals commanding divisions. Working parties, for railways, roads, &c., will come on duty at 9 instead of 8 A.M., this delay is granted in order to give the men time to breakfast and refresh themselves after the turn-out.
There seems to be some expectation that the Eussians intend evacuating the north side. They yesterday made a great fire on their left of Fort Catherine. It is supposed they were burning stores. They had a large depot of coal just about the place where the fire was. On Saturday night the reflection of an extensive conflagration was visible fi-om the camp, and might be still more plainly seen from higher points in this neighbourhood. It was in the direction of Bakshiserai. We are still in ignorance of the cause. The Highlanders have received counter orders. Some say that the 2nd and 3rd Divisions will go in their stead; others that the expedition is entirely abandoned, except as regards the cavalry, which have actually gone, that is to say — all, or the greater part.