These were evidently intended to act as a flying column of observation, and to march on any part of the coast which might be threatened by our troops. It consisted of four troops of the Lancer regiment, and, from the time I first saw it, at nine in the morning, till it was lost in the fog, it only moved once, and then it was merely to form in squadrons and trot, wheel round, and draw up in double line again. Now a few rockets would have put these gentry to flight at any time, but we did not seek to inflict useless loss or annoyance upon the enemy. A gun-boat might have run in within easy range and shelled them at her leisure with the most complete impunity; nay, more — had the Admirals desired to inflict such a great blow on Russia, who vaunts herself to be invulnerable, and who boasts that, Antatus-like, she acquires fresh strength from every overthrow — they could have burnt and destroyed the whole of the beautiful city which has been created by the expenditm-e of so much labour, time, and money, without incurring the risk of losing a ship or of causing the loss of any life, except among the hapless inhabitants.
The mortar-vessels, gun-boats, and floating batteries might have easily gone close enough to pour long range shot, rockets, and bombs, into the town, without the chance of being hit by the enemy, save by great luck. The city could not be missed, but it is very nice practice to hit a long low black line — a snake in the grass, wheeling and twisting about — at a distance of 2500 yards. Such, however, was not the policy or the feeling of the Admirals, but the world will probably be told by the Russian organs that the attitude of their troops and the appearance of the batteries frightened the French and English fleets, and that they abandoned their intention of attacking Odessa, awed by the courage and devotion of the " holy Russians." Let the world, however, know that Odessa was " spared" once more, and, indeed, no one who looked at the city, which blends the magnificence of the East with the solid and massive grandeur of the West, could feel any desire for its destruction, unless it were absolutely necessary for the success of the war and for the attainment of peace.
The horrors of a night bombardment of a rich and populous city, full of women and children, would be too dreadful; but this expedition, meant for a very difierent object, could, withoiit weakening its efficiency or force for the accomplishment of the end on which it was sent, have beguiled its weary hours in the fog by lajang Odessa in ruins. It was not intended to injure a house in the place, or to fire a shot against it; but the enemy were at our mercy, and, had our Admirals desired to do so, they could have knocked batteries, churches, public buUdings, and houses into atoms. The destruction of the batteries would have necessitated that of many houses, and have caused great loss of life among non-combatants.
We are not now in a position to ascertain the success of our ruse in anchoring ofl" the town, but there is reason to believe that the Russians have marched all theu* available force into the place from the neighbourhood of Nicholaiefi" and Cherson. When the fos: lifts we shall know more about our situation. CHAPTER XXX. The fog continues— Imitation of a London November fog— A signal gun — Cliurch bells of Odessa — All conimiuiication between different vessels in the fleet conses— Ennui — Opinions of old tars upon a Black Sea fog — Anxiety of the ofticers— Tlie veil withdrawn — Odessa once more visible — Activity in the fleets— Sir Edmund Lyons ably supported by Sir Houston Stewart and Captain Jlends — Arrangements— Order of formation on shore — An artful dodge — Fine weather — Movement of troops in Odessa — Numerous spectators of the fleets — llussian cavalry — Preparations for a start — Officers receive final instructions— A consultation between the admirals — Plan of attack on Kinburn — Strength of the place — The wind rises and prevents the sailing of the expedition — L»eparture again postponed — Odessa obscured by dust — Continuance of unfavourable weather — Final order for the start.