Admiralty, July 27, 1854.
DESPATCHES, of which the following are copies, have been received from Vice-Admiral Dundas, C.B., Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty’s Ships and Vessels in the Mediterranean and Black Sea:
Destruction of Batteries, &c., at the Sulina. Death of Captain Hyde Parker, of the Firebrand. No. 330. Britannia, off Baljik, July 11, 1854.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to enclose for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, copies of the reports of Commander Powell and other officers, who, on the 8th instant, attacked and completely destroyed the inner batteries, stockades and buildings, at the Sulina Mouth of the Danube.
2. The satisfaction I feel at the perfect success of this gallant exploit, is much diminished by the death of Captain Hyde Parker, who fell when leading his men.
The service has lost in him a most promising young officer, who was always zealous to do his duty, and never made a difficulty.
3. Acting Lieutenant Lyons, after the fall of his gallant captain, commanded the Firebrand’s boats, and most admirably did his duty, suffering a loss in his own boat of five men wounded.
I have, &c.
J.W.D. DUNDAS, Vice-Admiral.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.
Enclosure No. 1, in Mediterranean Letter No. 333.
Her Majesty’s ship Vesuvius, off Sulina,
July 8, 1854.
SIR,
IT is with great grief that I have to report to you that Captain Hyde Parker, of Her Majesty’s steam-frigate Firebrand, has been this day killed whilst in the act of leading his men to take a stockade battery on the Danube.
The loss of this gallant Officer is but ill compensated by the complete success with which his attack was attended.
The circumstances are as follows: Captain Hyde Parke directed a strong party of boats from the Firebrand and Vesuvius to accompany him up the Danube for the purpose of destroying some works which were occupied by the Russians. At 2 P.M. the boats entered the Danube, Captain Parker’s gig in advance; at a bend of the river, opposite a number of houses on the right bank and a large stockade on the left, a sharp fire was opened upon him, and his boat was nearly riddled, some of his men were wounded.
The heavy boats were coming up and Captain Parker at once pulled back to them, hailing me to land the marines and be ready to storm. This order was executed by the marines and a detachment of seamen in the same gallant spirit with which it was given. Captain Parker then dashed on shore, in his gig, and at once advanced with a few men, he was in front and greatly exposed; a tremendous fire was soon opened by the enemy upon them, and a few minutes after landing a bullet passed through their leader’s heart, and in a moment this gallant sailor ceased to live. Thus died an officer whose merits, sir, are well known to yourself. His conduct on this occasion leaves an example of valour that never can be erased from the memory of those who were present.
The command of the force then devolved upon myself. I directed the gun-boats, and rocket-boat at once to be brought to the front; the storming party was formed by Lieutenant Jull, R.M.A., the gun-boats commenced a most effective fire upon the houses and battery, and in a short time the enemy’s fire was silenced.
I directed the storming party to advance, and the place was entered at a run by a detachment of marines and sailors, headed by Lieutenant Jull, R.M.A., and Lieutenant Hawkey, R.M.
We found that the enemy had already retreated at the rear, and so thick was the cover, that pursuit was in vain.
The work that we had taken was a gabion battery, the guns of which had been taken away and the embrasures filled up. It consisted of a front along the river raised about 15 feet high, and 400 yards in extent; in the rear was a morass, and the two flanks, which were not 30 yards in length, were defended as in front; this work enclosed about fifty Government houses, stables, store-houses, and a magazine. The works have been entirely demolished, the houses destroyed, and nothing now marks the spot but a heap of ruins. Part of the town of Sulina, from whence the enemy had opened fire, has been burnt; the principal street I have thought it proper to spare.
There was no means of computing the enemy’s loss, although they were seen to fall inside the intrenchments. I am disposed to think that they were assisted in carrying off their wounded, and even defending the place, by some Greeks, as men in the dress of that country were seen intermixed with the Russian troops.
From the heavy fire that was opened upon us, and from the number that were seen afterwards collected at a distance, the enemy must have been in great force before they retreated.
It becomes my duty to report to you the extreme good conduct of all employed on this occasion. The gun-boats were most skilfully managed under circumstances of great difficulty. They were commanded by Lieutenant Sullivan, Acting-Lieutenant Lyons, and Messrs. Goolden and Kerby, mates.
Mr. Carey, second master, has, I regret to say, been badly wounded; he behaved most creditably.
It fell to Lieutenant Jull’s lot to have an opportunity of particularly distinguishing himself by his coolness and gallantry whilst in command of the marines, and he speaks most highly of Lieutenant Hawkey, the non-commissioned officers and men that were with him.
The medical officers have merited our best thanks. Dr. O’Hagan, in the execution of his duty, was in the midst of the fire, and his clothes were pierced with bullets.
I must claim your indulgence for the hasty manner in which this Dispatch has been written, as I wish the Firebrand to join your flag immediately, with the body of the late well-loved and gallant Captain Hyde Parker.
I have. &c.
(Signed) RICHARD A. POWELL,
Commander.
Vice-Admiral J.W.D. Dundas, C.B.
Enclosure No. 2, in Mediterranean Letter No. 333.
Her Majesty’s steam-frigate Firebrand,
off Sulina, July 8, 1854.
SIR,
I BEG leave to enclose the accompanying letter from Mr. Lyons (Acting-Lieutenant), who commanded the boats of this ship in the attack and destruction of the stockaded battery at the Sulina Mouth of the Danube. He speaks highly of the conduct of the officers and men under his command, especially James Shade, able seaman; but as you were personally present, it only remains for me to state, that Mr. Lyons has displayed much courage and ability, on more than this occasion, since joining the ship.
The death, ever and deeply to be lamented, of our much loved Captain Hyde Parker, has thrown a deep gloom on all who had the fortune to serve under him; but he died leaving an example to all who survive him, of heroic gallantry and ability.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) WM. GORE JONES,
Senior Lieutenant Commanding Her
Majesty’s Ship Firebrand.
To Commander R. Powell, R.N.,
H.M.’s Steam-sloop Vesuvius.
Sub-Enclosure No. 1, in Enclosure No. 2, in the Mediterranean Letter, No. 330.
Her Majesty’s steam-frigate Firebrand,
off Sulina, July 8, 1854.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to forward the returns of the boats employed and the number of men killed and wounded at the attack and capture, this day, of a stockade on the left bank of the Danube.
The command of one division of the boats, after the lamented death of Captain Hyde Parker, devolved on me; the pinnace under my immediate command being in advance of the other boats, caused the principal part of the enemy’s fire to be directed upon her, and I regret to say that five men in that boat were wounded (three severely).
I have, sir, to speak in the highest terms of the good conduct and steadiness of the whole of the officers and men under my command under the galling fire of the enemy, and I would beg to bring them strongly before your notice. Where all behaved so well it is almost invidious to particularize, but I beg particularly to mention James Shade, able seaman, who, I regret to say, after much distinguishing himself, was severely wounded.
Lieutenant Jull, R.M.A., speaks in equally high terms of the conduct of the marines under his
command.
As you have already been made acquainted with the circumstances under which his country has to mourn the death of Captain Hyde Parker, and the total defeat of the enemy and destruction of their works, which followed, yet scarcely avenged it, it will not be necessary for me to enter into any details of the engagement.
I have, &c.
(Signed) ALGERNON LYONS,
Acting Lieutenant.
To Lieutenant W.G. Jones, R.N.
H.M.S. Firebrand.
Downing-Street, September 30, 1854.
TWO Dispatches, of which the following are an extract and a copy, have been received by the Duke of Newcastle from General Lord Raglan, G.C.B.:
Extract of a Dispatch from General Lord Raglan, G.C.B., to the Duke of
Newcastle. Varna, August 29, 1854.
SIR,
THE embarkation is proceeding rapidly and successfully, thanks to the able arrangements of Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons, and the unceasing exertions of the officers and men under his orders. It is impossible for me to express in adequate terms my sense of the value of the assistance the Army under my command derives from the Royal Navy.
The same feeling prevails from the highest to the lowest; from Vice-Admiral Dundas to the youngest sailor, an ardent desire to co-operate by every possible means is manifest throughout; and I am proud of being associated with men who are animated by such a spirit, and are so entirely devoted to the service of their country.
Camp above Old Fort Bay,
MY LORD DUKE, September 18, 1854.
SIR,
I DO myself the honour to acquaint your Grace, that the combined Fleets and their convoys appeared in the Bay of Eupatoria on the 13th instant, and in the course of the following night proceeded some miles to the southward, where the Allied Armies commenced disembarking early in the morning of the 14th, – the French in the Bay below Old Fort, the English in the next Bay nearer to Eupatoria, – and before dark the whole of the British Infantry, and some Artillery, and most of the French Troops, were on shore.
Shortly before dark, the weather unfortunately changed, and it became hazardous to attempt to continue landing either troops or guns.
The surf on the beach impeded the operation the following morning; and since, on more than one occasion; but thanks to the great exertions of the Navy, under the able and active superintendence of Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons, who was charged with the whole arrangement, every obstacle has been overcome, and I am now enabled to report to your Grace that the disembarkations have been completed.
I should not do justice to my own feelings, or to those of the troops I have the honour to command, if I did not prominently bring to the knowledge of your Grace, the deep sense entertained by all, of the invaluable services rendered by Her Majesty’s Navy.
The spirit by which both officers and men were animated, made them regardless of danger, of fatigue, and indeed of every consideration but that of performing an arduous and important duty; and that duty they discharged to the admiration of all who had the good fortune to witness their unceasing efforts to land horses and carriages, with the utmost expedition and safety, under frequently the most trying circumstances.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) RAGLAN.
His Grace the Duke of Newcastle,
&c. &c. &c.
War Department, October 1, 1854.
THE Duke of Newcastle has this day received Telegraphic Despatch from General Lord Raglan, G.C.B., of which the following is a translation:
Copy of a Telegraphic Despatch from General Lord Raglan to the Duke of Newcastle, - transmitted through Belgrade, - (not dated, but evidently written from the Crimea on 21st September.)
“THE Allied Armies yesterday attacked the position of the enemy on the heights above the Alma, and carried it after a desperate battle, about an hour and a half before sunset. Nothing could surpass the bravery and excellent conduct of the troops. The position was very formidable and defended by a numerous artillery of heavy calibre; our loss, I regret to add, is very considerable, but no General Officer has been wounded. The main body of the army of the enemy was estimated from 45,000 to 50,000 infantry. A few prisoners, amongst whom are 2 General Officers, and 2 guns, have been taken by the English Army.
(Signed) RAGLAN.”
Translation of the Exact Copy of a Telegraphic Despatch, Received October 5, 10 A.M., and transmitted by the Agent of England, in Wallachia, at Bucharest, the 30th of September,
1854, 3½ P.M.
Lord Stratford, Constantinople, to Lord Clarendon,
Minister of Foreign Affairs, London.
September 30, 1854, at 9½ p.m.
SIR,
THE Allied Armies established their basis of operations at Bala Clava on the morning of the 28th, and were preparing to march without delay upon Sevastopol. The Agamemnon and other vessels-of-war of the Allies, were in the Port of Bala Clava. There were facilities there for disembarking the battering train.
It is stated that Prince Menchikoff was in the field at the head of 20,000 men, expecting reinforcements; that the fortified place of Anapa has been burnt by the Russians; that its garrison was marching to the scene of action; and that a Convoy of Ammunition, escorted by Cossacks, had been taken and destroyed by an English detachment.
The Banshee, bearer of this news, left the Crimea on the evening of the day before yesterday.
Admiralty, October 8, 1854.
THE Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have this day received Despatches from Vice-Admiral Dundas, containing intelligence as to the proceedings of Her Majesty’s Fleet in the Black Sea, of which the following are copies:-
No. 485. Britannia, off the Alma,
September 21, 1854.
SIR,
IN my letter of the 18th instant (No. 480), I reported to you, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that the Allied Armies were ready to move, and I now beg you will acquaint their Lordships that, on the morning of the 19th, they marched to a position about two miles north of the Alma River, where they halted for the night; the French and Turks on the right, close to the sea, and the English to the left, about four miles inland.
The Russians, with some 5,000 or 6,000 cavalry and artillery, and 15,000 infantry, made a demonstration north of the river, but returned on the approach of the armies, and recrossed the river at sunset.
About noon, on the 20th, the Allies advanced in the same order to force the Russian position and entrenchments south of the Alma. This was effected by 4 o’clock, the Russians retreating apparently to the eastward of the main road to Sevastopol.
The Russian left fell back before the French very rapidly, and their batteries on the right were carried by the bayonet by the English.
Our loss has necessarily been severe, and is estimated at about 1200 killed and wounded; that of the French about 900.
The Russian loss has also been great, two general officers and 3 guns were captured by our men, but we have few prisoners beyond the wounded, in consequence it is believed of our deficiency of cavalry.
Lieutenant Derriman, of the Caradoc accompanied the Staff of General Lord Raglan, during the action and I also sent Lieutenant Glynn of this ship to convey any message to me from his lordship.
All the medical officers of the fleet (excepting one in each ship), 600 seamen and marines, and all the boats have been assisting the wounded, and conveying them to the transports, that will sail for the Bosphorus as soon as possible.
I believe it is the intention of the Allied Forces to move to-morrow, and the Sampson which I detached last night with the Terrible off Sevastopol, has signalized that the Russians were retreating on Sevastopol, and that they have burnt the villages on the Katscha.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) J.W.D. DUNDAS,
Vice-Admiral.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.
No. 487. Britannia, off the Katscha,
Sept. 23, 1854.
SIR,
I BEG you will inform the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that since my letter to you of the 21st instant (No. 485), the men and boats of the fleet have been employed in bringing from the field (about four miles distant), and carrying on board the transports, the English and Russian officers and men wounded in the battle of the Alma, as well as the sick of the Army.
2. All the medical officers of the different ships have been zealously and usefully occupied in attending them, and I have been obliged to send several assistant-surgeons in the vessels with the wounded to Constantinople.
3. The Vulcan and Andes, with 800 wounded and sick, sailed for Constantinople yesterday, and to day the Orinoco and Colombo, with 900, including some sixty or seventy Russians will follow.
Another vessel (by the request of Lord Raglan), with about 500 wounded Russians, will also proceed, under charge of the Fury, to land them at Odessa.
4. On the night of the 21st instant the Russians made a very great alteration in the position of their fleet in Sevastopol. I enclose a report made by Captain Jones, of the Sampson; and I propose attacking the outer line the first favourable opportunity.
5. Captain Jones also reports that great exertions appear to be making to strengthen the land defences, as well as those by sea.
New batteries on both sides of the port have been erected, defending the entrances and line of coast. One, to the north, has heavy guns, of a range of 4000 yards, two shots having passed over the Sampson when nearly at that distance.
6. Provisions for the Army have been landed; and the Forces move on to-day towards Sevastopol, accompanied by the Fleets, which have anchored off the Katscha.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) J.W.D. DUNDAS,
Vice-Admiral.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.
From north to south are the following vessels:-
1st – A frigate, at northern extreme.
2nd – A two-decker.
3rd – A three-decker, with round stern.
4th – A two-decker.
5th – A two-decker.
6th – A two-decker, without masts, quite light, and appears to be newly coppered.
7th – A large frigate.
Artillery Creek.
The top-gallant masts of these are on deck and sails unbent.
The ship without masts is lying across Artillery Creek; inside is a two-decker ready for sea, and bearing an Admiral’s flag at the mizen.
Head of Harbour.
The ships at the head of the harbour, which had hitherto been lying with their broadsides to the entrance are now lying with their heads out:
No. 1 – On the north a two-decker.
2 – A two-decker.
4 – A two-decker.
5 – A two-decker.
6 – A three-decker at the entrance of the Dockyard Creek.
7 – A three-decker bearing an Admiral’s flag at the fore.
Above these are two ships, one appears to be a line-of-battle ship and the other a frigate.
Steamers.
Five steamers under the northern shore. Three small steamers at the head of the harbour, and four in Careening Bay.
General Observations.
Dockyard Creek shuts in with Northern Fort, bearing S.E. ½ E. Observed about 500 infantry marching towards the town, from the direction of Balaklava.
Noticed about 60 men employed on brow of signal hill, carrying mould from brink of cliff to Square Fort.
3 45 P.M. – Cape Constantine and ships in one bearing, S. ¾ W.
(Copy.)
No. 489. Britannia, off the Katscha,
September 24, 1854.
SIR,
IN my letter of yesterday, No. 487, I reported the extraordinary change that had taken place in the position hitherto maintained by the enemy’s fleet in the harbour of Sevastopol, and I now beg you will acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that the same afternoon, on the appearance of the Allied Fleets in sight of Sevastopol, the whole of the vessels moored across the harbour were sunk by the Russians, leaving their masts more or less above water, and I went last evening to the mouth of the harbour to assure myself of this singular event.
Captain Drummond has examined the harbour this morning, and reports that the lower mast heads of the ships are generally above water; that the passage is closed, except perhaps a small space near the shoal off the North Battery, and the double booms inside are thus rendered more secure.
Eight sail of the line are moored east and west, inside of the booms, and three of the ships are heeled over to give their guns more elevation to sweep over the land to the northward.
2. An intelligent seaman, a deserter, who escaped from Sevastopol on the 22nd, had partly prepared me for some extraordinary movement. He had informed me that the crews of the ships moored across the harbour (to one of which he had been attached) had been landed, with the exception of a very few in each ship; that the vessels were plugged ready for sinking; that the guns and stores were all on board; and that the other ships were moored under the south side to defend the harbour from attack from the northward. He reported that the Battle of Alma had greatly dispirited the Russians; that the troops had retreated on Sevastopol without a halt; that he believes the whole Russian force not to exceed 40,000. The man’s statements were clear, and on points that came under his own observation were mostly corroborated, and I consider reliance may be placed on his information generally, considering the means his station in life afforded of enabling him to obtain it. At the request of Lord Raglan I have sent him on shore to act as a guide to the Army on their approach to the environs of Sevastopol.
3. The Allied Armies moved this afternoon to take up a position to the south of the port of Sevastopol, and the fleet will move so as to meet their arrival there.
I have, &c,,
J.W.D. DUNDAS,
Vice-Admiral.
To the Secretary of the Admiralty.
War Department, October 8, 1854, 8½ o’clock a.m.
MAJOR the Lord Burghersh arrived this morning with a Despatch from General the Lord Raglan, G.C.B., to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, of which the following is a copy:
Head Quarters, Katscha River,
September 23, 1854.
MY LORD DUKE,
I HAVE the honour to inform your Grace, that the Allied Troops attacked the position occupied by the Russian Army, behind the Alma, on the 20th instant; and I have great satisfaction in adding, that they succeeded, in less than three hours, in driving the enemy from every part of the ground which they had held in the morning, and in establishing themselves upon it.
The English and French Armies moved out of their first encampment in the Crimea on the 19th, and bivouacked for the night on the left bank of the Bulganac, the former having previously supported the advance of a part of the Earl of Cardigan’s brigade of Light Cavalry, which had the effect of inducing the enemy to move up a large body of Dragoons and Cosaques, with artillery.
On this, the first occasion of the English encountering the Russian force, it was impossible for any troops to exhibit more steadiness, than did this portion of Her Majesty’s cavalry.
It fell back upon its supports with the most perfect regularity under the fire of the Artillery, which was quickly silenced by that of the batteries I caused to be brought into action.
Our loss amounted to only four men wounded.
The day’s march had been most wearisome and, under a burning sun, the absence of water, until we reached the insignificant but welcome stream of the Bulganac, made it to be severely felt.
Both Armies moved towards the Alma the following morning, and it was arranged that Marshal St. Arnaud should assail the enemy’s left by crossing the river at its junction with the sea, and immediately above it, and that the remainder of the French divisions should move up the heights in their front, whilst the English Army should attack the right and centre of the enemy’s position.
In order that the gallantry exhibited by Her Majesty’s troops, and the difficulties they had to meet may be fairly estimated, I deem it right, even at the risk of being considered tedious, to endeavour to make your Grace acquainted with the position the Russians had taken up.
It crossed the great road about 2½ miles from the sea, and is very strong by nature.
The bold and almost precipitous range of heights, of from 350 to 400 feet, that from the sea closely border the left bank of the river here ceases and formed their left, and turning thence round a great amphitheatre or wide valley, terminates at a salient pinnacle where their right rested, and whence the descent to the plain was more gradual. The front was about two miles in extent.
Across the mouth of this great opening is a lower ridge at different heights, varying from 60 to 150 feet, parallel to the river, and at distances from it of from 600 to 800 yards.
The river itself is generally fordable for troops, but its banks are extremely rugged, and in most parts steep; the willows along it had been cut down, in order to prevent them from affording cover to the attacking party, and in fact everything had been done to deprive an assailant of any species of shelter.
In front of the position on the right bank, at about 200 yards from the Alma, is the village of Bouliouk, and near it a timber bridge, which had been partly destroyed by the enemy.
The high pinnacle and ridge before alluded to was the key of the position, and consequently, there the greatest preparations had been made for defence.
Halfway down the height, and across its front was a trench of the extent of some hundred yards, to afford cover against an advance up the even steep slope of the hill. On the right, and a little retired, was a powerful covered battery, armed with heavy guns, which flanked the whole of the right of the position.
Artillery, at the same time, was posted at the points that best commanded the passage of the river and its approaches generally.
On the slopes of these hills (forming a sort of table land) were placed dense masses of the enemy’s infantry, whilst on the heights above was his great reserve, the whole amounting, it is supposed, to between 45,000 and 50,000 men, The combined Armies advanced on the same alignement, Her Majesty’s troops in contiguous double columns, with the front of two divisions covered by light infantry and a troop of horse artillery, the 2nd Division, under Lieutenant-General Sir De Lacy Evans, forming the right, and touching the left of the 3rd Division of the French Army, under His Imperial Highness Prince Napoleon, and the Light Division, under Lieutenant-General Sir George Brown, the left; the first being supported by the 3rd Division, under Lieutenant-General Sir Richard England, and the last by the 1st Division, commanded by Lieutenant-General His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge.
The 4th Division, under Lieutenant-General Sir George Cathcart, and the cavalry under Major-General the Earl of Lucan, were held in reserve to protect the left flank and rear against large bodies of the enemy’s cavalry, which had been seen in those directions.
On approaching to near the fire of the guns, which soon became extremely formidable, the two leading divisions deployed into line, and advanced to attack the front, and the supporting divisions followed the movement. Hardly had this taken place, when the village of Bouliouk, immediately opposite the centre, was fired by the enemy at all points, creating a continuous blaze for three hundred yards, obscuring their position and rendering a passage through it impracticable. Two regiments of Brigadier-General Adams’ brigade, part of Sir De Lacy Evans’ division, had, in consequence, to pass the river at a deep and difficult ford to the right under a sharp fire, whilst his first brigade, under Major-General Pennefather, and the remaining regiment of Brigadier-General Adams crossed to the left of the conflagration, opposed by the enemy’s artillery from the heights above, and pressed on towards the left of their position, with the utmost gallantry and steadiness.
In the meanwhile, the Light Division, under Sir George Brown, effected the passage of the Alma in his immediate front. The banks of the river itself were, from their rugged and broken nature, most serious obstacles, and the vineyards, through which the troops had to pass, and the trees which the enemy had felled, created additional impediments, rendering every species of formation, under a galling fire, nearly an impossibility. Lieutenant-General Sir George Brown advanced against the enemy under great disadvantages.
In this difficult operation he nevertheless persevered, and the 1st Brigade, under Major-General Codrington, succeeded in carrying a redoubt, materially aided by the judicious and steady manner in which Brigadier-General Buller moved on the left flank, and by the advance of four companies of the Rifle Brigade, under Major Norcott, who promises to be a distinguished officer of light troops.
The heavy fire of grape and musketry, however to which the troops were exposed, and the losses consequently sustained by the 7th, 23rd, and 33rd Regiments, obliged this brigade partially to relinquish its hold.
By this time, however, the Duke of Cambridge had succeeded in crossing the river, and had moved up in support, and a brilliant advance of the brigade of Foot Guards, under Major-General Bentinck, drove the enemy back, and secured the final possession of the work.
The Highland Brigade, under Major-General Sir Colin Campbell, advanced in admirable order and steadiness up the high ground to the left, an in co-operation with the Guards; and Major-General Pennefather’s Brigade, which had been connected with the right of the Light Division, forced the enemy completely to abandon the position they had taken such pains to defend and secure.
The 95th Regiment, immediately on the right of the Royal Fusiliers in the advance, suffered equally with that corps an immense loss.
The aid of the Royal Artillery in all these operations was most effectual. The exertions of the Field Officers and the Captains of troops and batteries to get the guns into action were unceasing, and the precision of their fire materially contributed to the great results of the day. Lieutenant-General Sir Richard England brought his division to the immediate support of the troops in advance, and Lieutenant-General the Honourable Sir George Cathcart was actively engaged in watching the left flank.
The nature of the ground did not admit of the employment of the cavalry under the Earl of Lucan; but they succeeded in taking some prisoners at the close of the battle.
In the detail of these operations, which I have gone into as far as the space of a dispatch would allow, your Grace will perceive that the services in which the General and other Officers of the Army were engaged, were of no ordinary character; and I have great pleasure in submitting them for your Grace’s most favourable consideration.
The mode in which Lieutenant-General Sir George Brown conducted his division under the most trying circumstances, demands the expression of my warmest approbation. The fire to which his division was subjected, and the difficulties he had to contend against, afford no small proof that his best energies were applied to the successful discharge of his duty.
I must speak in corresponding terms of Lieutenant-General Sir De Lacy Evans, who likewise conducted his division to my perfect satisfaction, and exhibited equal coolness and judgment in carrying out a most difficult operation.
His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge brought his division into action in support of the Light Division with great ability, and had for the first time an opportunity of showing the enemy his devotion to Her Majesty, and to the profession of which he is so distinguished a member.
My best thanks are due to Lieutenant-General Sir R. England, Lieutenant-General the Honourable Sir George Cathcart, and Lieutenant-General the Earl of Lucan, for their cordial assistance wherever it could be afforded, and I feel it my duty especially to recommend to your Grace’s notice the distinguished conduct of Major-General Bentinck, Major-General Sir Colin Campbell, Major-General Pennefather, Major-General Codrington, Brigadier-General Adams, and Brigadier-General Buller.
In the affair of the previous day, Major-General the Earl of Cardigan exhibited the utmost spirit and coolness, and kept his brigade under perfect command.
The manner in which Brigadier-General Strangways directed the Artillery, and exerted himself to bring it forward, met my entire satisfaction.
Lieutenant-General Sir John Burgoyne was constantly by my side; and rendered me, by his counsel and advice, the most valuable assistance; and the Commanding Royal Engineer, Brigadier-General Tylden, was always at hand to carry out any service I might direct him to undertake.
I deeply regret to say that he has since fallen a victim to cholera, as has Major Wellesley, who was present in the affair of the previous day, notwithstanding that he was then suffering from serious illness. He had, during the illness of Major-General Lord de Ros, acted for him in the most efficient manner. I cannot speak too highly of Brigadier-General Estcourt, Adjutant-General, or of Brigadier-General Airey, who, in the short time he has conducted the duties of the Quartermaster-General, has displayed the greatest ability, as well as aptitude for the office.
I am much indebted to my Military Secretary, Lieutenant-Colonel Steele, Major Lord Burghersh, and the officers of my personal Staff, for the zeal, intelligence, and gallantry, they all, without exception, displayed.
Lieutenant Derriman, R.N., the Commander of the Caradoc, accompanied me during the whole of the operation, and rendered me an essential service, by a close observation of the enemy’s movements, which his practised eye enabled him accurately to watch.
I lament to say that Lieutenant-Colonel Lagondie, who was attached to my head quarters, by the Emperor of the French, fell into the enemy’s hands on the 19th, on his return from Prince Napoleon’s division, where he had obligingly gone at my request, with a communication to his Imperial Highness.
This misfortune is deeply regretted, both by myself and the officers of my personal Staff.
The other officer placed with me under similar circumstances, Major Vico, afforded me all the assistance in his power, sparing no exertion to be of use.
I cannot omit to make known to your Grace the cheerfulness with which the regimental officers of the Army have submitted to most unusual privations.
My anxiety to bring into the country every cavalry and infantry soldier who was available, prevented me from embarking their baggage animals, and these officers have with them at this moment nothing but what they can carry, and they, equally with the men, are without tents or covering of any kind.
I have not heard a single murmur. All seem impressed with the necessity of the arrangement; and they feel, I trust, satisfied that I shall bring up their bât horses at the earliest moment.
The conduct of the troops has been admirable. When it is considered that they have suffered severely from sickness during the last two months; that, since they landed in the Crimea, they have been exposed to the extremes of wet, cold, and heat; that the daily toil to provide themselves with water has been excessive, and that they have been pursued by Cholera to the very battle field, I do not go beyond the truth in declaring that they merit the highest commendation.
In the ardour of attack they forgot all they had endured, and displayed that high courage, that gallant spirit, for which the British soldier is ever distinguished; and under the heaviest fire they maintained the same determination to conquer, as they had exhibited before they went into action. I should be wanting in my duty, my Lord Duke, if I did not express to your Grace, in the most earnest mannner, my deep feeling of gratitude to the officers and men of the Royal Navy for the invaluable assistance they afforded the Army upon this as on every occasion, where it could be brought to bear upon our operations.
They watched the progress of the day with the most intense anxiety; and as the best way of evincing their participation in our success, and their sympathy in the sufferings of the wounded, they never ceased, from the close of the battle till we left the ground this morning, to provide for the sick and wounded, and to carry them down to the beach, a labour in which some of the officers even volunteered to participate, an act which I shall never cease to recollect with the warmest thankfulness.
I mention no names, fearing I might omit some who ought to be spoken of; but none who were associated with us, spared any exertion they could apply to so sacred a duty.
Sir Edmond Lyons, who had charge of the whole, was, as always, most prominent in rendering assistance, and providing for emergencies.
I enclose the return of killed and wounded. It is, I lament to say, very large; but I hope, all circumstances considered, that it will be felt that no life was unnecessarily exposed, and that such an advantage could not be achieved without a considerable sacrifice.
I cannot venture to estimate the amount of the Russian loss. I believe it to have been great, and such is the report in the country.
The number of prisoners who are not hurt is small; but the wounded amount to 800 or 900.
Two General Officers, Major Generals Karganoff and Shokanoff fell into our hands. The former is very badly wounded.
I will not attempt to describe the movements of the French Army; that will be done by an abler hand; but it is due to them to say that their operations were eminently successful, and that under the guidance of their distinguished commander, Marshal St. Arnaud, they manifested the utmost gallantry, the greatest ardour for the attack, and the high military qualities for which they are so famed.
This despatch will be delivered to your Grace by Major Lord Burghersh, who is capable of affording you the fullest information, and whom I beg to recommend to your especial notice.
I have, &c.,
RAGLAN.