Admiralty, March 29, 1855.
THE following Despatch and Enclosure were received at the Admiralty on the 15th January last.
Britannia, in the Archipelago,
December 30, 1854.
SIR,
I BEG you will lay before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the accompanying letter, sent to me some time since, by Captain Brock, from Eupatoria, detailing the gallant repulse of a large body of the enemy by the force under his orders.
I have, &c.,
J.W.D. DUNDAS,
Vice-Admiral.
To the Secretary of the Admiralty,
&c. &c. &c.
Eupatoria, November 15, 1854.
I HAVE the honour to inform you, that, encouraged by the catastrophe* mentioned in my other letter of this day’s date, and our rockets having been blown down, a large body of the enemy’s cavalry, between seven and eight thousand, supported by sixteen guns of horse artillery, made an attack on us at 3.45 P.M.
They planted their guns (under cover of the mills) at about a thousand yards, in front of our upper rocket battery, where we had two rockets, one 12-pounder howitzer, and an 18-pounder iron carronade, procured from a merchant ship.
They commenced a heavy fire of shot and shell, and with sufficiently good practice to fall very thick around us, and many shot lodged, and several shell exploded, in the parapet of the redoubt. Their fire was returned with great spirit on our side, by the two rocket batteries, the upper one commanded by Lieutenant Lambert, of the Spiteful, and Mr. Lake, midshipman of the Leander; Lieutenant Hood, of the Arethusa, attended the lower battery, with Mr. Mitchell mate of the Leander, where were two 12-pounder howitzers, and one 18-pounder merchant ship’s guns, and three rockets, one 24-pounder, and two 12-pounders.
Having no marines and but few seamen, I reinforced both batteries with fifty Arab troops, who, however, as the enemy did not approach within musket shot, had no opportunity of doing anything, though, from their behaviour under fire, they seemed to promise well. The fire was kept up with animation on both sides for nearly an hour, without any casualties amongst us, except one man’s thumb slightly wounded; although it seemed wonderful that no one was struck by the shot and shell, which flew pretty thickly. The enemy’s cavalry was drawn up in dense masses in the rear and on each flank of their artillery, and, though an occasional shot or rocket fell amongst them and disturbed their formation, they seemed to be in excellent order. Both our officers and men seemed animated with the highest spirit, and, considering the immensely superior force on the enemy’s side, their firmness merited my warmest approbation. My attention was devoted to the upper battery, being nearest the enemy, and whence I could best observe his movements. Some of our rockets were beautifully directed by Lamb,† gunner’s mate of the Arethusa, and Ball, quartermaster of the Leander, and appeared to fall amongst the horse artillery, and I have no doubt contributed to hasten their retreat, which they did at about 4.40.
I may add that the officers and men did their duty with alacrity, and seemed anxious to have an opportunity of meeting the enemy. I have particularly to call your attention to the steady and cool conduct of Lieutenant Hood, who rode over the field this morning, after the action, and ascertained that our shot and rockets were well directed, and appeared to fall exactly in the right place; he has recovered many of our shot at a time when we most need them. I have likewise great satisfaction in bringing before your notice the zeal and intelligence of Mr. Brine, mate of the Leander, in charge of two 18-pounder merchant ship’s guns, at the Hospital post, and he has reported to me the good conduct of James Mongomery, leading seaman of Her Majesty’s ship Leander; I beg to recommend him to your favourable consideration. The Tartars say the Russians lost many men, as they saw many saddles vacant.
I have great pleasure in particularizing the conduct of Mr. Hamilton, senior lieutenant of the Leander, from whom I have received the most efficient assistance throughout these trying times to both officers and men, as well as that of Messrs. Irvine, mate of the Megaera, Dupuis, midshipman of the Leander, Phillips, master’s-assistant of the Megaera, who has acted as my aide-de-camp, Doctor Blake, assistant-surgeon of the Leander, and the Rev. S. Robson, of the same ship, whose manifold services in the field, as well as his own duties, have merited great praise. Assistant-Commissary-General Gardiner I have found a most able assistant in everything connected with his duty. I respectfully trust that in the defence of this town that you have done me the honour to entrust me with, I have, as far as my limited means will allow, carried your wishes into effect.
I have, &c.,
SAUMAREZ BROCK,
Captain, R.N., Commanding the Forces.
Vice-Admiral J.W.D. Dundas, C.B.,
Commander-in-Chief.
*Damages done by gale of November 14.
†Lamb promoted in vacancy caused by death of Gunner of Banshee.
Royal Albert, off Sevastopol,
February 24, 1855.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that no attack has taken place at Eupatoria since that of the 17th inst., which, as their Lordships will perceive by the enclosed copy of a letter from Colonel Simmons to me, was more serious than was at first supposed. Her Majesty’s ships are in eligible positions for assisting in the repulse of any future attack.
The weather, which for the last few days has been very severe, is now remarkably fine.
I am, &c.
(Signed) E. LYONS,
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
London.
Eupatoria, February 20, 1855.
9 P.M.
SIR,
THE bearer is an Aide-de-Camp of the Seraskier, bearing despatches from Omar Pasha to his Government.
His Highness would be much obliged to you if you would kindly order him a passage to Constantinople by the first opportunity.
The position is much stronger here than it was; in fact, I should say doubly so, and nearly twice as many guns mounted as on the 17th.
That affair was pretty sharp, and the Russians lost a great many men: we have interred 453, and there can be no doubt they carried off and buried many more who were killed at long ranges by our artillery.
They also left nearly 300 dead horses on the field.
Our loss was 87 killed, 277 wounded, Turks; 4 killed and 9 wounded; French; and 13 killed, 11 wounded, of the population; besides 79 horses killed and 18 wounded. Our field battery had 19 men (Turks) killed, and every gun (6) disabled.
The Turks behaved very well. Selim Pasha, the Egyptian, who was killed, was a great loss, but his place is well supplied by Suliman Pasha, who was wounded.
Omar Pasha is most gratified for the promptitude with which you sent up ships after hearing of the attack. The exertions of the officers and men of your fleet in disembarking troops, &c., here are beyond all praise; but, unfortunately the weather during the last week or ten days has not been propitious and consequently transports have been detained longer than they otherwise would.
I am, &c.,
(Signed) J.N.SIMMONS,
Royal Engineers,
attached to Omar Pasha’s Staff.
Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons, G.C.B.,
&c. &c. &c.
Admiralty, March 19, 1855.
A DESPATCH, of which the following is a copy, has been received from Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons, Bart., G.C.B., Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty’s Ships and Vessels in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
Royal Albert, off Sevastopol,
February 27, 1855.
SIR,
WITH reference to my letter of the 20th instant (No. 135), reporting the highly creditable proceedings of the blockading squadron off Kertch, under the command of Captain Giffard, of Her Majesty’s ship Leopard.
2. I have now the honour to enclose copies of two letters which I have received from that active and intelligent officer, reporting his further proceedings, and of his having, in conjunction with His Imperial Majesty’s steamer Fulton, captured and destroyed ten 50 cwt. 6-inch guns, and burnt seven large boats, two ranges of barrack buildings, also a quantity of military stores and provisions, near the Boghaz of the Kouban Lake, on the 22nd instant; and I beg leave to call their Lordships’ particular attention to the fact that this gallant service was performed during weather which must have rendered its accomplishment exceedingly difficult, and that Vice-Admiral Bruat and I consider that it reflects the highest credit on Captain Giffard, Captain Lebris, of the Fulton, and the officers and men of both nations employed on the occasion.
3. The enemy appears to have lost a considerable number of men on the occasion, whereas no casualties have occurred on our side.
I am, &c.,
ED. LYONS,
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
To the Secretary of the Admiralty,
London.
Her Majesty’s steam-frigate Leopard,
off Kertch, February 25, 1855.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to inform you that on the 22nd instant, His Imperial French Majesty’s ship Fulton having gone to Kaffa to reconnoitre, I proceeded towards Anapa in Her Majesty’s ship Leopard, but on passing the Boghaz of the Kouban Lake, we observed numbers of troops crossing the passage in boats, from Anapa to Taman, so I ran in and anchored off the passage in 4½ fathoms.
The troops had landed, but we opened fire on them and drove them to the hills.
I sent a division of boats, under Lieutenant Graham, to examine the buildings on the points, which proved to be guard-houses, barracks, storehouses, and stables, some of which were burnt, but a heavy snow-storm coming on I recalled the boats.
Lieutenant Graham reporting he had seen some guns and other military stores, which he had not time to destroy, and which the enemy were transporting from Anapa to Kertch, I again proceeded there on the 24th instant, in company with the Fulton.
A few rounds of shot and shell drove the Cossacks and other troops, 400 or 500 in number, to the hills; when the boats under Lieutenant Graham landed, and Monsieur de Bris, in the Fulton took up a position, to the north-west, to check the advance of the enemy, who soon after brought some field batteries on the hills and opened a heavy fire of shot and shell upon the ships and boats.
The very accurate fire of the Fulton drove them from two positions, and the Leopard’s shell from a third, after which they retreated behind the hills.
After three hours’ work the boats returned, having captured and destroyed ten new and handsome 50 cwt. 6-inch guns and burnt seven large boats, two ranges of barracks and buildings, also a quantity of military stores and provisions.
The Fulton received one shot in her hull, but I am happy to say no casualties occurred.
The loss of the enemy must have been considerable.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) GEO. GIFFARD, Captain.
Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund
Lyons, Bart., G.C.B.,
&c. &c. &c.
Admiralty, March 8, 1855.
DESPATCHES, of which the following are copies, have been received from Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons, Bart., G.C.B., Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty’s Ships and Vessels in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
Royal Albert, off Sevastopol,
February 20, 1855.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to enclose, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, copies of two letters which I have received from Captain Hastings, of the Curaçoa, Senior Officer at Eupatoria, reporting an unsuccessful attack made upon that place, at daybreak, on the 17th instant, by a large Russian force of cavalry, artillery, and infantry, and enclosing a letter from Omar Pasha, expressing warm acknowledgments for the great services rendered by Her Majesty’s ships Curaçoa, Valorous, Furious, and Viper, as well as his Highness’ thanks for the reinforcements of steamers which I had sent to him on hearing that the enemy was still in force in his neighbourhood.
2. Captain Hastings appears to have conducted his share of the defence with his accustomed zeal and ability, and to have been well and effectively seconded by Captains Buckle and Loring and Lieutenant Brock, and the officers, seamen, and marines of all Her Majesty’s ships present on that occasion.
3. Colonel Simmons, of the Royal Engineers, who is attached to Omar Pasha’s Staff, estimates the attacking force at 40,000 of all arms, and he states that as many as sixty guns, some of them 32-pounders, played upon the place at one time.
4. I understand that at nine o’clock the enemy’s infantry formed under the shelter of a wall, at 350 yards from the place, and advanced to the attack, but were repulsed with considerable loss, and soon afterwards retired, leaving nearly two hundred dead on the nearest spot, and removing the rest of their dead from the more distant parts of the field.
5. Omar Pasha’s army appears, from the latest and most authentic accounts, to have had nearly a hundred men killed and about two hundred and fifty wounded, and to have had eighty artillery horses killed, and some guns much damaged.
6. The Banshee has brought me a report from Captain Hastings up to noon yesterday, at which time the enemy remained encamped about five miles from Eupatoria, with his left leaning on the Putrid Lake Sasik; whilst Omar Pasha, with the garrison, having been reinforced after the battle by further Turkish troops, brought over from Varna in British transports, as well as by the Dauntless, Curlew, Arrow, and Lynx, sent by me from hence, and by two French steamers sent by Admiral Bruat, awaited an attack with confidence in a favourable result.
I am, &c.,
ED. LYONS,
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
To the Secretary of the Admiralty,
London.
Her Majesty’s ship Curaçoa, Eupatoria,
February 17, 1855.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to acquaint your Excellency that, this, morning about 6.30 A.M., the Russians in considerable force attacked the Turkish troops which are encamped at this place under the command of his Highness Omar Pasha.
The ships under my command at this anchorage, which are named in the margin,* immediately proceeded under steam to close the flanking position of the Turkish entrenchments, – Valorous and Viper taking the left flank, and Curaçoa and Furious the right. About half an hour after the commencement of the attack, I received from his Highness Omar Pasha, a request to strengthen as much as possible the right flank, as the enemy were pressing their attack upon that point.
The Viper was immediately recalled, and from her light draught of water was enabled to effect good service, as also the three other ships in their respective positions.
The conduct of the captains, officers, seamen, and marines under my command on this occasion, deserves your Excellency’s approbation.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) G.F. HASTINGS,
Captain.
P.S. – The French and Turkish vessels also did good service in their respective positions which they took up.
His Excellency Rear Admiral Sir
Edmund Lyons, Bart., G.C.B.,
K.C.H., &c., &c., &c.
Her Majesty’s ship Curaçoa,
Eupatoria, February 18, 1855.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your memorandum of yesterday’s date, relative to my report of the Russians having attacked this place on the 17th instant, as communicated by the steam transport Queen of the South, and beg to inform you that the reinforcement of vessels mentioned therein have duly arrived here; and that I immediately informed his Highness Omar Pasha of the reinforcement being sent to his support, who begged me to offer to your Excellency his warmest thanks.
In the late attack the Turks suffered a loss of 88 men killed, 250 wounded, and 78 horses killed: the loss on the part of the Russians cannot be ascertained.
No further attack has been made; but the Russians still remain in force about five miles from Eupatoria, and large reinforcements, both of men and waggons, are daily arriving from the road to Simferopol. If the Arrow’s services could be spared she would be of great assistance here.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) G.F. HASTINGS,
Captain
His Excellency Rear Admiral Sir
Edmund Lyons, Bart., G.C.B.,
K.C.H., &c., &c.
*Her Majesty’s ships Valorous, Furious, and Viper.
Her Majesty’s steam-vessel Viper,
off Kertch, March 8, 1855.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report, that in obedience to your instructions, I left this anchorage at 5.30 this morning, for the purpose of examining the mouth of the Kuban Lake. I arrived off there at nine, and observing a small force of Cossacks on the north spit, opened fire and dispersed them, then examined the lake in the whale-boat of this ship, but observing nothing of consequence, proceeded along the coast to the south-eastward.
I had just previously taken possession of a small vessel laden with charcoal and other goods, which I have brought in with me, with three prisoners on board. I enclose you her papers, &c., as they may be useful to His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, and request your directions in reference to the prisoners.
At 1.50 P.M. I arrived off the Martello Tower, at Djimiteia, anchoring bow and stern at a distance of 500 yards from the beach, and at 2 P.M. opened fire upon the fort, dispersing the few Cossacks that remained.
It is now my pleasing duty to inform you that I have effectually destroyed the fort, barracks, and granaries (having set fire to the latter), spiked and disabled the two guns, destroying the ammunition; and all, I am happy to say, without any casualty on board the Viper.
I beg to bring under your notice the conduct of Mr. James Roche, Second Master, who commanded the landing parties; and Mr. John R. Moss, Master’s Assistant, who aided him in destroying the guns; both having performed their duty much to my satisfaction.
(Signed) WM. ARMYTAGE, Lieutenant
and Commander.
Captain George Giffard, H.M.S. Leopard,
Senior Officer.
Royal Albert, off Sevastopol,
March 17, 1855.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to enclose, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a letter which has been addressed to me by Captain Giffard, stating, that while making a reconnaissance near Soujak-Kalé, with Her Majesty’s ship Leopard, under his command, and accompanied by Her Majesty’s ships Highflyer, Swallow, and Viper, and also by H.I.M.’s steam-ship-of-war Fulton, he was informed by the Circassians in the neighbourhood, that the enemy had so reduced the strength of that fortress by the removal of men and guns to Anapa, that they were ready to attack it by land if he would do so by sea; and that he, wishing to encourage the natives and to embarrass the Russians, had assented to the proposal, and moved the ships to within 1000 yards of the south face of the fort, where he performed his part, but that on finding the Circassians did not perform theirs, he withdrew, after having driven all the garrison out of the place, with the exception of a few gunners in the earthern batteries, and having also dismounted several guns, and done considerable damage to the arsenal and public works; leaving the garrison, about a mile from the place, surrounded by Circassians, who were collecting reinforcements.
The ships appear to have been well placed, and to have fired with great effect: and Captain Giffard expresses his thanks to Captain Le Bris, his able coadjutor on former occasions, as well as to Captain Moore, Commander Craufurd, and Lieutenant Armytage, and their respective officers and ships’ companies, for their support.
Of Captain Giffard himself, I may perhaps be permitted to observe that this is not the first time that his zeal and gallantry have been conspicuous since he has been under my command.
I am, &c.,
(Signed) ED. LYONS,
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
To the Secretary of the Admiralty,
London.
Her Majesty’s ship Leopard, Soujak Bay,
March 13, 1855.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to acquaint you, that from the information I had received from the Circassians, at Ghelenjik, and also from the observations of Monsieur Le Bris of His Imperial Majesty’s steam-vessel Fulton, as well as my own on the 6th instant in Soujak Bay, I was led to believe the Russians had sent many guns, stores, &c. away from that fort, and would probably leave if a force appeared off it.
Wishing to have more certain information for you, on my return to your flag, I, on the evening of the 11th instant, when the Highflyer joined me, proceeded with the vessels named in the margin* to Soujak Bay, where we anchored on the morning of the 12th; but a fresh gale, with heavy swell, prevented our closing the batteries. I therefore threw some shells into the place; and the Circassians, who soon appeared in numbers, at the same time attacked the small fort at the head of the bay, opposite the town, drove out the garrison, and burnt it, at 8 A.M. This morning the Circassians informed me they had a sufficient force, and would attack Soujak Kalé by land if I would do so by sea, and wishing to encourage them and embarrass the enemy, I immediately moved the squadron to within 1000 yards of the South Face and opened fire on it. From this point the enemy only had ten guns to bear on the ships, but the light wind and damp weather made the smoke hang over and conceal them from our fire, while our masts above were conspicuous to them.
We soon drove all the inhabitants and troops out of the place, except those in the earthen batteries, but I was much disappointed to find that the Circassians did not advance to attack them when out of the town, as they had promised. I, therefore, moved out again, as, with our small force of men, it would have been too great a risk to land, the main body of the garrison being close at hand.
The arsenal and public buildings are much injured, and several of the guns were silenced and dismounted. Our loss, I am happy to say, has been small; and some injury has been done to the masts and hulls of the ships.
I was much pleased with the able way in which all the ships took up their assigned positions, and have to thank Monsieur le Bris, of the Fulton, Captain Moore, Commander Craufurd and Lieutenant Armytage, commanding the Viper, for their able support as well as all the officers and men.
The Russian force, apparently 1500 or 2000 men, and the other inhabitants are now encamped about a mile north of the town, having left a few men in the batteries; they will have great difficulty in communicating with Anapa, being surrounded by the Circassians (who were collecting reinforcements), and should they return to the town, a small naval force can at any time drive them out again.
I enclose list of casualties among the ships.
(Signed) GEORGE GIFFARD,
Captain.
Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons,
Bart., G.C.B.
*Leopard, Highflyer, Swallow, Viper, and Fulton, French steamer.
War-Department, March 8, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received Despatches and Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, and to His Lordship, by Field-Marshal the Lord Raglan, G.C.B.
Before Sevastopol,
February 20, 1855.
MY LORD DUKE,
YOUR Grace will have learnt, by my telegraphic despatch of the 18th inst., that the enemy had on the previous morning, at daylight, attacked Eupatoria with a very large force, and a powerful body of artillery, and had been repulsed, after an engagement which terminated with their retirement at 10 A.M.
I have now the honour to lay before your Grace copies of two letters which I have received from Colonel Simmons, who is attached to the head-quarters of Omer Pasha, containing the details of the action; and, whilst your Grace will rejoice to see that the Turkish troops which have been landed at Eupatoria have availed themselves of the earliest opportunity to show that the character they acquired on the Danube was well merited and remained unimpaired, you will join in the regret which I feel that they have suffered so considerable a loss, and that among the killed is numbered the General of Division, Selim Pasha (an Egyptian), and among the wounded a General of Brigade, also an Egyptian.
This loss, however, and particularly that sustained by a battery of artillery, afford ample proof of the gallant and determined conduct of the troops, and of the serious nature of the attack made upon them, as well as of their being worthy of their illustrious chief.
I have great satisfaction in drawing your Grace’s attention to that part of Lieutenant Colonel Simmons’ dispatch, in which he bears testimony to the efficient assistance rendered to the Ottoman army by Her Majesty’s ships in the bay, under the command of the Honourable Captain Hastings, of the Curaçoa.
I have, &c.,
RAGLAN.
His Grace the Duke of Newcastle,
&c. &c. &c.
Eupatoria, February 17, 1855,
1 P.M.
MY LORD,
I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that on the 15th instant, several large convoys and arrivals of troops were seen moving along the north shore of the Sasik Putrid Lake, from the eastward.
This movement on the part of the enemy caused Omer Pasha to place the garrison on the alert. No further movement, however, was seen yesterday on the part of the enemy; but this morning, at daylight, they advanced in great force, and opened with artillery upon the entrenchments which inclose the town. The advanced line of works, which I informed your Lordship it was his Highness’s intention to erect, were not yet commenced.
The enemy’s artillery opened their fire about twelve hundred yards from the place, covered by skirmishers, and supported by heavy masses of infantry in their rear, and cavalry on their flanks. The artillery subsequently took up a second position more in advance, about four hundred yards from a small crown work which is being erected in front of the mills to the north-east of the town, and after continuing their fire for some time, the infantry advanced to the attack, having formed under the cover of a wall about six hundred yards from the right of the town. They were repulsed at this point, leaving from 150 to 200 dead on the field. On other points of the field a number of horses were left dead, but the killed men were removed. At length, about 10 A.M., the whole force retired, covered by the artillery and cavalry.
I am not able as yet to ascertain the number of men engaged, but I should think there were not less than 40,000 of all arms, with a very powerful artillery.
As many as sixty of the enemy’s guns must have been firing at one time, amongst them some 32-pounders. Prisoners report that they were accompanied by 100 guns. As yet all the particulars I have been able positively to ascertain is that Liprandi’s division (the 12th) was present.
At present I understand that they are in position about five miles north from this, their left leaning on the Sasik Putrid Lake.
It is with much pleasure I have to inform your Lordship that the portion of Her Majesty’s Fleet, under the Honourable Captain Hastings, have rendered most efficient assistance. The Valorous threw some well directed shells and completely covered our left, whilst the Viper gun-boat, which was at first stationed on the left with the Valorous, by Captain Hastings’ directions moved and took up a flanking position on the right near the mills.
I cannot at present give your Lordship any details of the killed and wounded on the side of the Turks; I regret to say, however, that Selim Pasha, commanding the Egyptian Brigade here, is amongst the former.
One battery of Turkish artillery was completely disabled, every gun having been struck and a great number (nearly one-third) of the horses killed.
I am desirous your Lordship should receive a report of the action, with as little delay as possible, by the Queen of the South; so I must beg your Lordship to excuse further details, which shall be sent by a future occasion.
I am, &c.
(Signed) JOHN SIMMONS,
Captain Royal Engineers, Brevet-Major.
Field-Marshal Lord Raglan, G.C.B.,
&c. &c. &c.
P.S. A prisoner informs us that a prince commanded, but he could not remember his name.
I am happy to say there are no casualties among the English or French officers. Two French sous-officers are among the killed, and two privates wounded.
(Signed) JOHN S.
Admiralty, March 19, 1855.
A DESPATCH, of which the following is a copy, has been received from Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons, Bart., G.C.B., Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty’s Ships and Vessels in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
Royal Albert, off Sevastopol,
February 27, 1855.
SIR
WITH reference to my letter of the 20th instant (No. 135), reporting the highly creditable proceedings of the blockading squadron off Kertch, under the command of Captain Giffard, of Her Majesty’s ship Leopard.
2. I have now the honour to enclose copies of two letters which I have received from that active and intelligent officer, reporting his further proceedings, and of his having, in conjunction with His Imperial Majesty’s steamer Fulton, captured and destroyed ten 50 cwt. 6-inch guns, and burnt seven large boats, two ranges of barrack buildings, also a quantity of military stores and provisions, near the Boghaz of the Kouban Lake, on the 22nd instant; and I beg leave to call their Lordships’ particular attention to the fact that this gallant service was performed during weather which must have rendered its accomplishment exceedingly difficult, and that Vice-Admiral Bruat and I consider that it reflects the highest credit on Captain Giffard, Captain Lebris, of the Fulton, and the officers and men of both nations employed on the occasion.
3. The enemy appears to have lost a considerable number of men on the occasion, whereas no casualties have occurred on our side.
I am, &c.,
ED. LYONS,
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
To the Secretary of the Admiralty,
London.
Her Majesty’s steam-frigate Leopard,
off Kertch, February 25, 1855.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to inform you that on the 22nd instant, His Imperial French Majesty’s ship Fulton having gone to Kaffa to reconnoitre, I proceeded towards Anapa in Her Majesty’s ship Leopard, but on passing the Boghaz of the Kouban Lake, we observed numbers of troops crossing the passage in boats, from Anapa to Taman, so I ran in and anchored off the passage in 4½ fathoms.
The troops had landed, but we opened fire on them and drove them to the hills.
I sent a division of boats, under Lieutenant Graham, to examine the buildings on the points, which proved to be guard-houses, barracks, storehouses, and stables, some of which were burnt, but a heavy snow-storm coming on I recalled the boats.
Lieutenant Graham reporting he had seen some guns and other military stores, which he had not time to destroy, and which the enemy were transporting from Anapa to Kertch, I again proceeded there on the 24th instant, in company with the Fulton.
A few rounds of shot and shell drove the Cossacks and other troops, 400 or 500 in number, to the hills; when the boats under Lieutenant Graham landed, and Monsieur de Bris, in the Fulton took up a position, to the north-west, to check the advance of the enemy, who soon after brought some field batteries on the hills and opened a heavy fire of shot and shell upon the ships and boats.
The very accurate fire of the Fulton drove them from two positions, and the Leopard’s shell from a third, after which they retreated behind the hills.
After three hours’ work the boats returned, having captured and destroyed ten new and handsome 50 cwt. 6-inch guns and burnt seven large boats, two ranges of barracks and buildings, also a quantity of military stores and provisions.
The Fulton received one shot in her hull, but I am happy to say no casualties occurred.
The loss of the enemy must have been considerable.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) GEO. GIFFARD, Captain.
Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund
Lyons, Bart., G.C.B.,
&c. &c. &c.
Admiralty, March 28, 1855.
DESPATCHES, of which the following are copies, have been received from Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons, Bart., G.C.B., Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty’s Ships and Vessels in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
Royal Albert, off Sevastopol,
March 17, 1855.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to enclose, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of a letter that I have received from Captain Giffard, of Her Majesty’s ship Leopard, enclosing one from Lieutenant Armytage, reporting his having destroyed in Her Majesty’s steam-vessel Viper, under his command, the Martello Tower and Barracks of Djimiteia, which had been recently erected for the defence of the direct communication between Anapa and Kertch.
This very useful service has been performed by Lieutenant Armytage in the manner that might have been expected from an officer of his acknowledged merit.
I am, &c.,
(Signed) EDMUND LYONS,
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
To the Secretary of the Admiralty.
Her Majesty’s ship, Leopard,
off Kertch, March 8, 1855.
SIR,
THE wind being off shore this morning, I sent Her Majesty’s ship Viper to examine the Boghaz of the Kouban Lake, and also the coast as far as the Tower of Djimiteia, and have the honour to enclose a letter from Lieutenant Armytage, reporting his having, in the latter place, destroyed the new tower, with two guns, also the barracks and other buildings.
Lieutenant Armytage deserves great credit for the able manner in which he has performed this service with his small vessel.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) GEO. GIFFARD, Captain.
Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund
Lyons, Bart., G.C.B.,
Commander-in-Chief.