War-Department, June 6, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received two Despatches and their Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to His Lordship by Field-Marshal the Lord Raglan, G.C.B.
Before Sevastopol,
May 26, 1855.
MY LORD,
I HAVE the honour to report to your Lordship that a portion of the Allied Armies took up a position yesterday on this side of the Tchernaya, the left of the French resting under a redoubt established upon the edge of this ridge overhanging the valley, and opposite the Inkerman heights; the right extending beyond Tractir; and the ground more to the right, behind Chorgouna, being occupied by the Sardinian troops, aided in their advance by the 10th Hussars and 12th Lancers and the Horse Artillery, under Colonel Parlby.
Omer Pasha at the same time moved forward to the low heights in front of Balaklava, and thus afforded support to the French Divisions before him. These were commanded by General Canrobert, who pushed forward across the bridge of Tractir, and drove the enemy, who were not in great numbers, off, and having cleared his front, he withdrew to this side of the river, where he now remains.
Sir Colin Campbell advanced the Royal Marines from the high ridge on our extreme right to a point commanding the old Baidar-road; and Colonel Parlby, with the regiments I have mentioned, reconnoitred the country on the immediate right of General La Marmora’s position, and patrolled along the Woronzow-road, in the direction of Baidar.
The appearance and bearing of the Sardinian troops are highly satisfactory, and I anticipate the greatest advantage from their addition to this army under their distinguished leader General La Marmora, whose zeal for the service and ardent desire to co-operate with us, I am happy to have so early an opportunity of acknowledging and recording. Nothing of importance has occurred in the British trenches since I wrote to your Lordship on the 19th instant.
The death of Colonel Egerton, of the 77th, on the night of the 19th ultimo, as already announced to your Lordship, prevented my receiving in due course the official report of the conduct of the officers serving immediately under him, and it is only a few days ago that I learnt that Captain Gilby was the next in seniority to him, of the 77th, on the occasion, and that he had highly distinguished himself.
I deem it an act of justice to a most deserving officer to bring his conduct under the notice of your Lordship.
I enclose the returns of casualties to the 24th instant. Your Lordship will regret to see that Lieutenant Williams, of the 17th, has been severely wounded.
I have the greatest pleasure in announcing to your Lordship the brilliant success which attended an attack by the French Army, of some ambuscades at the head of the Quarantine Bay, and in front of a cemetery near it. The attack was made on the night of the 22nd, and the operation was completed on the following evening. The enemy had collected a very large force on the first occasion to resist our Allies; but, notwithstanding, the French were enabled by their brilliant gallantry and determined resolution to maintain themselves in the pits at the head of the bay on the 22nd, and on the 23rd to occupy the whole with less resistance on the part of the Russians, who are stated to have sustained a very severe loss.
The French were necessarily exposed to a very heavy fire, and were assailed by vastly superior numbers. The achievement they accomplished redounds therefore highly to their renown, and is hailed with satisfaction by their Allies.
An expedition, composed of British, French, and Turkish troops, sailed for Kertch on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, and I hope soon to be able to announce the landing of the corps, and the result of its first operations. It is commanded by Lieutenant-General Sir George Brown, and has been conveyed in English and French ships, under the command of Admiral Sir E. Lyons and Admiral Bruat, whose exertions to carry out this important service have been most conspicuous.
The 31st Regiment has arrived from Corfu.
I am much concerned to have to report that Major-General Buller has been obliged by the failure of his health to leave the army. He has been constant in the discharge of his duty since he joined this army, distinguished himself both at Alma and Inkerman, and persevered in taking his turn in the trenches until driven by illness to withdraw.
I regret the loss of his services exceedingly.
I have, &c.
RAGLAN.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
War-Department, June 18, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received two Despatches and their Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to His Lordship by Field-Marshal the Lord Raglan, G.C.B.
Before Sevastopol,
June 9, 1855.
MY LORD,
I HAVE the great satisfaction of informing your Lordship that the assault which was made upon the Quarries in front of the Redan, from our advanced parallel in the right attack, on the evening of the 7th instant, was attended with perfect success, and that the brave men who achieved this advantage with a gallantry and determination that does them infinite honour, maintained themselves on the ground they had acquired, notwithstanding that during the night, and in the morning of yesterday, the enemy made repeated attempts to drive them out, each attempt ending in failure, although supported by large bodies of troops, and by heavy discharges of musketry, and every species of offensive missile.
The French on our right had shortly before moved out of their trenches and attacked the Ouvrages Blancs and the Mamelon. These they carried without the smallest check, and their leading column rushed forward and approached the Malakof Tower; but this it had not been in contemplation to assail, and the troops were brought back and finally established in the enemy’s works, from which the latter did not succeed in expelling them, though the fire of musketry and cannon which was brought to bear upon them was tremendous.
I never saw anything more spirited and rapid than the advance of our Allies.
I am happy to say that the best feeling prevails between the two armies, and each is proud of and confident in the gallantry and high military qualities of the other.
I apprized your Lordship, by telegraph on the 6th, that our batteries reopened that afternoon.
The fire was kept up with the greatest energy until the day closed, when it was confined to vertical fire; but the next morning the guns resumed the work of destruction, and the effect was such that it was determined by General Pelissier and myself that the time had arrived for pushing our operations forward. Accordingly, soon after six o’clock on the evening of the 7th, the signal was given for the assault of the works I have enumerated, and the result was most triumphant.
The troops employed in storming the Quarries were composed of detachments from the Light and 2nd Divisions, and at night they were supported by the 62nd Regiment.
The command of these troops was entrusted to Colonel Shirley, of the 88th, who was acting as General Officer of the Trenches; and he was assisted in the arrangements and guided as to the points of attack and distribution of the troops by Lieutenant-Colonel Tylden, of the Royal Engineers, the directing engineer officer of the right attack.
Although nothing could be more spirited than the attack of the Quarries, or more creditable to every officer and man engaged in the operation; yet I cannot refrain from drawing your Lordship’s especial attention to the energy and determination which they all displayed in maintaining and establishing themselves after their first success in them. They were repeatedly attacked during the night, and again soon after daylight on the 8th, and it was in resisting these repeated efforts on the part of the enemy that a great portion of the heavy loss the Army has to deplore was sustained.
The mode in which Colonel Shirley conducted this very arduous service, and carried out his orders, entitles him to my highest commendation. I have great pleasure in mentioning the following officers, who are stated to have distinguished themselves on the occasion; viz: Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, of the 90th, who commanded the storming party; Major Mills, Royal Fusiliers; Major Villiers, 47th; Major Armstrong, 49th; who are all severely wounded; Lieutenant-Colonel Maxwell, of the 88th; Major Bayley, of the same regiment, who was unfortunately killed; Lieutenant-Colonel Grant, 49th; Major Simpson, of the 34th; Lieutenant-Colonel Johnstone, of the 33rd; Major Herbert, of the 23rd; Captain Lowry, of the 47th; Captain Turner, of the 7th; Captain Lowndes, of the 47th; Captain Nason, of the 49th; Captain Le Marchant, of the 49th, who was wounded; Captain Wolseley,* 90th; and Lieutenants Chatfield and Eustace, of the 49th; and Palmer, Irby, and Waddilove, of the 47th; and Captain Hunter, 47th; and Lance-Corporal Quinn, 47th; who took a Russian officer prisoner in the most gallant manner.
I also feel it my duty to solicit your Lordship’s notice to the eminent services of Lieutenant-Colonel Tylden, of the Royal Engineers; he has been indefatigable in the discharge of his peculiar duties from the commencement of the siege, and he has always been at hand to aid in the repulse of the enemy, when they have assaulted our trenches. He eulogizes the conduct of Captain Browne, of the Royal Engineers, Lieutenant Elphinstone, of the same corps, Lieutenant Anderson, 96th Foot (Acting Engineer), who is wounded; and he laments the death of Lieutenant Lowry, R.E., who conducted the storming party, and was afterwards killed by a cannon shot.
Notwithstanding the frequency of the endeavours of the Russians to regain possession of the Quarries, and the interruptions to the work to which these attacks gave rise, Lieutenant-Colonel Tylden was enabled to effect the lodgement and to establish the communication with the advanced parallel, and this redounds greatly to his credit and that of the officers and men employed as the working party; and I cannot omit this opportunity to express my approbation of the conduct of the Sappers throughout the operations. The exertions of the Royal Artillery, under Brigadier-General Dacres, and those of the Naval Brigade, under Captain Lushington, R.N., in serving the guns cannot be too warmly commended. The accuracy of their fire is the theme of universal admiration; and the constancy with which they applied themselves to their arduous duties under all circumstances, however dangerous, cannot be too strongly placed upon record.
It is deeply to be lamented that this success should have entailed so heavy a loss, as is shewn in the accompanying returns, which however, are still incomplete; but I have the assurance of the Principal Medical Officer that many of the wounds are slight, and that by far the greater portion of the sufferers are progressing most favourably.
I have just learnt that the enemy have abandoned a work in the rear of the “Ouvrages Blancs” which they constructed at the commencement of the month of May. The French took possession of it on the 7th, but did not retain it. In the other works they captured 62 pieces of artillery, and they have 14 officers, and about 400 men, prisoners.
We have a few prisoners, and amongst them a Captain of Infantry, who was wounded, and taken by Corporal Quinn, of the 47th Regiment.
I have, &c.,
RAGLAN.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
*This officer is also recommended by Colonel Tylden.
War-Department, June 18, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received three Despatches and their Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to His Lordship by Field-Marshal the Lord Raglan, G.C.B.
Before Sevastopol,
June 5, 1855.
MY LORD,
I AM deeply concerned to have to inform your Lordship that Rear Admiral Boxer died on board the Jason last night, outside the harbour of Balaklava, after a very short illness.
He was removed to that ship in the hope that the pure sea air might prove beneficial to him; but this expectation was not fulfilled. His malady made rapid progress, and early in the afternoon of yesterday it was intimated to me that his life was despaired of.
His nephew died of cholera last week, and this melancholy event so deeply affected him that his health at once gave way, and he sunk under the same disease.
It is well known that this officer devoted his whole life to the public service. Since he under-took the appointment of Admiral Superintendent of the harbour of Balaklava he has applied himself incessantly to the discharge of his arduous duties, exposing himself in all weathers; and he has rendered a most essential service to the army by improving the landing-places and establishing wharves on the west side of the port, whereby the disembarkation of stores and troops has been greatly accelerated, and communications with the shore have been rendered much easier.
RAGLAN.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
Before Sevastopol,
June 5, 1855.
MY LORD,
I HAVE great satisfaction in informing your Lordship that I received intelligence the night before last, of the evacuation of Soujak Kali by the Russians on the 28th ultimo.
It appears that previously to their retirement from the place, the troops destroyed the principal buildings and the armament which consisted of about sixty heavy guns and six mortars, and it is concluded that they have joined the garrison of Anapa, from whence many of the inhabitants have removed.
Sir Edmund Lyons has been so good as to send me the detached report of the naval operations in the Sea of Azof, which will reach England either before or at the same time as this dispatch. They reflect the highest credit on Captain Lyons of the Miranda, and the officers and men serving under his orders, and are remarkable for the intelligence, gallantry, and judgment with which they have been conducted; and it is a matter of much gratulation, which will be peculiarly felt by Her Majesty, that whilst great injury has been inflicted on the enemy in the loss of resources of every description, the most brilliant and unwonted success has been achieved in an incredibly short time with only one casualty, and that not of a serious nature.
These gallant exploits of the navy, have spread joy in our camps and afforded vast satisfaction to every individual in the army.
A body of French troops under the command of General Morris and General Canrobert, and a column of the Sardinian corps under General La Marmora, made a reconnoissance on Baidar, on the morning of the 3rd.
The former proceeded along the Woronzow-road and pushed their cavalry several miles beyond Baidar; the latter operated on the left through a mountainous district, and advanced into Baidar, after a fatiguing march; only a small number of Cossacks shewed themselves.
Nothing has occurred in front of the town.
I have, &c.
RAGLAN.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
War-Department, June 28, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received two Despatches and their Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to His Lordship by Field-Marshal the Lord Raglan, G.C.B.
Before Sevastopol,
June 14, 1855.
MY LORD,
YOUR Lordship will be concerned to learn that the army still suffers from cholera, and that it has increased since the last report.
The men in general, however, look healthy, and I hope that the duration of this sad malady will not be long.
The reports of the state of the Sardinian army are to-day a little more satisfactory.
I have, &c.,
RAGLAN.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
Before Sevastopol,
June 16, 1855.
MY LORD,
I HAVE the honour to acquaint your Lordship that Lieutenant-General Sir George Brown and Admiral Sir E. Lyons, returned from Kertch yesterday, having fully and successfully accomplished the objects of the expedition to that part of the Crimea.
I have the highest satisfaction in drawing your Lordships’ attention to the manner in which the Lieutenant-General conducted the duties I entrusted to his charge; and I entertain no doubt that if he had encountered the resistance which I was led to expect he would have met with, the result would have been equally advantageous, and would have reflected the same credit upon his arrangements, whilst the efficiency and gallantry of the troops would have been brought into stronger light. But it is a matter of great joy that so much should have been done without the loss of a life.
He feels greatly indebted to General Dautemarre and Reschid Pasha, who commanded the French and Turkish troops respectively, for their ready cooperation and assistance.
It has afforded me the most sincere pleasure to have the opportunity of personally congratulating Sir E. Lyons on the success of the expedition, for which he was from the first so warm an advocate, and to which he always attached the highest importance, and on the result of the attacks upon the enemy’s possessions in the Sea of Azof. The excellence of the arrangements for the bombardment of Taganrog does infinite honour to Captain Lyons, of H.M.S. Miranda, and at once testifies his ability, determination and gallantry.
The progress of the works against Sevastopol since I reported to your Lordship on the 12th, has been perfectly satisfactory, and new batteries are completed, which will enable both the English and the French armies to resume the offensive with the utmost vigour.
I have, &c.
RAGLAN.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
P.S. I have just received a letter from Colonel Shirley, in which he expresses his regret at having omitted the name of Captain Peel, 34th Regiment, who was severely wounded in the successful attack of the Quarries on the 7th ultimo, where he highly distinguished himself.
War-Department, July 2, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received a Despatch and its Enclosure, of which the following are copies, addressed to His Lordship by the late Field-Marshal Lord Raglan, G.C.B.
Before Sevastopol,
June 19, 1855.
MY LORD,
I INFORMED your Lordship, on the 16th, that new batteries had been completed, and that in consequence the Allies would be enabled to resume the offensive against Sevastopol with the utmost vigour.
Accordingly, on the 17th, at daylight a very heavy fire was opened from all the batteries in the English and French trenches, and maintained throughout the day, and the effect produced appeared so satisfactory, that it was determined that the French should attack the Malakoff works the next morning, and that the English should assail the Redan as soon after as I might consider it desirable.
It was at first proposed that the artillery fire should be resumed on the morning of the 18th, and should be kept up for about two hours, for the purpose of destroying any works the enemy might have thrown up in the night, and of opening passages through the abattis that covered the Redan; but on the evening of the 17th it was intimated to me by General Pelissier that he had determined, upon further consideration, that the attack by his troops should take place at three the following morning.
The French therefore commenced their operations as day broke, and, as their several columns came within range of the enemy’s fire, they encountered the most serious opposition, both from musketry and the guns in the works, which had been silenced the previous evening; and, observing this, I was induced at once to order our columns to move out of the trenches upon the Redan.
It had been arranged that detachments from the Light, 2nd, and 4th Divisions, which I placed for the occasion under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir G. Brown, should be formed into three columns; that the right one should attack the left face of the Redan between the flanking batteries; that the centre should advance upon the salient angle; and that the left should move upon the re-entering angle formed by the right face and flank of the work; the first and last preceding the centre column.
The flank columns at once obeyed the signal to advance, preceded by covering parties of the Rifle Brigade, and by sailors carrying ladders and soldiers carrying woolbags; but they had no sooner shown themselves beyond the trenches than they were assailed by a most murderous fire of grape and musketry. Those in advance were either killed or wounded, and the remainder found it impossible to proceed. I never before witnessed such a continued and heavy fire of grape combined with musketry from the enemy’s works, which appeared to be fully manned; and the long list of killed and wounded in the Light and 4th Divisions, and the seamen of the Naval Brigade, under Captain Peel, who was unfortunately wounded, though not severely, will shew that a very large proportion of those that went forward fell. Major-General Sir John Campbell, who led the left attack, and Colonel Shadforth, of the 57th, who commanded the storming party under his direction, were both killed, as was also Colonel Yea, of the Royal Fusiliers, who led the right column.
I cannot say too much in praise of these officers. Major-General Sir J. Campbell had commanded the 4th Division from the period of the battle of Inkerman, till the arrival very recently of Lieutenant-General Bentinck. He had devoted himself to his duty without any intermission, and had acquired the confidence and respect of all; I most deeply lament his loss.
Colonel Shadforth, had maintained the efficiency of his regiment by constant attention to all the details of his command, and Colonel Yea was not only distinguished for his gallantry, but had exercised his control of the Royal Fusiliers in such a manner as to win the affections of the soldiers under his orders, and to secure to them every comfort and accommodation which his personal exertions could procure for them.
I shall not be able to send your Lordship correct lists of the killed and wounded by this opportunity, but I will forward them by telegraph as soon as they are made out.
I have not any definite information upon the movements of the French columns, and the atmosphere became so obscured by the smoke from the guns and musketry, that it was not possible by personal observation to ascertain their progress, though I was particularly well situated for the purpose; but I understand that their left column, under General Dautemarre, passed the advanced works of the enemy, and threatened the gorge of the Malakof Tower; and that the two other columns, under Generals Mayran and Brunet, who both, I regret to say, were killed, met with obstacles equal to those we encountered, and were obliged in consequence to abandon the attack.
The superiority of our fire on the day we opened, led both General Pelissier and myself, and the officers of the Artillery and Engineers of the two Services, and the Armies in general, to conclude that the Russian Artillery fire was, in a great measure subdued, and that the operation we projected could be undertaken with every prospect of success. The result has shown that the resources of the enemy were not exhausted, and that they had still the power, either from their ships or from their batteries, to bring an overwhelming fire upon their assailants.
Whilst the direct attack upon the Redan was proceeding, Lieutenant-General Sir R. England was directed to send one of the brigades of the 3rd Division, under the command of Major-General Barnard, down the Woronzow Ravine, with a view to give support to the attacking columns on his right; and the other brigade, under Major-General Eyre, still further to the left, to threaten the works at the head of the Dockyard Creek.
I have not yet received their reports, and shall not be able to send them to your Lordship to-day; but General Eyre was very seriously engaged, and he himself wounded, though I am happy to say not severely, and he possessed himself of a churchyard, which the enemy had hitherto carefully watched, and some houses within the place; but as the town front was not attacked, it became necessary to withdraw his brigade at night.
I shall make a special report upon this by the next mail, and I shall avail myself of the same opportunity to name to you the officers who have been particularly mentioned to me.
I am concerned to have to inform you that Lieutenant-Colonel Tylden of the Royal Engineers, whose services I have had the greatest pleasure in bringing so frequently to your Lordship’s notice, is very severely wounded. The account I received of him this morning is upon the whole satisfactory, and I entertain strong hopes that his valuable life will be preserved.
I feel greatly indebted to Sir G. Brown for the manner in which he conducted the duties I entrusted to him; and my warmest acknowledgements are due to Major-General Harry Jones, not only for his valuable assistance on the present occasion, but for the able, zealous, and energetic manner in which he has conducted the siege operations since he assumed the command of the Royal Engineers.
He received a wound from a grape shot in the forehead yesterday, which I trust will not prove serious.
I brought up the 1st Division from the vicinity of Balaklava as a reserve, and I shall retain them on these heights.
The Sardinian troops, under General La Marmora, and the Turkish troops, under Omer Pasha, crossed the Tchernaia on the 17th instant, and occupy positions in front of Chorgouna. They have not come in contact with any large body of the enemy.
I have, &c.,
RAGLAN.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
Admiralty, July 2, 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,
June 19, 1855.
SIR,
THE enclosed copy of a letter from Captain Lushington, who commands the Naval Brigade before Sevastopol, has just reached me in time to be transmitted for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, by this day’s mail.
Their Lordships will readily perceive that the gallantry which has distinguished the Naval Brigade throughout the war, was never more distinguished then it was yesterday, during the attack on the Malakoff Tower and Redan; and on a future early occasion it will be my pleasing duty to bring under their Lordships’ notice, the conduct of those engaged during the late bombardment and attack.
I regret to find the name of Lieutenant Thomas O. Kidd, of the Albion, amongst the killed yesterday; he was a zealous and gallant young officer, and had served a long time with the Naval Brigade.
Amongst the wounded is Captain Peel, of the Leander, whose chivalrous gallantry and cheerful readiness for every duty render his presence with the brigade invaluable, and I hope that Captain Lushington may not long be deprived of his services.
I regret also to find amongst the wounded Lieutenant William B. Urmston, of the Queen; Lieutenant John H. Cave, of the Diamond; Lieutenant Osborne W. Dalyell, of the Leander: Mr. George Parsons, Mate, of the Dauntless; and Mr. H.E. Wood, Midshipman, of the Queen, Aide-de-Camp to Captain Peel.
I am, &c.
(Signed) EDMUND LYONS,
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
To the Secretary of the Admiralty.
London.
Camp, Naval Brigade,
June 18, 1855.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report that on Sunday, at 3 A.M. we opened fire as before on the different forts of Sevastopol, which was very soon returned, but not with the spirit or skill that usually characterizes the enemy’s fire. Towards 2 P.M. the fire became very slack and their batteries appeared much shaken.
The fire continued all day, and the Commander of the Forces having intimated to me his acceptance of my proposal to carry the ladders in case of an assault being made on the town and batteries, I told off four parties of 60 men each to accompany the four columns ordered for this service; and Captain Peel having volunteered his services on this occasion, I placed them under his command, and I beg to enclose a list of the officers under him. I regret to say that the assault which took place at 3 A.M., was not successful; but our severe loss shows too plainly that the seamen and officers of the Naval Brigade did their duty most gallantly, and their ladders were at their places in spite of the most murderous fire I have witnessed.
Captain Peel led one party in the most gallant style, and Lieutenant Cave led the other. The other two columns did not advance, and consequently the ladder parties, although exposed to a severe fire, as indeed was everyone, did not suffer much.
Captain Peel was shot through the arm, but was enabled to continue his duty until the affair was over. I have to regret as well that Lieutenant Urmston, Cave, and Dalyell, Messrs. Parsons, mate, and Wood, midshipman, were all wounded.
Lieutenant Kidd and 9 seamen were killed, and 41 seamen wounded, and 1 missing; these men, I trust, will be got in to-night after dark. The party under Lieutenant Cave, with the loss of Lieutenant Kidd and 5 seamen killed, Lieutenant Cave and 7 seaman wounded, equally performed the duty assigned. A heavy fire was kept up from our batteries with admirable precision, until the Commander-in-Chief ordered it to be slackened.
I have also to report the bursting of one of the 95 cwt. 68 pounders, which caused the death of four men, and wounded three.
The enemy’s line of battle ships did not fire, but the steamers did. I have the honour to return a list of casualties for the last two days, and to inform you our sick list is 49, and all doing well.
Every officer and man engaged in this arduous service has done his duty most gallantly, and I only await your permission to recommend those whose conduct I have particularly noticed.
I have, &c.,
STEPHEN LUSH1NGTON.
Royal Albert, off Sevastopol.
June 19, 1855.
SIR,
ON our return from Kertch, on the 15th instant, Vice-Admiral Bruat and I were informed by the Commanders of the Land Forces, that they intended to reopen the fire of the batteries on the following morning, and on the 18th instant to make further approaches towards Sevastopol, and endeavour to obtain possession of the enemy’s positions of the Malakoff and Redan, and their Excellencies also informed us that they had ascertained that the nightly fire of our steamers had produced considerable effect.
2. On hearing this, my colleague and I at once determined to repeat the operation on the two intervening nights, and accordingly on the 16th instant, the steam frigates and sloops named in the margin,* accompanied by several French steamers, discharged a heavy fire on the town and sea defences, whilst the Danube, Lieutenant R.P. Cator, and the launches of the Royal Albert, under the command of Lieutenants George W. Watson and Edmund Wilmot, poured in a shower of rockets, and happily without any casualty.
3. During the night of the 17th instant, the Princess Royal, and the steam-frigates and sloops named in the second marginal note†, and accompanied by a division of French steamers and the launches as before, renewed the firing, and on this occasion I am sorry to observe there was some loss, the Princess Royal having had one man killed, and two wounded; the Sidon, two men killed and eleven wounded; and Captain Lyons, of the Miranda, was so severely wounded in the leg by a shell, that I have been obliged to send him to Therapia Hospital.
4. Their Lordships will readily believe that a strong desire prevailed throughout the fleet to go under fire, but as only one ship of the line could do so with advantage, I thought it right that it should be the Princess Royal, commanded by Lord Clarence Paget, who having planned the course with infinite zeal and ability, was naturally best acquainted with it.
5. Returns of the casualties are herewith transmitted.
I am, &c.,
EDMUND LYONS,
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
*Tribune, Captain Hon. J.R. Drummond; Highflyer, Captain John Moore; Terrible, Captain J. McCleverty; Miranda, Captain E.M. Lyons; Niger, Commander H.W. Hire; Arrow, Lieutenant W.K. Jolliffe; Viper, Lieutenant H.W. Comber; Snake, Lieutenant H.F. McKillop; Weser, Lieutenant J.E. Commerell.
†Sidon, Captain G. Goldsmith; Highflyer, Captain John Moore; Miranda, Captain E.M. Lynne; Viper, Lieutenant [Final line illegible]
War-Department, July 4, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received a Despatch and its Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to His Lordship by the late Field-Marshal the Lord Raglan, G.C.B.
Before Sevastopol,
June 23, 1855.
MY LORD,
I INFORMED your Lordship in my despatch of the 19th instant, that I would make a more special report upon the movements of the 3rd Division, as soon as I should receive the reports of Lieutenant-General Sir R. England, and the Major-Generals commanding brigades under him.
The 1st Brigade, under Major-General Barnard, proceeded down the Woronzow-road, and was placed in position on the right of the ravine, ready to co-operate with the columns of attack on the right; whilst the 2nd Brigade, under Major-General Eyre, moved down the ravine which separates the left of the English from the right of the French advanced works, for the purpose of attacking the enemy’s ambuscades, and making a demonstration on the head of the dockyard creek.
This service was performed with the utmost gallantry, and notwithstanding that they were exposed to a most galling fire, the troops maintained themselves in the position they had taken up during the day, and in the evening withdrew unmolested, leaving a post at the cemetery, which had been one of the objects of the attack in the morning. The action having from circumstances become a most serious one, I beg, as the most satisfactory way of making your Lordship acquainted with the particulars, to lay a copy of the Major-General’s letter before your Lordship, and to solicit your attention to the officers whose services he particularly notices, and at the same time to his own distinguished conduct.
Your Lordship will see with concern that the loss sustained by this brigade is very considerable, and that Major-General Eyre is himself wounded but I have every reason to hope that the injury he has received is not very severe, and will not incapacitate him from the discharge of his duty with the same energy and devotion as he has already applied himself to its performance during the protracted operations before Sevastopol.
Lieutenant-General Sir G. Brown, to whose able assistance I referred in my former despatch, has specially brought to my notice the distinguished conduct of Colonel Yea, who was unfortunately killed, and pays a just tribute to the great merits of this deeply lamented officer; of Lieutenant-Colonel Lysons, of the 23rd; Lieutenant-Colonel Johnstone, of the 33rd; and Captain Gwilt of the 34th, all of whom are wounded; of Major-General Codrington, who commanded the Light Division; of Captain Blackett, of the Rifle Brigade, who has lost a leg; and of Captain Forman, of the Rifle Brigade, who fell upon the occasion; and Major-General Codrington mentions the admirable conduct of Captain Turner, of the 7th Foot; Major Macdonell, of the Rifle Brigade; Lieutenant Knox, of the Rifle Brigade, who is wounded; and Lieutenant Donovan, of the 33rd.
Lieutenant-General Sir R. England speaks highly of Colonel Cobbe, of the 4th Regiment, who commanded in the trenches of the left attack, and is severely wounded; and Lieutenant-General Bentinck eulogizes the conduct of Colonel Lord West, of the 21st Foot, who assumed the command of the left column after the death of Major-General Sir J. Campbell; of Lieutenant-Colonel Warre, who succeeded to the command of the 57th Regiment, on the death of Colonel Shadforth; of Lieutenant-Colonel Cole, commanding 17th Regiment ; and of Captains Croker (who was killed) Gordon, McKinstry, and O’Conor, and Lieutenant Thompson, of the 17th Regiment; and Lieutenant Shadwell Clerke, of the 21st Regiment; and Colour-Serjeant Colcliffe and Serjeant Pratt, of the 17th; and Captain the Honourable J. Stuart, and Lieutenants Boileau (who is severely wounded) and Saunders, of the Rifle Brigade.
Major-General H. Jones reports most favourably of the services of the following officers of Engineers: Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon, Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman, Lieutenant-Colonel Tylden, Lieutenant Donnelly, Lieutenant Fisher, and he deeply laments the loss of Captain Jesse, Lieutenant Graves, and Lieutenant Murray, who fell upon the occasion.
I must express my obligations to Lieutenant General Sir R. England, Lieutenant-General Pennefather, Lieutenant-General Bentinck, and Major-General Codrington, for the able manner in which they conducted their duties; and I avail myself of the present opportunity to inform your Lordship, that Lieutenant-General Pennefather, who was then labouring under illness, is now in so bad a state of health as to be under the necessity of withdrawing from the army. I shall deeply regret his departure, entertaining the highest opinion of him, and knowing his devotion to Her Majesty’s service.
I must not omit to mention the following officers of the Royal Navy, who particularly distinguished themselves on the 18th: Captain Peel, who commanded the whole of the sailors employed, and is severely wounded; Messrs. Wood (severely wounded) and Daniel, who have been through the whole siege; Lieutenants Urmston and Dalyell, who are both severely wounded; and Mr. Parsons, Mate, who is wounded; Lieutenants Cave and Kidd, both wounded, the latter mortally; and Mr. Kennedy, Mate.
I enclose the returns of casualties from the 18th to the 21st.
I have, &c.
RAGLAN.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
Camp before Sevastopol,
June 19, 1855.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report, for the information of Lieutenant-General Sir Richard England, K.C.B., commanding the division, that, agreeably to his instructions, I moved off yesterday morning between one and two o’clock A.M. with my brigade, consisting of the 9th, 18th, 28th, 38th, and 44th Regiments – total strength about 2,000 bayonets, and proceeded down the ravine on our left, by the French Picquet-house, for the purpose of attacking the enemy’s ambuscades, and of making a demonstration on that side.
In attacking the first of these ambuscades we were anticipated by the French, who cleverly took them on their left flank as we advanced in front, and made several prisoners. Beyond this the French had no instructions to co-operate with us; I, therefore, immediately pushed on an advanced guard under Major Fielden, 44th Regiment, composed of marksmen from each regiment, supporting it on the right by the 44th and 38th Regiments, and on the left by the 18th Regiment, keeping at first the 9th and 28th Regiments in reserve.
The enemy, whose strength I could not estimate, occupied a strong position; their right rested on a Mamelon, their left on a Cemetery. These points were occupied by marksmen.
The intervening ground was intersected and the road barricaded with stone walls, which our men were obliged to pull down, under fire, before they could advance.
In rear of this position, towards the fortress, the enemy occupied several houses, and there were bodies of the enemy seen in rear, as reserves, but of what strength I could not say. This position, under the fire of the guns of the fortress, was strong, and we could not expect to carry it and retain it without sustaining a considerable loss, and which, I regret to state, we have experienced both in officers and men; but it is gratifying to feel that they all most nobly performed their duty on this occasion. The 18th Regiment pushed on, and occupied some houses immediately under the Garden-wall Battery.
The 44th occupied some houses on the right, from whence they kept up a fire on the enemy’s embrasures. Lieutenant-Colonel Lowth moved on with his regiment (the 33th), and after taking possession of some houses in front, endeavoured to turn the flank of a battery which annoyed us in front. These parties were afterwards from time to time reinforced or relieved by the 9th Regiment, the 28th Regiment being drawn up in line in rear to support the whole.
Having driven the enemy from these points, I continued to occupy them, with the view to ulterior movements, in the event of the attack on the right being successful, and until it was decided what portion of the ground should be retained for siege operations.
I cannot sufficiently express my sense of the conduct of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, on this occasion. They attacked the enemy in the first instance with the utmost gallantry, holding their ground until late in the evening, although exposed all day to a concentrated fire from the guns of the fortress, in addition to which I believe the enemy brought up some field-guns, and kept continually firing shells. The losses occasioned were considerable, the total being 31 officers, 44 Serjeants, and 487 rank and file, killed or wounded.
At about five o’clock in the evening, after giving orders for the removal of the wounded to the rear, the gradual withdrawal of the parties from the front – the ground being too far in advance to be permanently occupied for siege operations, I gave over the command of the brigade to Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, 28th Regiment, having received a wound in the head in the early part of the day, which prevented me latterly from attending properly to my duties. The enemy did not attempt to molest the troops on retiring. The conduct of all was so exemplary during this trying day, that I can scarcely with justice particularize individuals. I beg, however, to thank the officers commanding corps for the assistance they afforded me, viz., Lieutenant-Colonel Borton, commanding 9th Regiment; Lieutenant-Colonel Edwards, commanding the 18th Royal Irish; Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, commanding the 28th Regiment; Colonel the Honourable A. Spencer, commanding the 44th Regiment, who was wounded; and to Lieutenant-Colonel Staveley, who succeeded to the command of the regiment on Colonel Spencer being obliged to quit the field; Lieutenant-Colonel Lowth, commanding 38th Regiment, who was also wounded, and to Lieutenant-Colonel Sparks, who succeeded him in the command of the regiment; and Major Fielden, 44th, commanding the advanced guard.
I received also the utmost assistance from my Brigade-Major Captain Faussett, 44th Regiment, and also on this, as on many other occasions from my Aide-de-Camp Captain Robertson, 4th Regiment. I was also indebted to Brevet-Major Stuart Wortley, Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General, who kindly volunteered to act on my Staff.
I beg also to report the judicious arrangements of the Medical Department on this occasion, and especially to thank Assistant-Surgeon John Gibbons, 44th Regiment, and Assistant-Surgeon Jeeves, 38th Regiment, for their zealous and humane exertions in the field, while exposed to a most galling fire.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) WM. EYRE,
Major-General.
War-Department, July 11, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has received a Despatch, of which the following is a copy, addressed to his Lordship by Field-Marshal the late Lord Raglan, G.C.B.; and has also this day received two Despatches and their Enclosures, addressed to his Lordship by Lieutenant-General Simpson, Commanding Her Majesty’s Forces in the East, of which copies are also subjoined.
Before Sevastopol,
June 25, 1855.
MY LORD,
I AM much concerned to have to announce to you the death of Major-General Estcourt, Adjutant-General of this army, which took place yesterday morning at nine o’clock, after an illness of little more than three days; he died of cholera, and I deeply lament the loss of so estimable a man, and of an officer so anxious to perform his duty.
I beg strongly to recommend that Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable W. L. Pakenham may be placed at the head of the Adjutant-General’s department. He has done the duty of Deputy-Adjutant-General since the army was formed; he is an excellent man of business, and well acquainted with the service in all its branches, and his appointment would not alone be agreeable to me, but would be equally so to General Simpson, who entertains a very high opinion of his qualifications, and reposes every confidence in him.
I have reported the death of General Estcourt to the General Commanding in Chief, and have mentioned to his Lordship my recommendation of Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable W. L. Pakenham.
I have, &c.,
RAGLAN.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
Before Sevastopol,
June 30, 1855.
MY LORD,
IT is with the deepest regret that I announce to your Lordship the death of Field-Marshal Lord Raglan, G.C.B., which melancholy event took place a little before nine o’clock on the evening of Thursday last, the 28th instant, his Lordship expired without any suffering in the midst of the officers composing his personal staff.
I have further to report that being the next senior officer present, I have assumed the command of this army, until instructions shall arrive from England.
I have, &c.,
JAMES SIMPSON,
Lieutenant-General Commanding
. I have, &c.,
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.