War-Department, July 23, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received a Despatch and its Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to his Lordship by Lieutenant-General Simpson, Commanding Her Majesty’s Forces in the East.
Before Sevastopol,
July 10, 1855.
MY LORD,
I HAVE the honour to enclose the returns of casualties to the 8th instant.
Your Lordship will regret to see that the lists of killed and wounded are heavy; but the nearer we approach the defences of the place the greater number of casualties must be expected.
Brevet-Major Harrison, 63rd Regiment, was killed on the evening of the 7th instant, whilst proceeding to the trenches; he was a most excellent officer, and is a serious loss to Her Majesty’s service.
It will give your Lordship sincere pleasure to mark the improvement in the general health of the troops.
At five o’clock this morning a heavy fire was opened upon the Redan by the Allied batteries.
I have, &c.,
JAMES SIMPSON,
Lieutenant-General Commanding.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
DESPATCHES, of which the following are copies, have been received at the Admiralty from Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons, Bart., G.C.B., Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty’s Ships and Vessels in the Black Sea.
Royal Albert, off Sevastopol,
July 10, 1855.
SIR,
THEIR Lordships will have great pleasure in learning that Commander Osborn, of the Vesuvius, mentions in favourable terms a letter he had received from Lieutenant W.N.W. Hewett, the Commander of the Beagle, reporting the destruction of the floating bridge in the Straits of Genitchi.
2. I have now the honour to enclose a copy of that letter, and to draw their Lordships’ attention to the excellent arrangements made by Lieutenant Hewett, as well as to the gallant and able way in which his orders were executed by Mr. Martin Tracey, Midshipman, of the Vesuvius, Mr. John Hayles, Acting Gunner of the Beagle and the boats’ crews, one of whom, Joseph Trewavas, Ordinary Seaman, lent from the Agamemnon, was wounded, and is particularly mentioned as having cut the hawsers.
I am, &c.
(Signed) EDMUND LYONS,
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
To the Secretary of the Admiralty.
London.
Beagle, off the town of Ghenitchesk,
4th July, 1855.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to inform you that on my arrival off this place I immediately proceeded to minutely examine the communication between the town and Arabat Spit, and, on so doing, found it to be by means of a ferry of two large flats and hawsers, which I determined to destroy if possible.
Accordingly on the forenoon of yesterday I despatched my gig, under Mr. John Hayles, Acting Gunner of this ship, and paddle-box boat, under Mr. Martin Tracey, Midshipman, of the Vesuvius.
I have much pleasure in reporting that they succeeded entirely in destroying it by cutting the hawsers and casting the boats adrift, which was done under a very heavy fire of musketry at about 80 yards, the troops completely lining the beach, and the adjacent houses being filled with riflemen.
Great credit is due to Mr. Hayles for his activity and zeal in destroying the same, and to Mr. Martin Tracey for the effectual fire he kept up in covering his retreat, the firing from the ship and paddle-box boat at the same time causing great confusion and loss amongst the enemy as they retired from their exposed position.
Mr. Hayles speaks in the highest terms of the boat’s crew, especially of Joseph Trewavas, Ordinary Seaman, lent from the Agamemnon, who cut the hawsers.
I enclose a list of casualties, which, I am happy to say, is very small, although the gig and paddle-box boat were riddled with musket balls.
I have &c.,
(Signed) W.N.W. HEWETT,
Lieutenant Commanding.
To Commander S. Osborne,
Senior Officer of Her
Majesty’s ship Vesuvius.
War-Department, July 30, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received two Despatches and their Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to his Lordship by Lieutenant-General Simpson, Commanding Her Majesty’s Forces in the East.
Before Sevastopol,
July 17, 1855.
MY LORD,
I HAVE the honour to submit for your Lordship’s information the accompanying letters from Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, 90th Regiment; the one referring to his personal services, and the other to those of a party of the 55th Regiment on the occasion of the capture of the Quarries in front of the Redan, on the night of the 7th ultimo.
With regard to Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell’s own services I think it right to inform your Lordship that I find, upon enquiry, that the charge of holding the Quarries on the night in question, and of repelling the repeated attacks of the enemy was confided to that officer after he had led the assault, and was in fact a separate and detached command from that of Colonel Shirley, who acted as General of the day in the trenches of the right attack; the despatch of the late Field-Marshal Lord Raglan has already shewn how admirably that duty was performed by the brave men who were under the immediate direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell.
The Lieutenant-Colonel’s letter, recording the good conduct of the party of the 55th Regiment, speaks for itself.
I have, &c.,
JAMES SIMPSON,
Lieutenant-General Commanding.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
Camp, Light Division,
July 13, 1855.
SIR,
THE despatch of the late lamented Field-Marshal Lord Raglan, of 9th June, mentions that I commanded the storming party on the Quarries on the evening of the 7th June. May I beg most respectfully that you will bring it to the notice of Lieutenant-General Simpson, Commanding the Forces, that I not only had the honour of commanding the storming party, but that having been twice wounded in the assault, I retained the sole and undivided command in the Quarries, not only of the original attacking force and supports, but of all reinforcements, during the whole night, until relieved at 7 A.M. on the 8th. The despatches must have explained already that the enemy made several desperate efforts, during the night, to regain the works, and that on three occasions overpowering numbers succeeded in re-entering, but were, on all occasions, driven back at the point of the bayonet. The entire night was, indeed, one continued struggle for this position, the fatigue and anxiety of which I have never recovered from. When Lord Raglan’s despatch was completed, I have reason to suppose his Lordship had not received the details, as my own report to Colonel Shirley, General of the trenches, was unavoidably delayed in consequence of my wounds, and not being able to write. In justice to myself, conscious of having performed an important duty, to the best of my ability, and successfully, I now respectfully submit this statement to the Commander of the Forces, with the hope that he may be pleased to have my services on this occasion mentioned and particularized. At present, several officers have equal praise in the despatch who were not in the Quarries at all.
I have, &c.
ROB. CAMPBELL, Lieutenant-Colonel,
Commanding 90th Light Infantry.
Lieutenant-Colonel Brownrigg,
Military Secretary, &c. &c. &c.
Head Quarters.
Camp, July 10.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour of forwarding the enclosed letter for the consideration of the Lieutenant-General Commanding the Forces; but I beg to remark, that in my report of the occurrences on the night of the 7th of June, I took care to mention the services of the 55th Regiment, which appear to have been overlooked in the late Field-Marshal’s despatch.
I have, &c.,
H. SHIRLEY, Colonel, 88th Foot,
Commanding in the trenches on
the night of 7th June.
The Military Secretary,
Head Quarters.
Before Sevastopol,
July 8, 1855.
SIR,
I BEG to draw your attention to the inadvertent omission, in Lord Raglan’s despatch of the 9th June, of any mention of the 55th Regiment as sharing in the attack and defence of the Quarries, during the night of the 7th June. I did not mention the regiment in my report, as they were not given over to me as part of the attacking party; but the officer commanding the party informs me that they, being originally told off as a working party, were directed by the Engineer (Captain Browne) to throw down their tools, and that they were moved by you as a support to Egerton’s Rifle-pit, whence they moved to support the attacking party, and did good service in clearing the Russian trenches, and in the defence throughout the night, as their severe list of killed and wounded attests (53 out of 160); many of the former not being found until the flag of truce, when their bodies were found in the trenches they had gained.
The officer in command of the party, Captain, now Major, Cure, reports that the gallant conduct of Lieutenant Stone, who was killed at the head of his men, charging the Russians in their trench with the bayonet, and of Captain Elton, who, with a small body of men, formed a covering party on the right to those who were reversing the trench, is particularly deserving of mention, as is that also of Lieutenants Scott and Williams, who were most active in performing their duties.
Hoping that the Commander of the Forces may deem this statement sufficiently satisfactory to enable him to move in the subject,
I have, &c.,
ROB. CAMPBELL, Lieutenant-Colonel,
90th Regiment, Commanding Assault.
To Colonel Shirley, Commanding
2nd Brigade, Light Division.
Before Sevastopol,
July 17, 1855.
MY LORD,
I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith the Nominal and Numerical Return of Casualties in this army, from the 13th to the 15th instant; also, the Weekly Report of the Inspector-General of Hospitals, which will be most gratifying to your Lordship, as shewing a steady decrease in the number of cases of spasmodic cholera.
I have but little to report to your Lordship: our siege operations are steadily progressing.
Last night, about eleven o’clock, a sortie was made by the enemy on the right of the French works, in front of the Mamelon; the cannonade and fire of musquetry was exceedingly heavy, but I have not as yet been made acquainted with any particulars of the attack.
I regret to have to announce to your Lordship the death of Captain Rowland A. Fraser, of the 42nd Highlanders, a very talented young officer, who was killed in the trenches of the right attack, last night, by the splinter of a shell.
I have, &c.,
JAMES SIMPSON,
Lieutenant-General Commanding.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c
War-Department, August 1, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received a Despatch and its Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to his Lordship by Lieutenant-General Simpson, Commanding Her Majesty’s Forces in the East.
Before Sevastopol,
July 21, 1855.
MY LORD,
I HAVE great pleasure to inform your Lordship that the health of the Army has greatly improved; cholera has nearly disappeared, and although more sickness has appeared amongst the officers, it is not of that character to cause uneasiness.
With reference to the exterior army, the Russians hold their strong position on the Mackenzie Heights, extending by Aitodor to Albat, with advanced posts by Chouli, Ogenbash, and the strong range of heights overhanging Urkusta and the valley of Baidar. It is reported they have also a force of artillery and infantry at Alupka. The French have pushed forward the whole of their cavalry into the Valley of Baidar, resting upon the Sardinians, upon the left bank of the Souhai river, and communicating with the French upon the Tchernaya, whilst the high ridge protecting Balaklava is guarded by the Turkish Army.
I propose sending four squadrons of light cavalry into the Valley of Baidar tomorrow, to protect and afford convoys to the commissariat for the purpose of bringing in forage and supplies for the use of the army.
Major-General Markham, arrived on the 19th instant, and, agreeable to the instructions conveyed in your Lordship’s telegraphic message, I have appointed him to the command of the 2nd Division.
Sir Stephen Lushington, K.C.B., having been promoted to the rank of Admiral, has been relieved in the command of the Naval Brigade, by Captain Honourable Henry Keppel. I take this opportunity of recording my sense of the ability and zeal with which he has throughout conducted his arduous and responsible situation of commanding the Naval Brigade, which has rendered such excellent service in our batteries.
I beg also to report to your Lordship that Mr. Commissary-General Filder has been obliged to relinquish the command of his important department, and will have to return to England upon the recommendation of a Medical Board.
I inclose the list of casualties to the 19th instant.
I have, &c.,
JAMES SIMPSON,
Lieutenant-General Commanding.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
War-Department, August 6, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received a Despatch and its Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to his Lordship by General Simpson, Commanding Her Majesty’s Forces in the East.
Before Sevastopol,
July 24, 1855.
MY LORD,
I HAVE the honour to enclose the weekly return from Dr. Hall of the state of the sick. Your Lordship will read with satisfaction the improved condition of the health of the Army. I had entertained fears, from the very great heat of the last few days, that cholera would have assumed a more virulent form, but such has fortunately not been the case.
I have nothing to relate of importance respecting the siege. On the night of the 22nd the enemy opened a very heavy fire of musketry from the parapets of the Malakoff and adjacent works, but they did not attempt an attack. They opened a similar fire in the course of the night on the left of the French. I have every reason to believe that they were apprehensive of an attack on the part of our Allies, and for this reason opened the fire above described, which did no damage to either the works or soldiers.
The troops in the Baidar Valley have not altered their positions from the date of the last time I had the honour to address you.
I have, &c.,
JAMES SIMPSON,
Lieutenant-General Commanding.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
War-Department, August 13, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received a Despatch and its Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to his Lordship by General Simpson, Commanding Her Majesty’s Forces in the East.
Before Sevastopol,
July 31, 1855.
MY LORD,
I BEG to enclose the list of casualties to the 29th instant, which I regret to say are very heavy.
The proximity of our works to those of the enemy, together with the lightness of the night, and rocky nature of the ground, making it impossible to obtain rapid cover, materially contributes to such a result; notwithstanding which disadvantages our engineers continue steadily, though slowly, to advance in the direction of the Great Redan.
An agreeable change has taken place the last few days in the temperature of the weather; heavy showers of rain have occasionally fallen.
Several reconnaissances have been made from the valley of Baidar towards Ozenbash, Aitodor, and through the Phoros Pass towards Alupka, the enemy nowhere appearing in any force; but the narrowness of the mountain roads, with the exception of the Woronzow, makes it unnecessary for them to alter their concentrated position on the heights of Mackenzie and plateau of the Belbek.
The health of the troops continues very satisfactory.
I have, &c.,
JAMES SIMPSON,
Lieutenant-General Commanding
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
War-Department, August 16, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received a Despatch and its Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to his Lordship by General Simpson, Commanding Her Majesty’s Forces in the East.
Before Sevastopol,
August 4, 1855.
MY LORD,
I HAVE the honour to acquaint your Lordship that on the night of the 2nd instant, between ten and eleven o’clock, the enemy made a sortie in considerable force by the Woronzoff-road. The strength of the enemy is computed to be about 2000. Their object was to destroy a heavy iron chevaux de frize, made across the Woronzoff-road, between our right and left attacks, and being further supported by heavy columns in rear, to take advantage of such circumstances as might present themselves.
They came on with loud cheers and bugling, and were received with great gallantry by our advanced picquet, under the command of Lieutenant R.E. Carr, of the 39th Regiment, who withdrew his men, firing at the same time upon the enemy, to the main body, under the command of Captain Leckie, 39th Regiment.
A heavy and well-directed fire was opened upon the enemy by the party under Captain Leckie on the Woronzoff-road, as also by the guards of the trenches on the right of the fourth parallel, under the command of Captain Boyle, of the 89th Regiment, and Captain Turner, of the 1st Royals, which, in about ten minutes, caused the enemy to retire from an attack which, if it had not been so well met, might have been a serious affair.
The enemy left four men killed, and some wounded were carried away. We had only one man slightly wounded in this affair.
I have the satisfaction of informing your Lordship of the return to this Army of Captain Montagu, of the Royal Engineers, from being a prisoner of war. He expresses himself highly grateful for the kindness with which he was treated by the Russians during his captivity.
It is with great regret that I have to communicate to your Lordship that Lieutenant-General Sir R. England, G.C.B., has been compelled, upon the recommendation of a Medical Board, to return to England. Sir R. England is the last of the General Officers who left the United Kingdom in command of a Division; he has remained at his post throughout the trying heats of Bulgaria, and the severities and hardships of the winter’s campaign in the Crimea; and great credit is due to this officer for the constancy and untiring zeal he has exhibited in carrying out arduous and difficult duties on all occasions.
I have, &c.,
JAMES SIMPSON,
General Commanding.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
War-Department, August 23, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received a Despatch and its Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to his Lordship by General Simpson.
Before Sevastopol,
August 11, 1855.
MY LORD,
I HAD the honour to acquaint you that during the past week the Army has been unceasingly employed in strengthening and improving the advanced works, which are now so close to the enemy, that it is with the greatest difficulty any approach can be made. By the casualty return which I enclose, your Lordship will regret to see a large number, though the proportion of wounded over the killed is considerable.
Brevet-Major Macgowan, of the 93rd, is supposed to have fallen a prisoner into the hands of the enemy. I have caused a letter to be addressed to the Governor of the place, to ascertain his fate, but up to this time I have received no answer.
The health of the Army is, on the whole, good, although the cholera still continues to take daily several victims.
I have, &c.,
JAMES SIMPSON,
General Commanding.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
War-Department, August 27, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received a Despatch and its Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to his Lordship by General Simpson.
Before Sevastopol,
August 14, 1855.
MY LORD,
DURING the last few days considerable activity has been exhibited in the movements of the enemy, both in the town and on the north side; and, from the information we have received from the country, as well as the examination of deserters, I have reason to believe that the Russians may attempt to force us to raise the siege by a vigorous attack from without.
Every precaution is taken on the part of the Allies, and the ground occupied by the Sardinians above the village of Tchorgouna, and in its front, has been made very strong through the energy and skill of General La Marmora, who is unceasing in his precaution, and shews the utmost disposition to co-operate in the most agreeable manner with the Allies.
The fire has, if anything, been rather less during the day, since my last despatch. At times, however, the enemy open heavily for a short period, causing many casualties; and amongst them I regret to have to announce that of Brevet-Major Hugh Drummond, Scots Fusilier Guards, who was killed yesterday afternoon by a fragment of a shell. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him, and Her Majesty has lost the services of a most promising officer.
The firing on our side has been directed in a great measure against the large barracks, dockyard buildings, and the town, all of which shew visible signs of the admirable practice of the Royal Artillery.
I further beg to enclose the returns of casualties to the 12th instant.
I have to apologize to your Lordship for having omitted to inform you before that I had despatched the steamer Indiana, on the 8th instant, to Corfu, for the purpose of conveying the 82nd Regiment from that island to the Crimea.
Drafts for the Light Division and 71st Regiment, to the number of 800 men, the remainder of the Carabineers, and one squadron of the 1st Dragoon Guards, have arrived.
I have, &c.,
JAMES SIMPSON,
General Commanding.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
War-Department, August 29, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received two Despatches and their Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to his Lordship by General Simpson.
Before Sevastopol,
August 18, 1855.
MY LORD,
In my despatch of the 14th instant, I informed your Lordship that I had reason to believe that the Russians would attempt, by a vigorous attack, to force us to raise the siege.
This they endeavoured to do on the morning of the 16th, but the result was most glorious to those of the Allied troops who had the good fortune to be engaged.
The action commenced before daylight, by a heavy column of Russians, under the command of General Liprandi, and composed of the 6th and 17th Divisions, with the 4th and 7th Divisions in reserve, attacking the advanced posts of the Sardinians.
The ground occupied by them is on commanding hills on the right of the position, on the left bank of the Souhaia river, where it forms its junction with the Tchernaya, with two advanced posts on the opposite side. These were held with very determined gallantry for a considerable time, but being separated from their supports by the river, and not having the protection of artillery, they were compelled to leave the most advanced one.
About the same time, the 5th and 12th Divisions, to which was added a portion of the 17th; advanced against the bridge of Tractir, held by one battalion of French infantry of the line, who were for a short time obliged to yield and fall back upon the main supports; with these, however, they quickly retook the bridge at the point of the bayonet.
Again the Russians attacked with persevering courage, and were enabled to follow up their advantage by gaining the heights which rise precipitously on each side of the road; their success was but momentary – they were driven back across the river, leaving the ground covered with dead and wounded.
The Russian General, in no way daunted by the failure of his two attempts, ordered a second column, of equal force to the first, to attack; they advanced with such impetuosity, covered by the fire of their numerous artillery, that a third time the bridge was carried, and the heights above it crowned, but they were again repulsed, and retired in great confusion into the plain, followed by the bayonets of our gallant Allies.
The General Officer who commanded the Russian column, and who is supposed to be General Read, was killed, and in his possession was found the orders for the battle, signed by Prince Gortchakoff, who commanded in person.
From these it would appear that it was a most determined attempt to force us to raise the siege. Had they succeeded, Balaklava was to have been attacked by one portion of their army, whilst the heights on which we now are, were to have been stormed with the other; at the same time a vigorous sortie was to have been made from the town on the French works, on our extreme left, from the Quarantine, and another on the works on our extreme right on Mount Sapoune.
The action which I have endeavoured to describe is most glorious to the arms of the French and Sardinian troops. To meet the force of the Russians, the former had but 12,000 infantry, and 4 batteries of artillery engaged; the latter had 10,000 men in position, 4,500 actually engaged, and 24 pieces of cannon.
The Russian force consisted of from 50,000 to 60,000 men, with 160 pieces of artillery, and cavalry to the amount of 6,000.
This disparity of numbers will readily explain to your Lordship the difficulty that would have been experienced, had an attempt been made to follow up the advantage by a pursuit. The Russian retreat, moreover, was protected by the fire from the heavy guns in position on the Mackenzie heights.
The loss sustained by the Russians is estimated at between 5,000 and 6,000 men, including 600 prisoners, whilst on the part of the Allies it does not amount to more than 1,000 men.
This brilliant affair has caused the greatest delight amongst the ranks of the allied army; and while it adds fresh lustre to the gallant achievements of the French arms, it is with the utmost pleasure that I have to record the intrepid conduct and gallant bearing of the Sardinian troops, under General de la Marmora, who have for the first time met, conquered, and shed their blood against our common enemy, who is now disturbing the peace of Europe.
Captain Mowbray’s battery of 32-pounder howitzers was placed in advance with the Sardinian troops, and did most excellent service in preventing the advance of the enemy’s artillery.
Our cavalry, under Lieutenant-General Sir J. Scarlett, K.C.B., was placed in the plain of Balaklava, prepared to take advantage of any circumstance that might present itself, but the opportunity did not arise for calling upon their services.
I regret that I am unable to give a more detailed account of the part performed by the Sardinians, as up to this time I have not received General Delia Marmora’s report.
I have, &c.,
JAMES SIMPSON,
General Commanding.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
War-Department, September 3, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received a Despatch and its Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to his Lordship by General Simpson.
Before Sevastopol,
August 21, 1855.
MY LORD,
IN my despatch of the 18th, instant I was unable to give as detailed an account of the part taken by the Sardinian troops, in the battle of the Tchernaia, as I could have wished. I have since received General La Marmora’s report, of which I have now the honour to send you a copy.
The killed and wounded of the Russian army exceed, if anything, the number I originally stated. An armistice was granted, to enable the enemy to bury the dead, and vast quantities were carried away.
The fire from the batteries of the Allies has been very effective, and the result attained has been sufficient to enable the works against the place to progress satisfactorily.
Major McGowan, 93rd Highlanders, who was reported by me as missing, in my despatch of the 11th August, I have since ascertained was attacked whilst posting his sentries in advance of the trenches, wounded severely, and made prisoner.
I have, &c.,
JAMES SIMPSON,
General Commanding.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
War-Department, September 5, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received a Despatch and its Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to his Lordship by General Simpson.
Before Sevastopol,
August 25, 1855.
MY LORD,
HAVING been engaged since daylight in a careful observation of the position in front of Balaklava, I am unable to address your Lordship at any length this day.
The enemy have been concentrating troops at the Mackenzie, Tasova, and Karales, their left extending as far as the village of Makoul, and are supposed to have received considerable reinforcements, which probably consist of two divisions of Grenadiers, which have been conveyed in carts from Bakshiserai and Simpheropol.
The bridge across the Great Harbour is nearly completed, and large bodies of men are employed in erecting earthworks on the north side of the harbour. Intrenchments have been thrown up on the Sievernaya Hill, extending from the sea coast to the site of the first lighthouse, facing the north.
From various sources, we learn that the Russians on the right bank of the Tchernaya, are held in perfect readiness for an offensive movement.
Our siege operations progress steadily, with I regret to say heavy casualties on our side, as your Lordship will see by the accompanying lists.
I have, &c.,
JAMES SIMPSON,
General Commanding.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.
No. 754. Royal Albert, off Sevastopol,
September 10, 1855.
SIR,
I BEG leave to enclose, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, copy of a Letter from Captain the Honourable Henry Keppel, reporting the proceedings of the Naval Brigade under his command, on the 7th and 8th instant, and enclosing a list of casualties.
I am, &c.
(Signed) EDMUND LYONS,
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief,
The Secretary of the Admiralty.
Royal Naval Brigade,
No. 16. before Sevastopol,
September 9, 1855.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to inform you that, in pursuance of instructions, a vigorous fire was opened from the batteries at six o’clock on the morning of the 7th, and was maintained throughout the day; the fire was recommenced yesterday morning with increased vigour, preparatory to an assault to be made by our Allies on the Malakoff, and subsequently by ourselves on the Redan.
2. At noon the French were observed to start en masse from their trenches and possess themselves in gallant style of the Malakoff Battery, on which the tricolor flag was hoisted and the imperial eagles planted within ten minutes of their quitting their trenches.
3. The French flag was no sooner displayed on the Malakoff than our storming party issued from their trenches and assailed the salient angle of the Redan, but the enemy were by that time prepared to meet them, and as the supporting party advanced, a heavy fire of grape and canister was opened on them, in spite of a brisk fire kept up from our batteries on all parts of the Redan not assailed, as well as on the flanking batteries.
4. After maintaining the footing they had gained for some time, our troops were obliged to retire, the killed and wounded left on the ground sufficiently testifying how gallantly they had fought.
5. The fire from our batteries was kept up until dark, and at about eleven o’clock the enemy evacuated the Redan after having fired a train that exploded the magazines.
6. This morning’s light showed how successful and complete had been the victory gained by the Allied Forces.
7. The enemy had evacuated all their positions on the south side of the harbour; the town, Fort Nicolai, Fort Paul, and dockyard, were in flames, and their line of battle ships had been sunk in the positions they were last seen in when at anchor.
8. The conduct of the officers and men of the brigade under my command has been such as to continue to merit the high opinion you have been pleased to express of them.
9. I have the honour to enclose a list of casualties for the 7th and 8th.
I am, &c.,
(Signed) HENRY KEPPEL,
Captain Commanding Royal Naval Brigade.
Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund
Lyons, Bart., &c. &c. &c.,
Commander-in-Chief.
War-Department, September 10, 1855.
LORD PANMURE has this day received a Despatch and its Enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to his Lordship by General Simpson.
Before Sevastopol,
August 28, 1855.
MY LORD,
SINCE the attempt of the enemy to force the passage of the Tchernaya, on the 16th instant, no movement of aggression has taken place; but all the accounts I have received tend to shew a disposition on their part to renew the attack. I have considered it necessary to send the Highland Division, composed of the 42nd, 71st, 79th, and 93rd Regiments, under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir C. Campbell, to reinforce our extreme right, and they are now encamped on the slopes of the heights overhanging the village of Kamara.
I have likewise placed 50 guns and the cavalry in reserve, to act on the first appearance of the enemy.
The 56th Regiment has arrived, and I have attached it to the 1st Division.
The siege operations are progressing favourably; but, owing to the brightness of the nights, a large amount of work cannot be executed.
The raft bridge from the north side to the south shore has been completed, and is actually in use by the enemy; and a considerable increase of troops, with a good deal of movement, is observable in the town.
The installation of the Knights of the Bath took place yesterday at my headquarters, and was conducted with great dignity and solemnity by Viscount Stratford de Redcliffe.
The effect was most imposing, attended as the ceremony was by the Naval and Military Commanders-in-Chief of the Allied Forces; and after the delivery by Her Majesty’s Ambassador of a peculiarly eloquent discourse upon the character and history of the Most Honourable Order, the several Knights were respectively invested with the insignia of their Class.
I have, &c.,
JAMES SIMPSON,
General Commanding.
The Lord Panmure, &c. &c. &c.