THE SARDINIAN CONTINGENT

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 293, 22 August 1855, Page 4

THE SARDINIAN CONTINGENT

Alexandria, April 14.—This morning the review and benediction of colours took place on the plain of Marengo, about a mile to the east-

ward of Alexandria. Some of tbe troops had been camped on the ground for several days before, and all were formed by ten o'clock this morning. About eleven his Majesty arrived by special train from Turin, attended by a numerous staff, and tbe representatives of France and England. He immediately mounted and repaired to tbe field, where he was received with the usual honours, aud, after passing up and down the line, he took his station facing the chapel, which was placed in a pavilion, decorated with military trophies, on a slightly elevated mound, and round which tlie troops are grouped at a distance of 100 or 200 yards. The mass was performed by tbe senior chaplain of the division, and after the colours bad been blessed by him they were brought up to the king by the officers to whom they were confided, and the minister of war read the following speech in the name of his Majesty ; — " Officers, Sub-officers, and Soldiers, —A war founded on justice, on which depends the tranquillity of Europe and tbe fate of our country calls you to the East. You will see far lauds where tbe cross of Savoy is not unknown. You will see brave people and armies whose fame fills the world. Their example will be a stimulus to show to all that you have no less valour than our fathers. " On other occasions I have led you on tbe field of honour, and I remember with pride sharing dangers and fatigues with you. I now grieve to separate myself from you for a time. My wishes will follow you everywhere, andfit will be a happy day for me when I shall be reunited to you. " Soldiers—There are your colours. Generously unfurled by the magnanimous Carlo Alberto, they record a distant country and eight centuries of noble traditions. You know ho.v to defend them. Bring them back crowned with fresh glory, and your sacrifices will be blessed by tbe present and future generations." At the conclusion there were several rounds of hearty cheers given for the king, in which the civilians present joined with as much enthusiasm as the military. The spectacle concluded by the troops defiling before his Majesty, and their appearance in so doing elicited tbe admiration of all those who saw them. There were present por- ~ lions of each division and regiment of the expedition for the East, amounting to about 7,000 men, in complete marching order, —so complete that a part, in fact, marched off tbe ground to Novi,ere*rowte for Genoa. In the afternoon the king gave a dinner at the palace here to the chiefs of the expedition, tbe ministers of France and England, Count Cavour, Arc, and returned by rail to Turin in the evening.