EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 299, 12 September 1855, Page 3

EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.

THE WAR.

We find that we have published no detailed account of the Russian sortie of the 22nd of March, which Occasioned the most obstinate engagement that has been for some time fought beneath" the walls of Sebastopol. The following is from the " Times' " correspondent. Camp before Sebastopol, March 26. The affair of Thursday night and Friday morning last, was not so serious as at first imagined. Our loss, instead of being nearly 100 killed, wounded and missing, did not amount to much more than half that number; and Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly, of the 34th regiment, is 1 am <rlad to say, alive in Sebastopol, with a'slight wound. 'Captain'Aloniagu, Royal Engineers, is also a prisoner. The French fought ! with remarkable energy, and repulsed tbe enemy with great slaughter. /^Vben the Mortar Battery was carried by%*h enormous force of the enemy on Thursday night; . or more properly speaking, Friday morning, they held it for about fifteen minutes, aud were dislodged by a handful of men, who, according to the statements made to me, displayed the utmost gallantry and daring. Our men do hot relish night fighting, —they would sooner meet 10,000 Russians by day than 2000 in the dark; but' the circumstances attending this act evince the greatest coolness and bravery on tbe part of the men and officers engaged in it. Al the time the heavy fire between the French and Russians was going on, a portion of the 90th regiment was employed on fatigue duty on the right of the new advanced works on our right attack. They were in the act of returning to their posts in the Gordon Battery just at the moment the heavy firing on tlie right had ceased, when a scattered irregular fusillade commenced in the dark on the left of their position, close to the Mortar Battery. Captain Vaughton, who commanded the party of the 90ih, ordered his men to advance along the covered way to the works. They moved up in double time, and found the Russians in complete possession of the Mortar Battery. The 90th at once opened as heavy a fire of musketry as they could upon the enemy, who returned it, but the coolness and steadiness of our men were giving us the advantage, when an alarm was given that our men were filing on the French ; but the mistake wasspeedLly.-dis- :- covered by the enemy's fire being poured iv with more deadly effect, and the party of the 90th were thrown into great confusion. Captain Vaughton at this moment shouted, " Men of the 20i.h, follow me!" and Sergeant Henry Clarke, Sergeant Brittle, a sergeant of the 7th Fusiliers, about fourteen men of the 90th, and a few of the 9th dashed out of the confused ranks : and rushed right into the Mortar Battery. In a few moments these'brave fellows drove the enemy beyond the first traverse, and at the narrow way leading into the second traverse, they made a stand, and opened a heavy flanking fire on the parapet, over which the Russians were making determined efforts to come upon them. The narrow pass was meantime defended by the sergeants and a few men, who delivered fire as fast as they could load right into the Russians, who gradually began to give way. With a loud " hurrah" the gallant little baud sprang with the bayonet upon the enemy, who at once precipitately retired over the parapet, followed by our rifle balls, which were poured in upon them incessantly till every round in the men's pouches was expended. Iv order to keep up the fire, the men groped among the dead Russians, and exhausted all the cartridges they could find in the enemy's pouches. At the first charge at the Mortar Battery the Russian leader, who wore an Albanian costume, and whose gallantry was ino.-^t conspicuous, fell dead. As an act of justice the-^iaine-** of the officers aud men of tbe party ofthe 9()lh regiment, whose conduct was distinguished iv this affair, should be recorded, t hey are—Clarke, Brittle, and Essex (sergeants) severely wounded (corporal), Fare,' Walsh, Nicholson '(wounded,) and Nash. Capt^ m Ji *v °v! ;on received a severe contusion in the affair. The courage displayed by Captain Uvendish Brown, of the 7th, in another part of le w<>i'ks, was most conspicuous. He was severely wounded at the commencement of the attack, but he refused to go to the rear, though "early fainting from loss of blood. He led on is me"» encouraging them by voice and gesture .Jp the front. When his body was found, it lay ar ln advance of our line, with three balls iv tbe ,

chest. The 77th regiment behaved admirably, and Major-General Codrington has communicated to the 88th (and I believe to the other regiments of the F*ight Division engaged) the satisfaction of Sir George Brown at their gallant conduct. It is not known how many Albanian chiefs there were with the Russians, but certainly the two who were killed led them on with intrepidity and ferocious courage- One of them, who struggled into the battery in spite of a severe wound, while his life's blood was ebbing fast, rushed at a powder barrel, and fired his pistol into it before he fell. Fortunately the powder did not explode, as the fire did not go through the wood. Another charged with a scimitar in one hand and a formidable curved blade, which he used as a dagger, in the other, right into our ranks twice, and fell dead the second time, perforated with halls aud bayonets. They were magnificently dressed, aud it is supposed tliey were men of rank. Early on Saturday morning a flag of truce was sent in by the allies ••■.ith a proposition to the Russians for an armistice to bury the dead, which were lying iv numbers.—five or six Russians to every Frenchman and Englishman—-in front of the Round Tower and Mamelon, and, after some delay, an answer in the affirmative was returned, and it was arranged that two hours should he granted for collecting and carrying away the dead on both sides. The uews spread through the camp, and the races which the Chasseurs d'Afrique had got up in excellent style were much shorn of their attractions by the opportunity afforded us** of meeting our enemies on neutral ground. All the ravines leading to the front trenches were crowded with offioers hastening on horse aud foot down to the scene of so much hard fighting. The crests ofthe hills and the slopes in front of the batteries were covered with men, and they dotted the deadly interval between the batteries, which bad been before occupied alone by thousands of tons of shot and fragments of shell discharged by French and English and Russians during this protracted siege. The day was bright and warm. White flags waved gently in the faint spring breeze above the embrasure of our batteries, and from the Round Tower aud the Mamelon. Not a soul had been visible in front of the lines an instant before the emblems of peace were run up to the flagstaffs, and a sullen gun from the Mamelon, and a burst of smoke from Gordon's batteries had previously heralded the armistice. The insfantthe flags were hoisted, friend and foe swarmed out ofthe embrasures. The riflemen of the allies and of the enemy rose from their lairs in the rifle pits, and sauntered towards each other to behold their grim handiwork. The whole of the space between the Russian lines and our own was filled with groups of unarmed soldiery. Passing down by the Middle Picquet Ravine, which is now occupied by the French, and which runs down in front of the Light Division camp, I came out upon the advanced French trench, within a few yards of the Mamelon. The sight was strange beyond description,—French, English, and Russian officers were walking about, saluting each other courteously as they passed, and occasionally entering into conversation, and a constant interchange of little civilities, such as offering and receiving cigar lights, were going on in each little group. Some of the Russian officers were men of high rank and breeding. Their polished manners contrasted remarkably with their plain and rather coarse clothing. They . wore, with few exceptions, the invariable long grey coat over their uniforms. The French officers were all en grand tenue, and offered a striking contrast to many of their own officers, who were dressed a la Balaclava, aud wore uncouth headdresses, catskin coats, and nondescript paletots. Many ofthe Russians looked remarkably like English gentlemen in " style" of face and bearing. One tall, fine-looking old man, with a long grey beard and strangely shaped cap, was pointed out to us as Hetmanof the Cossacks in the Crimea, but it did not appeav as if there were many men of very high military rank present. The Russians were rather grave and reserved, but they seemed to fraternise with the French better than ourselves, and the men certainly got on better with our allies than with the few privates of our own regiments who were down towards the front. But while all this civility was going on, we were walking among the dead, over the blood-stained ground covered with evidences of recent fight. Broken muskets, bayonets, cartouch-boxes, caps, fragments of clothing, straps, and belts, pieces of shell, litile pools of clotted blood, shot—round aud grape-

shattered gabions and sandbags, were visible around us on every side ; and through the midst of the crowd stalked a solemn procession of soldiers bearing their departed comrades to their long home. I counted se>enty-seven litters borne past me in fifteen minutes—e.ich filled with a dead enemy. The contortions ofthe slain were horrible, and recalled the memories ofthe fields of Alma and Inkerinann. Some few French were lying far in advance towards the Mamelon and Round Tower among the gabions belonging to the French advanced trenches, which the Russians had broken down. They had evidently been slain iv pursuit of the enemy. The Russians appeared to treat their dead with great respect. The soldiers I saw were white-faced and seemed ill-fed, though many of them had powerful frames, square shoulders and broad chests. AH their dead which fell within and near our lines were stripped of boots and stockings. The cleanliness of their feet, and, in most cases, of their coarse linen shirts, was remarkable. Sever.l sailors of the " equipages" of the fleet of Sebastopol were killed in the attack. They were generally muscular, fine stout fellows, with rough soldierly faces. The Russians carried off all the dead which lay outside our lines to the town, passing clown between the Mamelon and the Round Tower. In the midst of all this stern evidence of war, a certain amount of lively conversation began to spring up, in which the Russian officers indulged in a little badinage. Some of them asked our officers " when we were coming to take the place ?' others, 'J when we thought of going away?'' Some congratulated us upon the excellent opportunity we had of getting a good look at Sebastopol, as the chance of a nearer view, except on similar occasions, was not, in their opinion, very probable. One officer asked a private confidentially in English, how many men we sent into the trenches ?'' '' Begorra, only 7,000 a night, and a wake covering parly of 10,000," was the ready reply". The officer laughed and turned away. Atone time a Russian with a litter stopped by a, dead body, and put it into the litter. He looked round for a comrade to help him. A Zouave at once advanced with more grace aud lifted it, to the infinite amusement ofthe bystanders; but the joke was not long-lived, as a Russian brusquely came up and helped to carry off his dead comrade. In the town we could see large bodies of soldiery in the streets, assembled at the corners, and in the public places. Probably they were ordered out to make a show of their strength. The Russians denied that Prince Menschikoff was dead, but they admitted that Admiralpsturin was killed. He was one of the principal officers engaged in the destruction of the Turkish fleet at Siuope, and the Czar had rewarded him by giving him an order of St. George of higher distinction than that worn by Prince Menschikoff, and of a class which is generally accorded only to successful Generals who have conducted an army aud closed a triumphant campaign. A distinguished looking man, who complained that he was likely to be deprived of his cruise in his yacht thif year by the war, was pointed out to us as Prince Barialinski. Owing to some misunderstanding or other, a little fusilade began among the riflemen on the left during the armistice, aud disturbed our attention for a moment, but it was soon terminated. General Bosquet aud several officers of rank of the ailieu army visited the trenches during the armistice, and staff" ofliceis were present on both sides to see that the men did not go out of bounds. The armistice was over about 3 o'clock.. Scarcely had the white flag disappeared behind the parapet of the Mamelon before a round shot from the sailors' battery, went slap through one of tbe embrasures of the Russian work, and dashed up a great pillar of earth inside. The Russians at once replied, and the noise of caution soon re-echoed through the ravines. It was curious to observe the masses of shot and shell in the ravines, which had been fired by the enemy at our men on their way to and from the trenches. It was impossible for them to see us, but they poured their shot and shell right into . the path from the Round Tower, the Mamelou, and the ships. Five dead Russians and two dead Zouaves were lying far in the rear of our lines, in the middle picket ravine. Every look at the riflepits satisfies me that the Russians meant them as rudiments of advanced works against us, and that they are likely to prove very troublesome. The Mamelon is a most serious ingredient in calculating the chances of an assault. The work on the east of it is also very dangerous. The Rnssiaus have already begun

to ai-m them with heavy guns, and their fire will prove, I fear, extremely harassing. If these points could have been occupied, our engineers, no doubt, would have seen tbe importance of their possession to us; but the fact is, I believe that the engineers complain they cannot get enough of hands for the essential work of the attacks we actually possess. In addition to the trench which the Russ-ans have made to connect their riflepits with each other, they have thrown up three trenches at right angles, which would enable them to enfilade any party attacking tbe Mamelon; but these trenches are, of course, enfiladed hy the French approach at right angles towards il. They will very speedily be able to disturb our works from the redoubt over Careening Bay. It is thought that the silence of their guns may be accounted for with great probability, without supposing they are short of ammunition. It is very likely they are engaged in making a line of defences in rear of their present woiks. Our new batteries are completed. The. armament will be in them in a short time from the date of this letter. On Sunday a reconnaissance was made by a body of Russian Officers from Canrobert's Hill. They examined the defence of Balaclava minutely. In the course of the night General Bosquet was informed that carts and waggons had been heard moving along by the Tehernava. Sir Colin Campbell was informed of the circurasiance, and at four o'clock in the morning he turned out all the regiments behind the lines of the place. Major Branding and Captain Morris (artillery) were in readiness, to move at a moment's notice, though the artillery horses here have been so severely worked in taking up shot and shell that they are fit for very little service, and much cannot be expected from them. The Guards were marched tip to. the lines of the 71st regiment, and I am glad to say the brigade turned out 700 strong. The Highland Brigade, the 14th, the Rifles, and Marines, were all under arms, and prepared for the enemy, but he did not make his appearance, aud the men were marched hack to their tents. To-day the enemy made another reconnaissance from the same place. No one knows their exact force towards B»idar. The Third Division races came off to-day, and were" numerously and fashionahlv attended."' The days sport was excellent.' Lord Raglan was present, and all the divisional generals,—Sir George Brown, Sir Richard England, Sir John Campbell, &c, and a great number of staff officers came over to see the running. The wretched dogs had some unpleasant moments afterwards, but they now have got into the habit of running straight for the Russian batteries. The story of a revolt in the Russian army at Perekop, and ofthe murder of thegeneral and of some officers who were marching the men southwards, is repeated by a deserter. I he same man says the enemy have abundance of ammunition, but that they have little food except the ration of three pounds of black bread daily. The Simoon and Vulture have n-one to Gem a for Sardinian troops. The Medina has sailed to blockade the mouths of the Danube A sergeant and private of the 79th regiment have deserted. The sergeant belonged to the «■ c°,nPan>'' a!ld His supposed his head was affected by excessive drinking. This re-riment continues to suffer severely from sickness! They have lost 100 men a month. The men are dying at the rate of two a-dav. Dr. Gavin has arrived, and complains that he cannot find any of the authorities with whom he wants to communicate. Dr. Sutherland caught the fever at Scutari, and has gone down to Smyrna to recover. The Himalaya has arrived at Kamieseh and is discharging horses for the artillery. Ihe railway is not adequate to the fulfilment of the task imposed on it. Twenty-four French waggons were loaded with materiel before half-past 11 o'clock, but the engines had not worked them up to the top of the incline at 4 o clock yesterday The commi, Si ,riat officers ha>e handec over thetr oxen, horses, and mules, to Colonel Ai'Murdo's Land Transport Corps winch is working remarbably well under the energetic dictum of its commandant. All the commissary officers have now to do is to make a requisition on the laud Transport Corps attached to the division for the carriage of certain stores, and hen to dismbute then, on arrival. Apropos of eating and drinking I must mention k Zvy whiefa is ping about concerning the occurrences of then.ghtof th. 24th. The Russians carried off all the mens rum in one attack, in another two of them .got drunk in a traverse, and were found iv friendly intercourse with one of our soldiers

all three flapping their arms and floundering in rum like stranded turtles. Our food is now abundant. Scurvy has diminished. There are now not more than eight or ten cases in each regiment. We want, however, variety in our rations, and I have an idea that tbe ration of rum is too liberal for young soldiers. A gill and a half of rum per day is rather 100 much for a lad of 13, even in ihe trenches. There are great complaints of the way in which the coffee is roasted. It is either burned or half roasted, and the coffee made from the berry is very indifferent. Sir John M'Neil's enquiry is progressing. He has examined a great number of regimental officers, quartermasters especially, and will now begin to examiue the commissariat officers. His attention has been directed also to the serious question of our water supply. Mr. Alfred Pratt, an officer of Customs, was appointed by the War Office some time ago to superintend the warehousing and landing of stores at Balaclava, and was sent out there by the Government, with a staff of one foreman of works, eight warehousemen, and thirty dock labourers, with whom he arrived a month ago. This little expedition has up to the present time cost the country about £5,000, and has not done a particle of good for the money. Mr. Pratt, who is a practical engineer, offered to build a landing wharf, but tlie authorities would not give us a site for it. They would not employ him on the duty which Government commissioned him to execute. He states that he has been treated with neglect, and has been subjected to contumely and affront, and at this instant he is employed side by side with a corporal in superintending the levelling of ground for wooden huts, at a salary of 255. per diem ! Pray do put a termination to the energies of the Berlin wool interest, and try to stop tbe manufacture of mils, cuffs, chest protectors, comforters, socks, &c, the very sight of which puts one in a stew this hot weather. Who will send out ice and cool drinks, vegetables, and light summer clothing? Let all warm articles be put in store for the next occasion, when they may be required. There is scarcely an officer out here who is not embarrassed with bales of things which have arrived since the fine weatber set in and which he cannot now get rid of at any sacrifice. The ladies of England, Ireland, and Scotland have been profuse in their contribution of winter clothing. Major Anderson, R.A., has received great quantities of valuable supplies from the ladies of Scotland through Col. Anderson, R.H.A., and he and Mr. M'Gillviray, the Ordnance Commissary, have been almost as busy distributing them as the shot and shell they send up to comfort the Russians. The commanding officers of regiments have received similar present* from England, Ireland, and Scotland, and Wales, from the ladies of Geneva and from the Channel Islands. Every description of stationery—pens, ink, paper, "and light literature, have been largely supplied, and The Egyptian Hall collection of books has been most grateful and acceptable to the poor patients in the hospitals. Tuesday.—Last night, Captain Hill, 89th regiment, in proceeding to post his pickets, made a mistake in the dark and got too near the Russian pickets. He was not very well acquainted with the country, and the uncertain light deceived him. The Russians challenged "Qui va la?" "Nous, Francais!'' was "the reply, The two pickets instantly fired, and Captain Hill dropped. There were only two or three men with him, and they retired, taking with them the captain's great coat. They only went a few yards to the rear to get assistance and returned at once lo the place where Capt! Hill fell, but his body had been already removed] and the Russian pickets had withdrawn. His' fate is uncertain, but it is hoped that he is not severely wounded, and is safe in the.bandsof tbe Russians. Two little " affairs," calculated to break the monotony of Balaclava existence, occurred on Monday. Imprimis, a fight broke out among the Croats. These gentry were all aimed when they landed, and it was judged inexpedient to deprive them of their stomachsfull of long pistols and yataghans. It was known for some time past that ill .blood existed between various little sections of these wild mountaineers; Montenegrins, Albanians, Croats Arnauts, Greeks, even Affghans, and Koords' all had their quarrels. Some of the men accused the head men of cheating them. Last night a squabble took place between two parties of the Croats. They drew their pistols and daggers a ivgular fi K ht took place, Thirty or forty° shots5hots were bred, and men.fell wounded, two of whom

have since died.. CplonelTi7rdinVTr=:===:r mandant, with a party of men, vtoc^ g c «J spot and quelled the riot, and disarmed, 111 ,* Croats on the spot. It is a pity it was „, , tl,e before. Seeundo, y the broke out „ th V\ Ul,e on board a vessel (No. 113) laden will, ' . "' tiblo stores. The alarm bell iTI^T Leander sent round her boats, and after « • mense deal of excitement, the fire was *S" giushed. An enquiry has taken pl*, ce in ™ ongin of ihe fire, but it appears to have sirun! from nothing more than the drunken,,.., „? her crew. There are of course rumours o i, cendiary spies and malignant Greeks, w h matches oil, and fusees, but they are not true Ihe City of London, Captain Cargili: arr i ved yesterday, with 280 mules. The pack s " dies were left behind. She also brought,! masts for the Vesuvius, but that vessel sailed th. day before the City of London arrived 'I'm large mortars had also arrived at Balaclava