SEBASTOPOL.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XIV, Issue 67, 17 November 1855, Page 2

SEBASTOPOL.

The most stirring episode we have to record occurred on the 18th ult., when the Russians made a vigorous attack in the direction of Balaklava, with the intention of driving back the English, and so turning the divisions operating on the Malakhoff. The plan seems to have been carefully premeditated, and energetically acted upon ; but it was signally defeated by the invincible courage of our army. The Russians on this occasion were repulsed with great loss. A similar attack was made on the left approaches of the French in front of the Malakhoff Tower three nights before, and failed no less signally. On the night of the 22nd ult., the Russians took a sudden alarm, and, as is usual with them on such occasions, opened a desultory fire on the right and left attacks. Our batteries replied to this wild fusilade with promptitude and steadiness ; till at last the enemy's fire gradually slackened, and finally ceased. A despatch from General Simpson, dated 21st ult., contains several details clearing up some of the vague messages of the telegraph. It appears from this document that the Russians continue to hold their strong position along the Mackenzie Heights ; that they have pushed forward their outposts to the range of heights overlooking the valley of Baidar ; and that they are supposed to have a force of artillery and infantry at Alupka. It is curious enough that the allies have not managed better than to leave this last important point in doubt, since, having the complete command of the sea, it would seem to be no very difficult matter to ascertain with certainty whether the Russians are, or are not, in force at Alupka. The works of the besiegers go forward in spite of all opposition. A fortnight ago — that is, on the 27th ult. — the advanced trench of the French had reached to within 100 paces of the counterscarp of the Malakhoff; \ and the Russians, apprehensixa^that the besiegers would make^agjj^their foofinfluT the CQunterscarjpp^ad already begun to throw r^ffra cajafier work in rear of the parapet. By this new resource they will be enabled to make a more protracted defence; hut it will also cramp their movements, and prevent them from replacing their guns and repairing damages as promptly and efficiently as if they had more space. To the allies the new parapet will afford an excellent cover from the fire of the ships, which has hitherto inflicted no inconsiderable damage upon them. The Russian vessels are said to be the chief cause of the difficulties we have experienced in securing an advance ; but the general opinion amongst military men is, that if we once succeed in getting a small force of 1,000 or 1,500 men within the fortifications of either the Redan or the Round Tower, the fate of the Malakhoff is sealed.

The rumoured recall of General Simpson was not confirmed. , Postscript. — An order of the day issued by General Simpson announces the receipt of his appointment as Commander-in-Chief, and states his determination to follow in the steps of his great predecessor.

Nothing is known positively as to the date of the next attack ; but reports are current in Vienna that the news of some most important operations at Sebastopol was daily expected. The survey in the Straits of Yenikale is still going on. The fortifications of the town are finished. Our footing with the inhabitants grows firmer every day, and the garrisons at Yenikale and Fort St. Paul are never disturbed. The latter made a little in-road into the interior on the 18th ult., and carried off 600 cattle. The operation was perfectly successful, in spite of the presence of some small bodies of Cossacks, who contented themselves with looking on. Out of the 600 taken, 400 were paid for on the spot, and the rest (particularly the cows) were returned.