which Lord Raglan was surrounded.
Of his already diminished numbers, 2500 men were lying on the field of
battle--eight of his generals had fallen--the hospitals were full--
cholera was in his camp--no recruits were coming--winter had arrived--
the men had no shelter--no transport to bring them food--no clothing,
for the _Prince_, with 40,000 greatcoats, and stores of all sorts, had
gone down. Never did an army with more heroic courage and endurance
persevere to finally conquer, though its brave General sank under the
load of anxiety pressed on him, and the unjust accusations brought
against his fame.
FINAL BOMBARDMENT.
The allies had now been nearly a year before Sebastopol. The batteries
opened on the 5th of September, and continued firing till noon of the
8th, when the French signal was given for the advance. Onward they
rushed, and the Malakoff was taken by surprise without loss, its
defenders being at dinner. The tri-colour flying from the parapet was
the signal for the British to advance. A column of the light division
led, and that of the second followed. The men stormed the parapet, and
penetrated into the salient angle. Here Major Welsford, 97th, who led
the storming party, was killed, and Colonel Handcock was mortally
wounded. A most sanguinary contest ensued, but it was found impossible
to maintain the position. Colonel Windham hurried back, and brought up
the right wing of the 23rd, when a most brilliant charge was made, but
it was of no avail: 29 officers killed and 125 wounded, with 356
non-commissioned officers and men killed, 1762 wounded, showed the
severe nature of the contest. Many gallant deeds were done, but the
following men deserve especial notice, for bringing in wounded men from
the advanced posts during daylight on the 8th:--Privates Thomas Johnson,
Bedford, Chapman, and William Freeman, of the 62nd. A considerable
number performed the same merciful but dangerous work during the night.
It was intended to renew the attack on the following morning with the
Highland brigade under Sir Colin Campbell; but explosions were heard
during the night, and when a small party advanced, the Redan was found
deserted, and it was discovered that, by means of admirable
arrangements, the whole Russian army were retiring by a bridge of boats
to the north side, while they in the meantime had sunk all the ships of
war in the harbour.
Thus was Sebastopol won undoubtedly by the gallantry of the French
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