THE ATTACK. 245 



natural consequence to a leader who did not know 

 the indomitable sterling courage of the British 

 soldier, and who had not then experienced the bitter 

 defeat of an Tnkermann. 



The game had begun before I got up to the 

 front, for heavy columns of the enemy — supported 

 by numerous batteries of artillery which had 

 been placed in position during the night — under 

 cover of clouds of skirmishers, had attacked and 

 were driving in the pickets of the second division, 

 who, however, contested every step, keeping up a 

 brisk fire upon the assailants as long as their am- 

 munition lasted. Still the Rusians kept advancing, 

 and for a time their progress was unchecked, as we 

 had no troops at hand to oppose them. 



A low stone wall about four feet high runs along 

 the outside of the camp of the second division 

 about fifty paces from the tents of the 30th and 

 55th regiments. It was here that the first stand 

 was made, and the numerous marks (still to be 

 seen) of shot, shell, grape, and musketry show how 

 fearful was the struggle between the first warned 

 and the Russian van. The firing of the retreating 



