HAND-TO-HAND FIGHT. 253 



very inferior numbers of our men, with the bayonet 

 alone. 



During one of the hills between the successive 

 attacks, I was sent with a message from Lord 

 Raglan, by Colonel Escourt, the Quartermaster- 

 General, to Sir George Cathcart, commanding the 

 fourth division, and just at this time, the enemy 

 attacked our right flank in overpowering numbers. 

 Sir George, and the officers of his staff, put them- 

 selves at the head of a few companies of the 68th 

 and 20th, and led them against the enemy, whose 

 dense columns were advancing up a blind ravine 

 to outflank our columns. 



The most desperate hand-to-hand fight then 

 ensued. My revolvers did me good service that 

 day, and saved my life on several occasions ; but 

 they were soon discharged, there was no time to 

 reload, and I had to take to the sabre. During 

 the mtUe I received a severe bayonet wound in the 

 knee, from a Russian serjeant, whom I afterwards 

 cut down, and my horse was twice wounded, but 

 excitement carried us on. Our ammunition was 

 nearly expended, and the odds against us were at 



