404 
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
In 1806, the Calabrians rose in revolt against the French, and we sent 
5000 men from Sicily to their aid. On the 6th July, 7500 men under 
Eegnier, of whom 500 cavalry, and two batteries horse artillery encountered 
4500 British under General Graham, with two howitzers, and four light 
6-prs. 
A spectator, Sir Sidney Smith, says, “ The artillery in the British line 
was particularly well served, and it was evident the shell of Colonel Shrapnel's 
invention when burst in flight and short of their objects as they ought to 
be, did great execution/' &c. 
Gunner E. Marshall, who was with Lieutenant Dynely's guns, says these 
shells “ were used with the greatest effect, particularly from Captain Pym's 
guns. The French cavalry w r ent to the right about and retreated," &c. 
The General in his dispatch, says, generously , “ the judgment and effect 
with which our artillery was directed by Major Lemoine was, in our dearth 
of cavalry, of most essential use, and I have a pleasure in reporting the 
effective services of that valuable and distinguished corps," &c. 
The British losses were,— 
Officers. Serjeants. Rank and file. 
Killed . 1 3 41 
Wounded . 11 8 261 
The total loss of the French was about 4000, and the stores of the army 
fell into the hands of the Calabrese. 
What renders this action peculiarly interesting to the student is the over¬ 
weening confidence of the French in their numbers, and constitution, 
(cavalry, infantry, and artillery), leaving their strong defensive position, to 
attack us; their complete overthrow, the use made of our artillery, and the 
handsome manner—very unusual—in which the General acknowledged their 
services. 
Sir Sydney's remark, “burst in flight and short of their object," is worth 
remembering; 
Three feeble and fruitless expeditions were undertaken this year, namely, 
against, Constantinople^ Egypt, and Buenos Ayres. With regard to Egypt, 
Miles, who writes in the United Service Magazine, states, “ The enemy's 
Cavalry made use of their fire-arms, but after the experience of Shrapnels 
seemed cautious, with the exception of excited chiefs or drunkards who 
flourished their sabres and caracoled their horses; and these horsemen con¬ 
stantly formed in advance of their main body. * * * When the 
cavalry approached the artillery made excellent practice, and the effects of 
shrapnel (6-prs.) seemed to astonish * * * 
“ I do not know whether the shrapnel shell may or may not be esteemed 
an efficient projectile by competent authorities. I have heard that the Duke 
of Wellington thinks lightly of it; but this I know r , that it was the only sort 
of missile which had the smallest influence in delivering us from the presence 
of these troublesome neighbours." 
After the surrender of the remainder of the force, the writer, describing 
the interview with the vizier, says,— 
“Pipes and coffee were now introduced, while the vizier continued to 
Question us closely as to the details of our military system; appearing 
