The bombardment eventually failed; the industry, energy, and
perseverance of the Russians enabling them to repair the earthworks and
batteries as fast as their demolition by the allies seemed to advance.
April was signalized by such marked differences of opinion between the
French and English generals, that co-operation before Sebastopol was
difficult, and impossible elsewhere, although plans for operations at
other places were discussed.
May opened brightly and beautifully, as it generally does in the Crimea,
and all around the trampled plateau was decked with flowers, which
sprung up with wonderful rapidity in the most unlikely places,
displaying their grace even among the tents of the warriors. May
was attended by as unhappy differences of opinion between the allied
generals as was April, although the presence of General Pelissier in the
French army tended to promote good feeling and generous forbearance.
Much sickness was experienced in May by the troops of the English army,
and the extravagance, dirt, and confusion of the transport service
caused a heavier sick list than would otherwise have been reported.
The King of Sardinia having joined the alliance against Russia, several
thousand fine troops from that nation landed at Balaklava. They
were eventually quartered upon the Tchernaya, and, with some Turkish
detachments, and French divisions, held at bay the Russian army in
the field, and rendered all further operations of the enemy against
Balaklava impossible.
Pages:
4417
4418
4419
4420
4421
4422
4423
4424
4425
4426
4427
4428
4429
4430
4431
4432
4433
4434
4435
4436
4437
4438
4439
4440
4441