It was the interest of the Russians to strike the first blow, and the
allies prepared to ward it off, and, if possible, deal in return a
more deadly stroke. The great trial of strength on the banks and steep
acclivities of "the Black River" was destined to occur in August. On the
16th, the Russians attacked the whole line of the French and Sardinian
posts, and, after a long and sanguinary battle, were defeated. This
decisive repulse of the Russian army in the field, left the allies more
at liberty to prosecute to perfection the works necessary to secure a
successful assault. Before that event occurred the British experienced
many serious losses; a surprising number of regimental officers fell in
conflict or died. The disgraceful state of the English transports caused
many deaths. The same inaptness and incompetency for general management
characterized the English chiefs as at the very beginning of the siege.
The British army experienced a serious injury in the retirement of
Lieutenant-general Sir Richard England. He had probably endured more
fatigue, and worked on with more patience, perseverance, and continuity
of action than any officer in the British army. One by one the English
chiefs had fallen away by death, or wounds, or sickness, General
England, with frame of iron and indomitable will, still bearing up,
although sharing cold, watchings, labours, and privations with his
soldiers in a way characteristic of his generous nature and military
temper.
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