A fear lest any glory or influence in the East
should accrue to England swayed the French ministry. Napoleon had other
designs which England was less likely to favour than was Alexander II.,
and the policy adopted was to gain an ally in the enemy which England
aided him to subdue.
A second winter encampment before Sebastopol was necessary. The dreary
plateau was once more the abode of the weary and suffering soldiers
during the inclement period which terminated the year in the Crimea.
The British soldiers were, however, cheered by increased numbers and
efficiency, and by the care and comfort which the indignant patriotism
of the British people compelled the government to bestow upon its noble
army.
During the inactive of the allied armies before Sebastopol, and in the
neighbourhood of the Tchernaya, certain expeditions were undertaken,
which were important. An expedition was ordered against certain strong
places on the European shores of the Black Sea. The reduction of
Kinburn, a strong naval arsenal and place for ship-building, was
effected; and Ockzakoff, an important place from which the approaches to
Kinburn could be well defended, was totally destroyed.
At Eupatoria the Russians, notwithstanding the continual drain upon
their resources at Sebastopol, harassed the garrison. Cavalry skirmishes
were frequent, and rather sanguinary. The allies maintained their
position, and constantly threatened the enemy's communications.
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