Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol 6.djvu/375

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THE M.VIN FIGHT. 331 had won, aucl the huudred discomfited P^iiglish, chap. . . VI not being pursued, were able to begin their rally '. at a distance of only a few yards from the crest- ^^ ^^"^^ work. Besides Colonel Warren, and Lieutenant- Colonel Dauben(!y, they had with them Lieutenant Warren (the son of their chief). Lieutenant George Morgan, and Ensign Henry Burke, the Adjutant. The value of the exertions made by these officers, and the quality of the men they commanded, will be inferred from what follows. Whilst still at only pistol-shot distance from the Russian swarm, the rally was so promptly, so completely effected, that within a period of some three or four minutes from the time of its discomfiture, this small band of men stood formed up anew in good order. An aide-de-camp galloped up at that moment with an order to attack.* The line first poured its fire TLeirvic- into the body of Bussians which hung on the charge: crest, then charged, and charged home with the bayonet. There ensued an intermixture of the English with the enemy's soldiery. Our officers, no less than their men, became engaged in per- sonal conflicts, which put them to the use of their pistols ; and, during some moments, the fighting was close ; but at length the Bussian mass, after itsnsuit loosening out into clusters, began to fall back, and the remnant of the 55th once more took possession of its old ground under the crest-work. The enemy's soldiery covered their retreat by a continuous fire, and moved slowly with the air

  • This order, as I infer (see the last note but two), was from

Lord Rafflan.