My Lord Duke,—I do myself the honour to acquaint your Grace that the combined fleets and their convoys appeared in the Bay of Eupatoria on the 13th instant, and in the course of the following night proceeded some miles to the southward, where the Allied Armies commenced disembarking early in the morning of the 14th,—the French in the bay below Old Fort, the English in the next bay nearer to Eupatoria,—and before dark the whole of the British infantry and some artillery, and most of the French troops were on shore.
Shortly before dark, the weather unfortunately changed, and it became hazardous to attempt to continue landing either troops or guns.
The surf on the beach impeded the operation the following morning; and since, on more than one occasion; but thanks to the great exertions of the Navy, under the able and active superintendence of Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons, who was charged with the whole arrangement, every obstacle has been overcome, and I am now enabled to report to your Grace that the disembarkations have been completed.
I should not do justice to my own feelings, or to those of the troops I have the honour to command, if I did not prominently bring to the knowledge of your Grace the deep sense entertained by all, of the invaluable services rendered by Her Majesty's Navy.
The spirit by which both officers and men were animated, made them regardless of danger, of fatigue, and indeed of every consideration but that of performing an arduous and important duty; and that duty they discharged to the admiration of all who had the good fortune to witness their unceasing efforts to land horses and carriages, with the utmost expedition and safety, under frequently the most trying circumstances.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) Raglan.
LORD RAGLAN'S DESPATCH AS TO THE BATTLE OF
THE ALMA.
Lord Raglan To the Duke of Newcastle.
(Received October 8.)
Head-quarters, Katscha River, September 23, 1854.
My Lord Duke,—I have the honour to inform your Grace that the Allied Troops attacked the position occupied by the Russian Army, behind the Alma, on the 20th instant; and I have great satisfaction in adding that they succeeded, in less than three hours, in driving the enemy from every part of the ground which they had held in the morning, and in establishing themselves upon it.