Accept, M. le Maréchal, the expression of my respectful devotion.
Pelissier,
Commander-in-Chief.
On the 9th of September, when it became known that the city was abandoned, the following order was issued:—
"General After-Order.
"Head-quarters, September 9.
"The Commander of the Forces congratulates the army on the result of the attack of yesterday.
"The brilliant assault and occupation of the Malakoff by our gallant Allies obliged the enemy to abandon the works they have so long held with such bravery and determination.
"The Commander of the Forces returns his thanks to the general officers and officers and men of the Second and Light Divisions, who advanced and attacked with such gallantry the works of the Redan. He regrets, from the formidable nature of the flanking defences, that their devotion did not meet with that immediate success which it so well merited.
"He condoles and deeply sympathizes with the many brave officers, non-commissioned officers, and men who are now suffering from the wounds they received in the course of their noble exertions of yesterday.