[169]. Letter from Sir John Burgoyne, dated 5th February, 1855.
[170]. The Commissioners, sent to the Crimea to inquire into certain matters of mismanagement, in their Second Report, dated January, 1856, stated, that “the date at which the hutting commenced was in no case earlier than the end of January or beginning of February, and it was not completed before the end of March.” This information, obtained from evidences, who no doubt spoke from recollection, is certainly incorrect.
[171]. A party of French sappers arrived at Southampton early in December, 1854, to superintend the embarkation of huts for the Imperial army in the Crimea. From the moment of their landing they were shown every respect by the British sappers in that city, and, moreover, provided by them with a generous entertainment at the Floating House Tavern. The meeting was one of unmixed friendship, as if there never had been, between the nations, any differences or dissimilar sympathies to mar its cordiality. Two corps of neighbouring nations, bearing corresponding names, socially joined at the same feast, is perhaps a unique incident. The guests were represented by Mons. Von Doyson and sergeant Tagnier, whose speeches, with those of sergeant-major Steel, quartermaster-sergeant Simpson, and colour-sergeant Spencer, were warm and fraternal. The toasts were such as might have been expected in so loyal a gathering. After shipping no less than 1,850 huts to accommodate 45,000 men, the French sappers sailed for Sebastopol in January, 1855.
[172]. Killed at the assault of the Rifle-pits 19th April.
[173]. The cross bore this simple epitaph:—“To the memory of a Captain, a Comrade, and a Friend; Captain A. D. Craigie, Royal Engineers, killed by the bursting of a shell, March 13, 1855.” Corporal Geo. H. Collins fashioned the cross and cut the inscription.
[174]. April 24, 1855.
[175]. Dispatch, 10th April, 1855.
[176]. ‘Times,’ April 26, 1855.
[177]. Captain, now Major Ewart, R.E., the sapper Adjutant in the Crimea.
[178]. ‘Times,’ April 26, 1855.