Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 3.djvu/126

 100 BATTLK or TIIH ALMA. CHAP, ordered the 77tli riCginieiit to lie down under the cover afforded by the configuration of the ground, and upon a slope somewhat sheltered from the fire of the enemy's artillery he placed the 88th Eegi- ment.* With these two regiments he remained long halted, not partaking in the subsequent advance of Codrington's brigade. His reason was, that a large body of cavalry and infantry appearing on the plain to threaten his left,i- he thought it right to keep two regiments in hand until he should find himself supported by the near approach of the Highland brigade. He conceived that ho ought to beware of outstripping the 1st Division by too great an interval ; and, in truth, the duty + The absence of Prince Mentscliikoff in a distant part of the field was probal)ly the cause of the enemj-'s want of enterprise in not pressing with any degree of vigour upon the open flank of the English army. The only approach to any actual move- ment against the flank of the Light Division at the time of its advance from the river was one perceived and checked by Major Norcott. Norcott, having crossed the stream, had thrown for- ward his two right companies to a ridge in advance of the l)ank, and with his two remaining companies was occupying the pre- cincts of a farmstead which offered him a point of appui for his left flank. Whilst he was thus posted, he saw some sixty or seventy Cossacks coming down from the south-east bj' a road which led to the farm, and close following these he perceived the head of a column of infantry. Norcott immediately with- drew his two right companies from the ridge, and prepared to make a stand at the farm. To aid him in this undertaking, he requested Captain Colville (who had come into this part of the field with one of Colonel Lawrence's companies) to draw U]i his men in line across the road leading down to the farm. Seeing these preparations for their reception, the horsemen, and the column of infantry which had been following them, turned about and withdrew. — Note to ith Edition.
 * As to his 19lh Regiment, Si:cpost.