Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 3.djvu/431

 APPENDIX. NOTE I. The Strength of the Eussian Army engaged cn THE Alma. When I published, my narrative of the battle of the Alma, the first volume of the ' Defense de Sebastopol ' had not yet made its appearance ; but now that I am revising my statements, I might certainly accept, if I chose, the tempting guidance afforded me by a work which is not only sanctioned officially by the Eussian Government, but car- ries with it besides the immense recommendation of having been compiled under the auspices of General de Todleben. How readily I could follow such an authority upon ques- tions of numerical strength T showed when I wrote my account of the battle of Inkerman ; and it might seem at first sight that, if only for the sake of consistency, I ought to be content with the like guidance in revising my account of the Alma ; but there are several considerations which interpose to prevent me from doing so. General de Todleben was present at the battle of Inker- man, taking in it a part of great moment ; and it was natu- ral that under such circumstances a narrative of the action