Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 4.djvu/286

 255 THE TAKT TO BE TAKEN CHAPTER XL c H A r. XI. Desire tli:it the fleets should aid in the at- tack uiion SebastoiK)! ; Although the Generals of the Allied armies trusted that, by the process already described, it was feasible to break into the place against even the most steady resistance, they yet were not without hope that the power of their artillery, when felt in the town of Sebastopol, and along the lines of defence, might beget such confusion and panic as would be likely to paralyse the defence, and ease the task of assaulting. Pursuing that thought, they desired that, in order still further to perturb the mind of the enemy, and distract it from quarters where the strife would be vital, the fleets should take part in the enterprise by at- tempting some kind of attack. It will presently be seen that, to obtain this concurrence of the navy, a good deal of urgency was used ; and it is well to understand the grounds of that resistance — whether actual, or only anticipated — which had to be overcome by so strong an exertion of will.* I^nndas says jilainly that he consented to the operation nnder- taken by the fleets ' with reluctance.'
 * In a private letUr to Lord Raglan, 20th October 1854,