Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 4.djvu/484

 '151 APl'HNDJX. sians were at work tlirowing up liaiteries, and coiisa- ([ueutly tho loss to be caused by an assault would be greater tlian if done in the first instance. Lord Eaglan was willing, and asked liini Low he would proceed. He, Sir Edmund, said, in answer, that it was now clear that the Iiussians saw they (the Allies) were about to lay regular siege to the place. Let them bo encouraged in this belief; send hits of men to the front Avitli pick- axes, or, if they have them not, with something to re- semble pickaxes, and commence turning up the ground, and when they least expect it, rush in upon them. He urged that if this were not done the place would not be taken except after grievous loss ; that the men who now composed the army would never live to do it. Lord Eaglan frequently adverted to this afterwards. He would have been very willing to do it by assault, but he was not supported in the jiroposal by the French General, nor by his own Engineers. ' Canrobert was a fine, honourable, chivalrous fellow, but a miserable commander-in-chief — brave as steel per- sonally, but he dare not take responsibility. He had, on f(Mr separate occasions, made arrangements with Lord Raglan for assaulting the place, and eacli time made ex- cuses Avhen the moment arrived for getting off; he has been heard since to confess that he durst not have attempted it. ' Sir Edmund's opinion of Adiuiral Duiidas as a com- mander-in-chief is not favourable. I mentioned that it was my impression, from reailing the accounts that came home, that he (Sir Edmund) must have determined to take upon himself to act independently, and as circum- stances might demand of him. ' He said it was quite true — that he was reduced to this necessity — that it was a great responsibility, but that there was no lielj» f)r it; that indeed in this he acted by