Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 5.djvu/447

 APPENDIX. 425 ferred my own opinion to that of my general, and in this instance must have exposed me and the cavalry to asper- sions, against which it might have been difficult to have defended ourselves. It should also be remembered that the aide-de-camp, well informed of the intentions of his general, and the objects he had in view, after first insisting on an imme- diate charge, then placed himself in front of one of the leading squadrons, where he fell the first victim. I did not dare so to disobey your lordship; and it is the opinion of every officer of rank in this army, to whom I have shown your instructions, that it was not possible for me to do so. I hope, my lord, that I have stated the facts temperately, and in a becoming and respectful manner, as it has been my wish to do. I am confident that it will be your desire to do me justice. I will only ask that your lordship should kindly give the same publicity to this letter that has been given to your report, as I am sensitively anxious to satisfy my sovereign, my military superiors, and the public, that I have not, on this unhappy occasion, si 1 own myself unde- serving of their confidence, or unfitting the command which I hold. — I have the honour, &c. (Signed) LUCAN, Lieut. -Gen. Commanding Cavalry Division. His Excellency the Commander of the Forces. Field- Marshal Lord Raglan to Duke of Newcastle. — (Rec. Jan. 8, 1855.) Before Skbastopol, Dec. 16, 1854. My Lord Duke,— I regret to be under the necessity of forwarding to your Grace the copy of a letter which has been addressed to me by Lieutenant-General the Earl of Lucan.