Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 8.djvu/298

 266 COMMENCED EXPEDITION TO KHKTCH. CHAP. its result. Alter discussing it for some time, General Can- robert announced ' that these orders of the Em- ' peror would compel him to recall the troops ' which had left Kamiesh for Kertch.' Lord Eaglan observed that ' such a proceeding would ' be a great misfortune, and would create a bad ' impression ' both in the army ' and elsewhere,' and 'at last,' he wrote, 'I persuaded' General Canrobert not to recall the troops 'upon the ' understanding that he relinquished his intention ' of doing so at my instance.' * General Canrobert remained with his colleague till nearly one o'clock in the morning ; and, when he had at last gone away, Lord Kaglan was soon in that sleep with which nature blesses the weary, and especially a weary commander; but there had not as yet come an end to even this single night's revelry of the electric currents now in- 2.15 a.k. augurating their turbulent mission. At a quarter aide-tie- past two, Lord Eaglan was awakened by the yet another arrival of a French aide-de-camp, bringing with him a letter from Canrobert, and another and later telegram newly come from the Emperor — from the Emperor acting in person. It was thus that the Emperor telegraphed: — 'The moment is ' come for getting out of the 45 in which you ' are. It is absolutely necessary to take the ' offensive 450. As soon as the Corps of Ee- ' serve shall have joined you, assemble all your ' forces and do not lose a day. I greatly de- 4th May 1855, I to 3 a.m.
 * 'Sur ma demande.' Lord Raglan to Sir Edmund Lyons,