Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 8.djvu/302

 270 COMMENCED EXPEDITION TO KERTCH. CHAP, bodies of cavalry with which lie would know ' how to deal ? The latitude we are going to see granted was not destined to be used by Sir George ; but to such as would know the true lineaments of Lord Kaglan's magnanimous nature, the bare fact of his giving this warrant for separate action under circumstances so strange and — at first sight — so full of peril, will not be an unwelcome aid. With rare boldness, with rare generosity, and with a carefulness for the honour and fair name of others which was never surpassed, he framed a couple of sentences which opened a path of high enterprise for his chosen lieutenant to take upon the distinct responsibility of the com- mander-in-chief, yet — beforehand — raised up a firm barrier against all the impatient observers who might otherwise blame the lieutenant for not exerting his power. The latitude The ' two sentences' addressed to Admiral he gave to sir George Lyons were these : — ' I apprehend that, if the ' French troops which form three - fourths of 1 your force be withdrawn, there can be no ' chance of your being able to proceed on the ' Expedition with a fair prospect of success, and ' without incurring a risk which the circum- ' stances would hardly justify. Should you and ' Sir George Brown, however, after due delibera- ' tion, think it advisable to go on, and see what ' the state of thin;.,-; may be on the coast with ' the view to take advantage of any opening 1 which may present itself, I am perfectly ready Brown.