Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 9.djvu/155

 PROSTRATK STATE OF TROOPS. 125 advanced up a dell that opened in front of our c ha p. people at a distance of more than 200 yards, and, '. — whilst still in the hollow, was seen by Colonel Campbell and Captain Wolsclcy, both of the 90th, as well as by other officers. They hastened at once to prepare all the means of resistance at hand by summoning the men within reach to rise up from the ground where they lay, to meet the approaching attack ; but a startling disappoint- ment awaited them. During the last ten hours of fighting and working, the physical strength r.ostrate 00 ° x J state of of our men had been heavily taxed — taxed so most of J our men closely up to its limit that, except as regarded a few (of whom we shall presently hear), they had fallen into a state which many, perhaps, might describe as one of faintness, or syncope ; but what at all events ailed them was exhaustion of the power which alone can put muscles in action. They could not be roused ; and, when lifted, could hardly, if at all, keep their feet.* An enemy's column advancing, and before them British troops lying helpless as though stricken and nailed to the ground by some hellish enchantment ! ' It seemed to me,' said one officer present, 'like the end of the world.' However, show of 1 resistance some few of our officers — including Colonel Camp- attempted " by some bell and Captain Wolseley, and also several ser- officers geants and corporals, with some men of the rank and tile, making up altogether a strength vari- ously computed at from one to three score — began stricken in this way. men.
 * Seeposi, p. 128 et scq., as to state of two officers afterwards