Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol 6.djvu/331

 THE MAIN FIGHT. 287 to them when emerging iVom the Quarry Eavine chap. a body of English infantry. The force so thrown ' forward, however, was in every instance so small, '^ Period. that its task, as defined by Circumstance, if not faiiici's method of by actual directions, was scarce other than that fiefending it of a strong picket. The mere hundred or two of combatants so employed for the moment on ground far beyond the Home Ridge, could not plainly stand bound to do more than trouble the enemy in his advance, and take care that the pro- cess of driving them in should cost him some- thing in men, and something also in time. If we see their resistance protracted beyond those natural limits, we must ascribe its excess to the valiant stubbornness of our soldiery"", and not to a preconceived notion of defending any ground near the Barrier as a part of the English position. The first body of troops thus employed against Dannenberg's fresh battalions was that wing of the 30th which we saw under Colonel Mauleverer, Mauieverer-s defeating and driving before them the two Boro- tiie sotii dino columns. Indeed the men were still pant- ing with the efforts attending their victory and the consequent pursuit, when they had to form up anew and meet the fresh lakoutsk battalions already descending Shell Hill. These Thirtieths its pro- 11- • • 1 tracted had come into action with a strenyth ol only 200, resistance f 1 -^ ' tothe and now, as may well be supposed, their numbers enemy's ■^ ^ advancing were grievously lessened, but there remained to columns, them valour and zeal. In the strife which ensued the officers gave themselves to their work with absolute devotion, whilst the men on their part