Page:The invasion of the Crimea vol. 2.djvu/284

 2u4 ORDEES AND PREPAEATIOXS CHAP, iug knowledge by clandestine means is one so ^^' repulsive to the feelings of an English gentleman, that there is always a danger of his neglecting it, or performing it ill. Perhaps no two men could be less fit for the business of employing spies than Lord Stratford and Lord Eaglan. JNIore diligence might have been expected from the French, but they also had failed. Marshal St Arnaud had heard a rumour that the force of the enemy in the Crimea was 70,000, and Vice-Admiral Dundas had even received a statement that it amounted to 120,000; but these accounts were fables. In point of fact, the information obtained by our Foreign Office approached to near the truth, and the Duke of Newcastle had the firmness — it was a daring thing to do, but it turned out that he was right — he had the firmness to press Lord liaglan to rely upon it. It was natural, however, that a general stationed within a few hours' .sail Lord Raglan of the couutry lie was to invade, and yet unable thaulewas to obtaiu froui it any, even slight, glimmer of wHhout'a^ny knowledge should distrust information which had informauou. travelled round to him (through the aid of the Home Government) along the circumference of a vast circle ; and Lord Piaglan certainly con- sidered that, in regard to the strength of the enemy in the Crimea and the land defences of Sebastopo). he was simply without knowledge.