Page:The invasion of the Crimea vol. 2.djvu/409

 THE AFFAIR OF THE BULGANAK. 379 what made the Paissians hesitate was the steadi- CHAP. ness and the exact ceremonious formation of the '_ little cavalry force of four squadrons which tran- quilly confronted them ; and that, if he were to withdraw it before he had made arrangements for covering its retreat, it would be pursued and roughly handled by overwhelming numbers, lie was anxious — for, small as was this little body of horse, it was a large proportion of Ids wliole strength in the cavalry arm ; but he saw that its safety would be best provided for by bringing up troops to its support, and allowing it in the mean time to remain where it was, confusing the enemy by its obstinate presence and its careful array. He ordered up in all haste the Light and the 2d "Divisions, the 8th Hussars, and 17th Lancers, and afterwards the nine-pounder batteries attached to the Light Division. When our infantry divisions came up they were formed in line, and the cav- alry supports took a position in left rear of the advanced squadrons. All these operations the enemy suffered to take place without resistance, and when they were completed his opportunity Avas gone. So, all being now in readiness. Lord IJaglan M'ished that the four squadrons should forthwith retire ; and the more so as he Avas apprehensive lest these horsemen, in their evident longing for a combat, should be tempted to charge the body of cavalry in their immediate front. Still he was unwilling to embarrass Lord Lucan (close as he then was to the enemy) by an order too precise