Letter from an anonymous Troop Sergeant-Major of the 8th Hussars, to his father.
Near Balaklava, Dec 22.
Dear Father,
I have no doubt that you feel anxious to hear of my welfare in this truly dreadful country, but I must not dwell on all we have suffered, or are likely to suffer before this fearful struggle is at an end.
With regard to myself, I am as comfortable as I can well be in the camp, as I fortunately have good clothes, but many of our poor fellows have hardly a shoe to their feet or clothes to their backs, and yet are obliged to do the most arduous duty, although so diminished in numbers; in fact the three troops in camp would hardly make one of the strength we came out.
The Troop which composes Lord Raglan’s escort has not suffered much, as it was not at the horrible engagement at Balaklava, nor the heights of Inkerman, where we lost so many horses through starvation and inclemency of the weather. We are all better off now, as we are close to the town, and can get supplies for ourselves, but it is galling to think that we lost more horses, and men through the above means than we should probably from the most severe fire of the Enemy.
You received my former letter, describing the dreadful 25th. By the by, no better description can be given than that of “the Times” reporter, and I am glad to see our brave and gallant Colonel (Shewell) as been promoted through it. He richly deserves it; and but for his coolness and bravery there would have been an end to the Light Brigade. Well indeed our noble men followed his example. No men could work better, and their line in advance through the Russian artillery, as well as through their cavalry, could not be surpassed on Hounslow-Heath.
After we had sabred and passed their artillery at the end battery the word was given, ” The Russia cavalry are in our rear; make ready to Charge!” Some officers gave the order “Retired by Threes from the Right.” Our brave Colonel shouted immediately, “Steady, my brave men!” in a cool but determined voice, followed by “Right About, Wheel.” We were at this time at a full gallop; and this movement brought the officers and front rank facing the Russian cavalry; and, when we were well in line, the brave fellow said, “Follow me – Charge!” He led us on, and how he escaped is a miracle, for he was the first who came up to that tremendous mass of horsemen. We followed close, and went through them like the wind, making clear way for the others to follow, after which our handful of men broke, and each as best he could, cut his way to the original ground. I shall never forget that day as long as I live. Only a handful of that devoted band of soldiers returned. We prize our gallant Colonel the more, because for several days previous he had be laid up in his tent, and even on the morning of the engagement was too unwell to attend parade; but, no sooner did he hear the cannons roar than he called his servant to inquire what was the cause, and, on being told, immediately ordered his horse to be saddled, but was obliged to be helped to mount it, He was no sooner seated than he clapped spurs to his noble beast and came up at a gallop to take command of us; and, as I said before, we indeed did he perform his part.
We are still in tents, and, I fear, are likely to be so; were they to send sheds, as there is a talk of doing, we could hardly spare men to put them up, although doubtless they would contribute much to our comfort, the weather being exceedingly wet and cold.
I have no time to write more at present. Give my love to all.
P.S. We only lost two horse at the battle of Inkerman; the ground would not allow us to work. They played on us with their tremendous artillery.
