Note 171 — 1855. 1st January-8th April. SIEGE OF SEBASTOPOL.

A party of French sappers arrived at Southampton early in December, 1854, to superintend the embarkation of huts for the Imperial army in the Crimea. From the moment of their landing they were shown every respect by the British sappers in that city, and, moreover, provided by them with a generous entertainment at the Floating House Tavern. The meeting was one of unmixed friendship, as if there never had been, between the nations, any differences or dissimilar sympathies to mar its cordiality. Two corps of neighbouring nations, bearing corresponding names, socially joined at the same feast, is perhaps a unique incident. The guests were represented by Mons. Von Doyson and sergeant Tagnier, whose speeches, with those of sergeant-major Steel, quartermaster-sergeant Simpson, and colour-sergeant Spencer, were warm and fraternal. The toasts were such as might have been expected in so loyal a gathering. After shipping no less than 1,850 huts to accommodate 45,000 men, the French sappers sailed for Sebastopol in January, 1855.