FIFTH BOMBARDMENT OF SEBASTOPOL.
Reading edition
The fifth bombardment of Sebastopol commenced at daylight on the 17th. of August, the fire being directed against the Malakoff and Redan, which continued throughout the day: the Russian fire, which at first replied briskly became feeble by the evening. The fire[172] from the batteries of the allies was reported by General Simpson, in his despatch of the 21st. of August, to have been very effective, and the result attained to have been sufficient to enable the works against the place to progress satisfactorily.
On the night of the 30th. of August, the enemy’s pickets made a rush at the advanced trench, upset a few gabions, and killed Lieutenant Preston, of the 97th. In this affair Captain Pechell, of the 77th., who commanded the advanced party, and Lieutenant-Colonel Bunbury, of the 23rd. regiment, who commanded the supports, behaved with great gallantry.
The brightness of the nights prevented a large amount of work being executed, and what was performed became a task of great difficulty. By the 1st. of September the head of the sap was about one hundred and fifty yards from the salient of the Redan, and the garrison interrupted the work by all possible means.
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