CHAPTER III.

THE REIGN OF VICTORIA (_continued_).

Attitude of the German Powers--The Lines at Boulair--The Campaign on the Danube--The Siege of Silistria--It is raised--Evacuation of the Principalities--The British Fleet in the Black Sea--Arrival of the Allied Armies--A Council of War--The Movement on Varna--Unhealthiness of the Camp--An Attack on the Crimea resolved on--Doubts of the Military Authorities--Despatch to Lord Raglan--Lord Lyndhurst's Speech--Raglan's reluctant Assent--The Expedition sails--Debarkation in the Crimea--Forays of the French Troops--Composition of the Allied Armies--The Start--The first Skirmish--St. Arnaud's Plan--Slowness of the British--Battle of the Alma 35