Part 22
Our attacking force was composed of detachments from the Light and Second Divisions. About 400 men from the 18th, 7th, 47th, 49th, were told off to lead the assault, under the immediate command of Colonel Shirley, of the 90th regiment. The working parties were selected from remaining regiments of the Light Division; the main body remaining under arms in reserve.
Immediately the signal rockets took their flight towards the town, the attacking columns darted forward. The active French troops swarmed up the sides of the Mamelon, and in a few moments were in hand-to-hand contest with the Russian defenders. With an unusual supineness the batteries of the town offered no impediment to the advance. It might be that the fierce bombardment to which for twenty-four hours they had been exposed, had temporarily silenced them. Whatever might be the cause, but little opposition was sustained by, and scarcely any loss inflicted on the attacking columns, who reached the parapet on the crown of the hill at a rapid pace. Here the enemy made a stand, and for a brief space struggled bravely to maintain their position. It was, however, but an ineffectual effort. The French fought with the utmost daring; and the enemy giving way before the impetuous onslaught, retreated down the hill, the French in eager pursuit. In the valley, however, the Russians received large reinforcements from the Malakoff Tower on the opposite eminence, and a fierce fire was opened on the French from the batteries of the Malakoff. Then the tide of battle turned; and the hitherto assailants, out-numbered, were driven up the hill, contesting every foot of ground. Some of the Zouaves, with characteristic daring, evading the attacking force, pressed onwards, and, as on the previous occasion, positively entered the Malakoff, and spiked some of the guns. Our allies, unable to bear the vigorous charge and overwhelming numbers of the enemy, who now pressed upon them, were forced to relinquish the hold they had obtained upon the Mamelon, and retreated over the brow of the hill, reluctantly relinquishing the advantage they had gained. The French, after a brilliant attack, were driven back by the reinforced defenders of the hill, and the Russians were once more masters of the Mamelon.
General Bosquet, however, was not the man to accept a repulse as a final defeat. Reforming the column in the trenches at the foot of the hill, and sending fresh troops to their assistance, he prepared for a second assault. This time the French, eager to retrieve their disaster, rushed forward with emulous bravery, and again the hill side was covered with the advancing columns, pressing onwards to the attack. Trench after trench was carried and in a few moments the assailers again occupied the topmost parapet. The Russians fought desperately; but no courage could withstand the fierce valour of the French. The enemy were hurled down the hills, and our allies, mad with excitement, rushed after them, in a rapid bayonet charge, covering the ground with the killed and wounded, and driving the flying enemy to the refuge of the Malakoff. Meanwhile the working party in their rear had speedily thrown up parapets and breastworks on the Russian side; and although the guns from the town and the shipping in the harbour played vigorously upon the hill, they were enabled to hold their important acquisition.
Farther to the right, the French had also attacked and carried, after considerable resistance, a line of works leading to and defending Careening Bay, and connected with the works of the Mamelon, known as the White Works. A number of guns were taken, and the French were thus in possession of an access to the great harbour, and enabled to throw up works commanding the shipping.
We have thus far related the varying fortunes of the French attack. Let us now turn to the English assault on the Quarries. Simultaneously with the advance of our allies, Colonel Campbell threw his small force into the Russian works, experiencing but trifling opposition; and congratulating himself upon having so easily achieved his object. Advancing beyond the Quarries towards the Redan, there is no doubt the adventurous English might even have entered that great work itself, so great was the confusion among the Russians, caused by the attack on the Mamelon, had they been in sufficient force to warrant such a feat. The enemy, however, soon mustered their strength, and Colonel Campbell was forced, after a stubborn resistance, to yield his position. Three times did the small British force retreat from the Quarries, and as many times they retook them with the bayonets. At length they were enabled to throw up an earthwork, which ensured their possession of this important position. In one of the Russian attacks, an instance of individual prowess occurred, which obtained for the performer of it the rare honour of being named, though a non-commissioned officer, in Lord Raglan’s despatch. The assailing party had wavered a little before the sharp fire from the British muskets, when Lance-Corporal Quin, of the 47th, darted out of the work towards a Russian officer and four men, who had advanced somewhat in front of the main body of the enemy. With the butt-end of his musket he brained one of the soldiers, bayoneted a second and the other two precipitately fled from the doughty corporal. Then collaring the officer, and administering a gentle stimulant with the point of his bayonet to quicken his advance, he dragged him a prisoner into the work, in less time than we have occupied to tell the tale.
The enemy’s loss must been very great, judging by that which the victors sustained in the two attacks. The French lost about 60 officers, and 2000 men killed and wounded; and the British, 35 officers, and 365 rank and file.”
MARSHAL, FIELD.--This rank is of modern date in the British army. It is the highest military rank in the army.
MARSTON MOOR, BATTLE OF.--This battle was the beginning of the misfortunes of Charles I of England--fought July 3rd, 1644.
“The Scots and Parliamentarian army had joined, and were besieging York, when Prince Rupert, joined by the Marquis of Newcastle, determined to raise the siege. Both armies drew up on Marston Moor, to the number of 50,000, and the victory seemed long undecided between them. Rupert, who commanded the right wing of the Royalists, was opposed by Oliver Cromwell, who now first came into notice, at the head of a body of troops which he had taken care to levy and discipline. Cromwell was victorious; he pushed his opponents off the field, followed the vanquished, returned to a second engagement, and a second victory; the Prince’s whole train of artillery was taken, and the Royalists never after recovered the blow.”
MERIDA.--_In Spain._--Taken by the French in January, 1811. Near here the British army, under Lord Hill, defeated the French, under General Girard, after a severe engagement October 28th, 1811. The British took Merida from the French, July 1812, after a severe encounter,--General Hill himself leading the combined armies of Britain and Spain.
MILAN.--French expelled from it by Charles V, of Germany, 1525. Seized again by the French, June 30, 1796. Retaken by the Austrians in 1799; regained by the French, May 31, 1800. Napoleon crowned with the Iron crown, at Milan, May 26, 1805. (See _Longbeards_ or _Longobards_). This city, celebrated for the Milan decrees against all continental intercourse with England, issued by Napoleon, December 17th, 1807. Here an insurrection occurred against the Austrians, March 18th, 1848, which resulted in a battle, and flight of the viceroy and troops.
MILITIA.--Supposed to have been introduced into England by King Alfred. The English volunteers and militia, a splendid body of men, who have more than once materially assisted Government in times of necessity. The Canadian Volunteers are a body of men almost equal to the soldiers of the line; and during the late Fenian excitement, have shown to the whole world that a brave man delights to defend his hearth and home, and that “_dulce est mori pro patriâ_.”
MINDEN, BATTLE OF.--Fought, August 1st, 1759, between the English, Hessians and Hanoverians, on the one side, and the French on the other. The Allies were commanded by Prince Ferdinand, and under him Lord George Sackville. The Allies gained a complete victory, and pursued the French to the very ramparts of Minden. Lord Sackville, who commanded the Allied cavalry, for some disobedience of orders, on his return to England was tried by court martial and dismissed the service, but was afterwards restored.
MOCKERN, BATTLES OF.--Between the French, under Eugène Beauharnois, and the allied Russian and Prussian army, which was signally defeated with great loss, April, 1813. There was another bloodier battle fought here, October 14th, 1813, between the same contending armies; five times Mockern was taken and retaken during this conflict.
MOHATZ, BATTLES OF.--_In Hungary._--Here, in 1526, Louis, King of Hungary, was defeated by the Turks, under Solyman II, with the loss of 22,000 men. Another battle was fought here between the Christians, commanded by Prince Charles of Lorraine, and the Turks, who were defeated with the loss of 10,000 men, A.D. 1687.
MOHILON, BATTLE OF.--Between the Russians, under the celebrated Prince Bagration, and the French, under Marshal Davoust. This was one of the most bloody engagements in the campaign of 1812. The Russians were totally defeated, with immense loss in killed and wounded; fought, July 23rd, 1812.
MOLWITZ, BATTLE OF.--Between the Prussians and Austrians. The Prussians were commanded by Frederick III, who obtained a great and important victory. An immense number of killed and wounded on the side of the Austrians was the result of this sanguinary battle. Austria being at the time in alliance with Great Britain, the consequence of the victory seriously affected the interest of that country. Fought, April 10th (March 30th), 1741.
MONTEBELLO, BATTLE OF.--Fought May 20th, 1859, between the Austrians and French. “On the 20th May, a severe action was fought at Montebello, which lasted six hours. The Austrians appear, in the first instance, to have taken Montebello from the French, and to have been afterwards expelled by the French. A desperate hand to hand conflict took place in the village, which had to be carried, house after house. The Austrians, after the battle, evacuated Casteggio, and retired along the Creatisma road.”
MONTE VIDEO.--Taken by storm, by the British force, under Sir Samuel Auchmuty, February 3rd, 1807, with a terrible loss of nearly two-thirds of his army. It was evacuated, July 7th, same year, in consequence of the severe repulse of the British at Buenos Ayres.
MONTEREAU, BATTLE OF.--Fought, February 18th, 1814, between the Allied army and the French, the latter commanded by Napoleon himself. In this desperate engagement, the Allies were defeated with great loss in killed and wounded. This battle was one of the last ever gained by Napoleon. Four months after he was ruined at Waterloo.
MOODKEE, BATTLE OF.--_In India._--Between the British and Sikhs. The advanced guard of the British was attacked by the Sikh forces, but the latter were repulsed and driven back three miles, losing great numbers of men and 15 pieces of cannon, December 18th, 1845. Sir Robert Sale was mortally wounded in this battle, being in his sixty-fifth year. Lady Sale signalized herself during the two memorable retreats from Afghanistan.
MORGARTEN, BATTLE OF.--Between the Swiss and Austrians. The Swiss numbered 1300, the Austrians 20,000. Fought, November 15th, 1315. “The 15th November, 1315, dawned; the sun darted his first rays on the shields and armour of the advancing host; and this being the first army ever known to have attempted the frontiers of the Cantons, the Swiss viewed its long line with various emotions. Montfort de Tettnang led the cavalry into the narrow pass of Morgarten, and soon filled the whole space between the Mountain (Mount Sattel) and the lake. Fifty men, on the eminence above Morgarten, raised a sudden shout, and rolled down heaps of rocks and stones among the crowded ranks. The confederates on the mountain, perceiving the impression made by this attack, rushed down in close array, and fell upon the flank of the disordered column. With massy clubs they dashed in pieces the armour of the enemy, and dealt their blows and thrusts with long pikes. The narrowness of the defile admitted of no evolutions, and a slight frost having injured the road, the horses were impeded in all their motions; many leaped into the lake; all were startled; and at last the whole column of soldiers gave way, and suddenly fell back on the infantry; and these last, as the nature of the country did not allow them to open their files, were run over by the fugitives, and many of them trampled to death. A general rout ensued, and Duke Leopold was, with much difficulty, rescued by a peasant, who led him to Winterthur, where the historian of the times saw him arrive in the evening, pale, sullen and dismayed.”
MORTAR.--A short gun of an extraordinary large bore and close chamber, used for throwing bomb shells. The mortar was first made in England in 1543.
MOSCOW, BURNING OF.--Entered by the French, September 4th, 1812. “At length Moscow, with its domes, and towers, and palaces, appeared in sight; and Napoleon, who had joined the advance guard, gazed long and thoughtfully on that goal of his wishes. Murat went forward, and entered the gates with his cavalry; but as he passed through the streets, he was struck by the solitude which surrounded him.
Nothing was heard but the heavy tramp of his squadrons as he passed along, for a deserted and abandoned city was the meagre prize, for which such unparalleled efforts had been made. As night drew its curtains over the splendid capital, Napoleon entered the gates, and immediately appointed Mortier governor. In his directions, he commanded him to abstain from all pillage. For this, said he, you shall be answerable with your life. Defend Moscow against all, whether friend or foe. The bright moon rose over the mighty city, tipping with silver the domes of more than 200 churches, and pouring a flood of light over 1000 palaces, and the dwellings of 300,000 inhabitants. The weary army sunk to rest; but there was no sleep for Mortier’s eyes.
Not the gorgeous and variegated palaces and their rich ornaments, nor the parks and gardens, and oriental magnificence that everywhere surrounded him, kept him wakeful, but the ominous foreboding that some dire calamity was hanging over the silent capital. When he entered it, scarcely a living soul met his gaze, as he looked down the long streets; and when he broke open the buildings, he found parlors, and bedrooms, and chambers all furnished and in order, but no occupants. The sudden abandonment of their homes, betokened some secret purpose yet to be fulfilled. The midnight moon was sailing over the city, when the cry of “Fire!” reached the ears of Mortier; and the first light over Napoleon’s falling empire was kindled, and the most wondrous scene of modern time commenced,--the burning of Moscow. Mortier, as governor of the city, immediately issued his orders, and was putting forth every exertion, when, at day-light, Napoleon hastened to him. Affecting to disbelieve the reports that the inhabitants were firing their own city, he put more rigid commands on Mortier to keep the soldiers from their work of destruction.
The marshal simply pointed to some iron covered houses that had not yet been opened, from every crevice of which smoke was issuing like steam from the sides of a pent up volcano. Sad and thoughtful, Napoleon turned toward the Kremlin, the ancient palace of the Czars, whose huge structure rose high above the surrounding edifices.
In the morning, Mortier, by great exertions, was enabled to subdue the fire. But the next night, at midnight, the sentinels on watch, on the lofty Kremlin, saw below them the flames bursting through the houses and palaces, and the cry of “Fire!” “Fire!” passed through the city. The dread scene had now fairly opened. Fiery balloons were seen dropping from the air, and lighting upon the houses; dull explosions were heard on every side from the shut up dwellings, and the next moment a bright light burst forth, and the flames were raging through the apartments. All was uproar and confusion. The serene air and moonlight of the night before, had given way to the driving clouds, and a wild tempest that swept with the roar of the sea over the city. Flames arose on every side, blazing and crackling in the storm, while clouds of smoke and sparks, in an incessant shower, went driving toward the Kremlin. The clouds themselves seemed turned into fire, rolling in wrath over devoted Moscow. Mortier, crushed with the responsibility thus thrown over his shoulders, moved with his young guard amid this desolation, blowing up the houses, and facing the tempest and the flames, struggling nobly to arrest the conflagration. He hastened from place to place amid the blazing ruins, his face blackened with the smoke, and his hair and eyebrows seared with the fierce heat. At length, the day dawned, a day of tempest and of flame; and Mortier, who had strained every nerve for 36 hours, entered a palace, and dropped down with fatigue.
The manly form and stalwart arm, that had so long carried death into the ranks of the enemy, at length gave way, and the gloomy marshal lay and panted in utter exhaustion. The day was one of tempest; and when night again enveloped the city it was one broad flame, wavering to and fro in the blast.
The wind had increased to a perfect hurricane, and shifted from quarter to quarter, as if on purpose to swell the sea of fire, and extinguish the last hope. The fire was approaching the Kremlin, and already the roar of the flames and the crash of the falling houses, and the crackling of burning timbers, were borne to the ears of the startled Emperor.
He arose and walked to and fro, stopping and convulsively gazing on the terrific scene. Murat, Eugène, and Berthier rushed into his presence, and on their knees besought him to flee; but he still clung to that haughty palace, as if it were his empire. But at length the shout, “The Kremlin on fire!” was heard above the roar of the conflagration, and Napoleon reluctantly consented to leave. He descended into the street with his staff, and looked about for a way of egress, but the flames blocked every passage. At length they discovered a postern gate, leading to the Moskwa, and entered it, but they had only entered still further into the danger. As Napoleon cast his eyes around the open space, girdled and arched with fire, smoke, and cinders, he saw one single street yet open, but all on fire.
Into this he rushed, and amid the crash of falling houses, and raging of the flames, over burning ruins, through clouds of rolling smoke, and between walls of fire, he pressed on; and at length, half suffocated, emerged in safety from the blazing city, and took up his quarters in the imperial palace of Petrousky, nearly three miles distant.
Mortier, relieved from his anxiety for the Emperor, redoubled his efforts to arrest the conflagration. His men cheerfully rushed into every danger. Breathing nothing but smoke and ashes,--canopied by flame, and smoke, and cinders,--surrounded by walls of fire that rocked to and fro, and fell with a crash amid the blazing ruins, carrying down with them red hot roofs of iron,--he struggled against an enemy, that no boldness could awe, or courage overcome.
Those brave troops had heard the tramp of thousands of cavalry, sweeping battle without fear, but now they stood in still terror, before the march of the conflagration, under whose burning footsteps was heard the incessant crash of falling houses, and palaces, and churches. The continuous roar of the raging hurricane, mingled with that of the flames, was more terrible than the thunder of artillery; and before this new foe, in the midst of this battle of the elements, the awe-struck army stood powerless and affrighted. When night descended again on the city, it presented a spectacle, the like of which was never seen before, and which baffles all description: the streets of fire, the heavens a canopy of fire, and the entire body of the city a mass of fire, fed by a hurricane that whirled the blazing fragments in a constant stream through the air. Incessant explosions, from the blowing up of stores of oil, and tar, and spirits, shook the very foundations of the city, and sent volumes of smoke rolling furiously toward the sky. Huge sheets of canvas, on fire, came floating, like messengers of death, through the flames; the towers and domes of the churches and palaces, glowed with red-hot heat over the wild sea below, then tottering a moment on their bases, were hurled by the tempest into the common ruin.
Thousands of wretches, before unseen, were driven by the heat from the cellars and hovels, and streamed in an incessant throng through the streets. Children were seen carrying their parents,--the strong the weak,--while thousands more were staggering under loads of plunder, they had snatched from the flames. This, too, would frequently take fire in the falling shower, and the miserable creatures would be compelled to drop it and flee for their lives. Oh, it was a scene of woe and fear indescribable! A mighty and close packed city of houses, and churches, and palaces, wrapt from limit to limit in flames, which are fed by a whirling hurricane, is a sight this world will seldom see. But this was all within the city. To Napoleon, without, the spectacle was still more sublime and terrific. When the flames had overcome all obstacles, and had wrapped everything in their red mantle, that great city looked like a sea of fire, swept by a tempest that drove it into vast billows.
Huge domes and towers, throwing off sparks like blazing firebrands, now towered above these waves, and now disappeared in their maddening flow, as they rushed and broke high over tops, and scattered their spray of fire against the clouds. The heavens themselves seemed to have caught the conflagration, and the angry masses that swept it, rolled over a bosom of fire. Columns of flame would rise and sink along the surface of the sea, and huge volumes of black smoke suddenly shoot into the air, as if volcanoes were working below.
The black form of the Kremlin alone towered above the chaos, now wrapped in flame and smoke, and again emerged into view, standing amid the scene of desolation and terror, like virtue in the midst of a burning world, enveloped but unscathed by the devouring elements. Napoleon stood and gazed upon this scene in silent awe. Though nearly three miles distant, the windows and walls of his apartment were so hot, that he could scarcely bear his hand against them. Said he, years afterwards, “It was the spectacle of a sea and billows of fire, a sky and clouds of flame; mountains of red rolling flame, like immense waves of the sea, alternately bursting forth, and elevating themselves to skies of fire, and then sinking into the ocean of flame below. Oh! it was the most grand, the most sublime, the most terrific sight the world ever beheld.”
MOSKWA, BATTLE OF.--Also called the battle of _Borodino_, which see.
MUSKET.--First used at the siege of Anasitti, 1414. Introduced generally into the British army, and bows and arrows laid aside, 1521.
MUNCHENGRATZ AND GITSCHIN, BATTLES OF.--Fought, 28th June, 1866, between the Austrians and the Prussians. The _Times’_ correspondent, with the Prussian army, gives the following account of these battles: