This position, which could without difficulty have been seized by the allies at the commencement was in reality the key of the Russian position.

Its guns completely commanded the Redan, and its position would render that post untenable, while the whole of the south side of Sebastopol would lay at our mercy.

In front of the English the ground was hard and stony, and it was next to impossible to advance our trenches towards the Redan, and the greater portion of the earth indeed had to be carried in sacks on men's backs from points in the rear.
The working parties were also exposed to a cross-fire, and large numbers of men were killed every day.
On the 31st a tremendous storm broke upon the camp, but the soldiers were now accustomed to such occurrences, the tents were well secured, and but little damage was suffered.

Save for a few sorties by the Russians, the next fortnight passed quietly.
The cavalry were now pushed some distance inland, and the officers made up parties to ride through the pretty valleys and visit the villas and country houses scattered along the shores..