General Barnard was directed to take his brigade of the third division down to a ravine near the quarries, while General Eyre moved his brigade of the same division still farther along.

His orders were that in case of the assault on the Redan being successful, he should attack the works on its right.
On the French left, three columns, each 6000 strong, under General De Salles, were to attack three of the Russian bastions; while on their right, three columns of equal force were to attack the Russian positions: General D'Autemarre assailing the Gervais battery and the right flank of the Malakoff, General Brunet to fall upon the left flank of the Malakoff and the little Redan from the Mamelon, while General Mayrau was to carry the Russian battery near the careening creek.
Thus the French were to assault in six columns, numbering in all 36,000 men, with reserves of 25,000.

Our assaulting columns contained only 1200 men, while 10,000 were in reserve.

The attack was to commence at day-break, but by some mistake the column of General Mayrau attacked before the signal was given.

In a few minutes they were repulsed with great loss, their general being mortally wounded.
Four thousand of the Imperial Guard were sent to their assistance, and three rockets being fired as a signal, the assault was made all along the line.