They had now got no less than 627 guns in position, while the English had 202.

The news that it was to commence was kept a profound secret, and few of the English officers knew what was about to take place.

Our own trenches were comparatively empty, while those of the French were crowded with men who kept carefully out of sight of the enemy.
Suddenly three jets of earth and dust sprung into the air.

The French had exploded three mines, and at the signal a stream of fire three miles in length ran from battery to battery, as the whole of their guns opened fire.

The effect of this stupendous volley was terrible.
The iron shower ploughed up the batteries and entrenchments of the Russians, and crashed among the houses far behind.