The Rifles, under Major Northcote, were ahead, and, dashing through the vineyards under a rain of fire, crossed the river, scaled the bank, and pushed forward to the top of the next slope.

It was on the plateau beyond that the Russian main body were posted, and for a time the Rifles had hard work to maintain themselves.

In the meantime, the Light Division were advancing in open order, sometimes lying down, sometimes advancing, until they gained the vineyards.

Here the regular order which they had so far maintained was lost, as the ground was broken up by hedges, stone walls, vines and trees.

The 19th, 7th, 23d and 33d were then led, at a run, right to the river by General Codrington, their course being marked by killed and wounded, and crossing they sheltered themselves under the high bank.