Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 3.djvu/82

66 ISATTLK f)r TTIR ALMA. CHAP, many a struggle in tlio passes of the INIiddle ^' and the Lesser Atlas, it was no new problem to have to cross a stream and carry a bod}' of troops to the summit of a hill with a steep-looking face. In the morning, he had ridden forward escorted by a few Spahis, to reconnoitre the ground with his own eyes; and thus, and by the aid of the careful surveys effected by the naval men, he was able to assure himself, not only that the river could be passed at its bar, but that troops there crossing it would be likely to find the means of getting round and ascending to the summit of the cliff from the south-west. Examining also the face of the cliff further inland, he saw that the broken ground opposite to the village of Almata- mack could be easily ascended by foot-soldiers ; and he also, no doubt, perceived that the road leading up from the village (unless it should prove to have been effectually cut or guarded by the enemy) would give him a passage for his His plan of artillery. Upon these observations Bosquet based operatioi. his plan. He resolved to march in person with Autemarre's brigade upon the village of Almata- • mack, there to cross the river, and afterwards endeavour to ascend the plateau at the point where the road from Almatamack goes up be- tween the West Cliff and the Telegraph Height -, but he ordered General Bouat, with his brigade and with the Turkish Contingent, to incline far away towards his right, to try to pass the river at its bar, and then to find the best means he could for getting his troops uj) the cliff.