Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 5.djvu/91

THE BATTLE OF BALACLAVA. 69 ' sion by the Woronzoff' road. He said this with chap marked emphasis.' The officer then galloped as . fast as he could to the 4th Division camp, and found Sir George Cathcart dressed and seated in his tent. Then followed this colloquy : — Staff-Officer. — Lord Raglan requests you, Sir George, to move your Division immediately to the assistance of the Turks. Cathcart. — Quite impossible, sir, for the 4th Division to move. Staff-Officer. — My orders were very positive, and the Russians are advancing upon Balaclava. Cathcart. — I can't help that, sir. It is im- possible for my Division to move, as the greater portion of the men have only just come from the trenches. The best thing you can do is to sit down and take some breakfast with me. Staff-Officer (after respectfully declining the invitation). — My orders are to request that you will move your Division immediately to the as- sistance of Sir Colin Campbell. I feel sure every moment is of consequence. Sir Colin Campbell has only the 93d Highlanders with him. I saw the Turks in full flight from the redoubts. Cathcart. — Well, sir, if you will not sit down in my tent, you may as well go back to Lord Raglan, and tell him that I cannot move my Division. The staff-officer touched his cap, left the tent, and rode off a few yards considering how he could best act. After a few moments' considera- tion, he saw all the terrible consequences that