had not pluck enough to oppose us. As soon as our troops landed they captured about 100 wagon loads of flour, and a great quantity of provisions. We expect to finish landing all the gear tomorrow and I suppose we shall make the attack this day week!... We got the news yesterday that 15.000 Russians were marching to Sebastopol from Odessa to augment the forces there, but we have sent one division to cut them off. We have picked out several spies, and they are very useful. This morning one of our parties drove in four or five hundred cattle. All the water our troops drink is supplied from the ships, for the won’t drink any of that on shore as they fear it may have been poisoned; but our sappers and miners are sinking wells. I hope in another fortnight I shall be able to let you know it is all over. – The writer concluded by mentioning several Hastings young men who were serving in the fleet, and who at that time were all in good health.
The Cholera. In an earlier letter from John Whyborn, of the Rodney, than those of his already reproduced, and dated “Near Varna, August 23rd,” the writer said –
- “The cholera has broken out among our fleet, and the Britannica has lost about 160 men, the Trafalgar, 50, and the Albion, 70, but I am happy to say we have only lost 7, and the Queen only 2 and not Hastings men. We have lost by sickness in the English fleet about 300 and in the French fleet between five and six hundred. I heard from George Oliver yesterday, who tells me they are all quite well in the Queen. The sickness is subsiding now. The London has only lost six men. The troops on land have been healthy, except the guards, some of whom have got fever and ague. When the cholera broke out in the fleet, they put to sea, and were cruising about for eight days.” “J. W. “
(Other letters from the seat of war are reserved for chap. LIV)
The Regatta.
This year’s regatta took place on the 11th of Sept., a day in every way favourable for aquatic sports. The crowds of sightseers were immense, the rowing course being between the Fishmarket and Warrior square. The sailing boats were 7 in number, and the four which obtained prizes were W. Bumstead’s Lion (£3), A. Taylor’s Queen (£2), The Corsair (£1), & H. Carpenter’s Henry (10s.).
Of the six 4-oared galleys which competed, Topsy' (rowed by J. Hutchinson, H. Phillips, T. Tutt, jun. & J. Curtis) obtained £12:- the Arrow (from Ramsgate), £7; and the Anne (from Brighton) £3.
In single Skiffs, H. Roberts gained £1; J. Hutchinson, 15/-; & J. Morton 10s.
The prizes for Amateur Fours were to A. T. Mills Anne, of Brighton, £5; C. Chandler’s Lelia, of Hastings, £3; C. Breeds’s Surprise, of Hastings, 30s.; and W. Picknell’s Arrow, 20s.
In Pair-oared Skiffs, D. Goldsmith’s Nautilus won £2; G. Wenham’s John Tutt, £1; J. Goldsmith’s Alarm 15/- & H. Carpenter’s Sylph, 10s.
In Second-class Sailers, J. Oliver’s Lively won 30s.; B. Hadden’s Victory, 20s.; G. Swaine’s George, 15s.; & W. Hadden’s Mary, 10s.
In Single Sculls, G. Goldsmith took 30s.; D. Goldsmith, 20s.; H. Curtis, 15s.; & G. Wenham, 10s.
In Amateur Pairs, Fennings’s Uncle Tom got 15s.; Morris’s Sylph, 10s.; Wormsley’s Alfred 7/6; & Nash’s Gauntlet, 5s.
