72. In Bulgaria during the War (Outposts in

the Balkans.)

73. In Bulgaria after the War.

74. Cossack Picket on the Danube.

Pickets of Cossacks and Hussars were stationed along the left bank of the Danube opposite Rustchuk, before the Russians crossed this river. At each Cossack picket was a beacon with tarred straw twisted round it, to be lighted in case of alarm, in order that danger might be at once signalled down the whole line.

75 Skobeleff at Shipka.

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The day after the battle at Shipka, where the Turks under Vessel Pasha were surrounded and taken prisoners, Skobeleff reviewed his troops, and thanked them for the victory. The regiments were drawn up facing the Turkish forts, with their left flank on Mount St. Nicholas. Putting spurs to his horse, the general galloped down the line, and, waving his cap, shouted to the men : In our country's name, on the part of our Sovereign, I thank you my comrades!" It would be difficult to describe the enthusiasm that prevailed as the soldiers threw their caps in the air and cheered repeatedly, Skobeleff was evidently deeply moved, as I saw tears in his eyes. Indeed all were overjoyed at the success, every one kept holiday-except the dead, slain but yesterday, and still littering the ground before the trenches.

76. The Earth Huts at Shipka.

The road up the Shipka Pass reminded me of a village. On one side were the earth huts of the soldiers, with an occasional small house of a commanding officer; on the

other a row of fir tops to show the direction of the road in misty weather. Having no warm clothing, the men covered themselves with anything they could get, mostly bits of tent canvas which served instead of overcoats. This was a very

slight protection against the cold, and large numbers were frostbitten every day. The close earth huts swarmed with every species of insect, and though bullet-proof to some extent, afforded no shelter against artillery fire, particularly shells, which often burst through the roofs and killed everybody inside. It was dangerous to venture outside the huts, owing to the commanding positions held by the Turks, who enfiladed our men on three sides, and could pick them off with their rifle fire. It became particularly lively at meal times, when the rations were brought round in troikas (carts drawn by three horses) from the shelter of the hills, and now and again a shell would burst in the midst of a crowd surrounding one of these provision wagons, and confuse in one heap, cart, horses, and men. The water-bearers also suffered heavily, many of them never returning. All day long bullets were whizzing about, literally like flies; every minute a shell would burst, now on this side, now on that. Well do I remember one day sitting down to sketch under cover of a Turkish bullet-proof block-house, and being obliged to leave my work unfinished, three shells in rapid succession having struck the roof, entered and broken everything, covering my palette thickly with dust and dirt.

77. Snow Trenches on the Pass.

The day of our crossing the Balkans, in order to guard against a possible flank attack, Skobeleff ordered trenches to be dug. The earth was so hard frozen, that it became necessary to throw up breastworks of snow, which lay so deep on the ground that the Turks never thought of attacking us, but only assembled in crowds in their positions on our

front, on a level with us, evidently surprised at our movements in the deep snow, while the few shells fired from their batteries caused us no loss. That night the frost was intense and our soldiers having nothing but their thin overcoats to wear (the warm clothing did not arrive till spring) strict orders were given in the regiments that every one should be kept awake. Slumber that night meant death. I remember trying to doze near the camp fire, protected with a number of warm wraps, yet in spite of all this I felt that I was freezing, and accordingly lit a cigar and waited by the fireside till it was time to march.

78. "All Quiet at Shipka!"

(All Quiet along the Potomac.)

General Radetsky's report to the commander-in-chief: The daily losses from Turkish bullets were far exceeded by those from frost-bite. Nearly the whole of the 24th division was frost-bitten. Regiments were dreadfully reduced in strength; in some companies only ten men and a few subalterns were left; at length, the pitiable remnants were withdrawn from position. The General reported as usual, “All is quiet at Shipka!"

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79. Before the Attack.

The day on which the third attempt to storm Plevna took place was cloudy, and from early morning a fine rain fell, soaking the clayey soil, and making it impossible to walk much less to storm the heights. I remember the commander-in-chief exclaiming, as he clasped his forehead with both hands: How will our men advance? How can they march in such mire?" The attack, nevertheless, was not postponed, as it was the Emperor's birthday, and the generals were inspecting their men and urging them to make a birthday present of Plevna to H.I.M. The troops lay down while awaiting the signal for the attack.