From the seat of war we learn that the English
opened fire on the 10th upon the Redan, and, as it appeared, with considerable effect. Some delay was caused in reopening the bombardment by - damage done to the railway during a tremendous storm of rain on the 23d Jnne. Cattle, and even soldiers, were drowned in the tor- rents that swept down the ravines ; the sleepers of the railway were torn up, and even the dead washed out of their shallow graves. Symptoms were appearing in the camp of some of the dif- ficulties which surround attempts to employ on a large scale the labour of civilians in an army. The Turkish soldiers were not unreasonably discontented to see the Croat workman paid as highly as their own officers. The same reflection may possibly occur to our own army on observing the higher pay and better ac- commodation of the " navvies." Further, Croats and " navvies " • had grown rich and lazy, and declined to work at the very time when their services were most needed. These difficulties may of course be overcome, but they should be noticed as they occur for the light they throw upon the disasters of last winter. Here in England everything may be got for money, but it is not always so in the East, and especially as regards human la- hour. The Russians have applied extensively in the Crimea the surer system of compulsion to erect their enormous mili- tary works and to perfect their communications. Much is said now in the Russian organs of the great difficulties of transport by way of Perekop ; but whether the accounts are true, or merely intended to impose upon the Allies, it would be difficult to tell. Possibly the enemy is trying to lull the be- siegers into security in the hope of finding a time and place for another Inkerman; and he must certainly have had more troops disposable since Austria reduced her army. In the course of this week general Simpson's first despatch, communicating Lord Rag- -Ian's death, has been received, and also a copy of a general order announcing to the army that it had lost its " beloved commander."
The campaign in Anatolia opened auspiciously in Tune, with the repulse of the Russians from Kars by the Turks under Colonel Williams. The enemy was in great strength, although so far from the sources of his power. The Turkish army, it is to be hoped, is more manageable, if not much better provided, than last year.
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