Thus ended the first phase of this unequal contest. Pennefather had
triumphed to an extent of which neither he nor his heroes were fully
aware. Barely 1,200 men had routed 15,000! The few had achieved a
decisive victory over the many.
But the struggle had only just begun. Many more and still severer
trials awaited our starving, weary, sorely-beset soldiers that day.
The enemy had numberless fresh and still untried troops at hand.
Column after column had been moving steadily forward, some from the
town, some from the eastern side of the Tchernaya, and already the
Russian generals were in a position to renew the fight. A new
onslaught was now organised, to be made by 19,000 men under cover of
ninety guns.
So far in those early days of the battle the brunt of it had fallen
upon the Second Division, supported by a portion of the Light. Stout
old General Pennefather had had the supreme control throughout.
"I will not interfere with you," Lord Raglan said, as, standing by his
staff, he watched the progress of the fight from the ridge. "You know
your ground, as you have occupied it so long with your camp. I'm sure
I can trust you."
"Thank you, my lord. I'll do my best, never fear," replied
Pennefather.
"Their artillery fire is very troublesome, and must be over-mastered.
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