When it came to the turn of the French generals to speak, one of them
began a long protest against the attack as too hazardous. Several
others brought forward pet schemes of their own for reducing the
place.
"Enough!" said Pelissier, peremptorily. "You are not brought here to
discuss whether or how we should attack. That point is already settled
by my lord and myself."
He looked at Lord Raglan, who bowed assent.
"We have decided to attack the outworks on the 7th of the month."
"But I dissent," began General Bosquet.
"Did you not hear me? I tell you we have decided to attack. You are
only called together to arrange how it can best be carried out."
"I have a paper here in which I have argued out the principles on
which an attack should be conducted," said another, General Niel, an
engineer.
"Ah!" said Pelissier, "you gentlemen are very clever--I admit your
scientific knowledge--but when I want your advice I will ask for it."
While this conversation was in progress, the English officers present
were whispering amongst themselves with undisguised satisfaction at
finding that the new commander-in-chief of the French, unlike his
predecessor, was well able to keep his subordinates in order; and,
all useless discussion having been cut short, the plan of attack was
soon arranged.
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