2-913-946 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Camp of the Siege Train (General Sir J. Burgoyne), at Sebastopol, 1854. Crimean War. 'The spirit of over-confidence, which is the characteristic of the British nation will be loth to hear that Sebastopol did not fall, as was anticipated at home, after a twelve hours' cannonade. On the contrary, the contest hitherto has been between mud fort and mud fort - between offensive works and offensive works; and when these forts are taken or destroyed, the real task of taking the town will commence. It will be a severe trial this taking or destroying of Sebastopol; and many days, perhaps weeks, will elapse before the day of triumph will dawn'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.