A Visit to Sebastopol a Week After Its Fall, by an Officer of the Anglo-Turkish Contingent (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856. Excerpt: ... A VISIT TO SEBASTOPOL A WEEK AFTER ITS FALL. Perhaps there is no period better adapted to impress on the mind the fearful reality of war than that immediately subsequent to an engagement, when we can behold with our own eyes the devastation that has taken place. To visit Sebastopol, or rather the trenches in which so many gallant fellows had worked and died, was a longcherished wish; and when the far-famed place had fallen, I became the more eager to do so. While waiting for a passage at Constantinople, I paid a visit to the several celebrated places there. I crossed the harbour to the Asiatic side; and having a friend in the Hospital at Scutari, minutely inspected the sick wards. Nothing could exceed the order and regularity that reigned there. The most searching eye would fail to discover the slightest speck of dirt anywhere; B and the most sensitive nose might examine any corner without scenting anything but the purest atmosphere. The sick and wounded with whom I conversed, were all happy and contented; one regret only they had, and that was that they were prevented by ill health from taking part in the labour of their comrades. Two-thirds of the inmates were mere boys. Judging from their appearance they had not yet reached 20 years. In fact, the hospital recalled to one's mind that attached to our large public seminaries in England; yet the reply of each was the same, --" I hope, sir, I shall soon be well enough to join." Many things were pointed out to me as the result of Miss Nightingale's gentle care. My informant was describing how the soldiery adored her: how she smoothed the pillow of this man whose limb was shattered by a cannon-shot; how she moistened the parched lips of another delirious with fever; how she watched by the bedside of a third, u...