On May 25 General Canrobert was ordered to take up the line of the Chernaya, which he accomplished with ease and almost without loss. In this operation he was assisted by the Sardinians under La Marmora, who had arrived some days previously. I remember riding in the morning down to the Chernaya with Lord Raglan and his staff on the occasion. General Canrobert galloped up to meet him, in the highest spirits, and speaking in French said: 'My Lord, when I was a great man and Commander-in-Chief you used to come and visit me, and now when I am only commanding a division you again come to see me.' Lord Raglan, in reply, expressed his pleasure that Canrobert had gained so extended a position, and with such trifling loss. He afterwards joined General La Marmora, and made a reconnoissance towards Baidar, being altogether ten hours in the saddle. This movement in advance was of the greatest benefit to the allies, who, instead of being cooped up in a corner, had now ample space in a fertile valley, with plenty of grass, fuel, and fresh water at their disposal. On May 24 the expedition to Kertch re-embarked, and sailed the following day. It consisted of 7,000 French, 3,000 English, and 5,000 Turks, with 5 batteries of artillery, and was attended with complete success. Kertch and Yenikale were captured without loss, the Russians retreating, after destroying large depots of supplies, &c. A considerable number of guns were taken, the Sea of Azov was opened to our fleets, and the enemy's communications interrupted. Sir Edmund Lyons reported that in four days the squadron had destroyed 241 vessels employed in transporting provisions to the Crimea, besides four war steamers and six million rations of flour and corn.[31] FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 20: Kinglake, vii. 192.] [Footnote 21: Bazancourt, ii. 239-242.] [Footnote 22: Kinglake, vii. 121.] [Footnote 23: Kinglake, vii. 245, and De Bazancourt, ii. 266.] [Footnote 24: De Bazancourt, ii. 266-274.] [Footnote 25: _Ibid._ ii. 252.] [Footnote 26: See also Clode's _Military Forces of the Crown_, ii. 237.] [Footnote 27: Kinglake, vii. 260-273.] [Footnote 28: Kinglake, vii. 287; also De Bazancourt, ii. 273-276.] [Footnote 29: _Ibid._ 278.] [Footnote 30: Kinglake, viii. 25.] [Footnote 31: Lord Raglan's despatch, June 2, 1855.] CHAPTER IX CAPTURE OF THE MAMELON AND QUARRIES--INTERVIEW WITH GENERAL PÉLISSIER