The Light Cavalry Brigade covered the advance and left flank, while along the coast, parallel with the march of the troops, steamed the allied fleet, prepared, if necessary, to assist the army with their guns.

All were in high spirits that the months of weary delay were at last over, and that they were about to meet the enemy.

The troops saluted the hares which leaped out at their feet at every footstep as the broad array swept along, with shouts of laughter and yells, and during the halts numbers of the frightened creatures were knocked over and slung behind the knapsacks to furnish a meal at the night's bivouac.

The smoke of burning villages and farmhouses ahead announced that the enemy were aware of our progress.
Presently, on an eminence across a wide plain, masses of the enemy's cavalry were visible.

Five hundred of the Light Cavalry pushed on in front, and an equal number of Cossacks advanced to meet them.