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LIEUTENANT ERNEST PERCEVAL PAPERS
MS 90-10

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Box 1 FF 1 February 1855 - This letter is addressed to Lady Heathcote. It is an unfinished letter, not signed, that describes the arrival of the soldiers at Portsmouth. Much confusion, but warm clothing and boots were distributed. Writes about a slight scrimmage with some prisoners taken. February 11 - In Balaklova Bay. Ernest Perceval gives an account of what he saw at Malta till he arrived here. Entered Malta by moonlight. Describes the striking of the church clock and hearing music wafting over the water. Soon after they anchored, barges came alongside and were busy giving them coal all night. Describes what he saw on a tour of the harbor and surrounding area. Made sketches. February 15 - Left Balaklova for the Bay Kosalchaiu (?). Can just see Sevastopol. February 22, 1855 - Camp near Balaklova. Disembarked last Sunday waiting to join our regiments. The Turks defeated the Russians at Eupatoria. Expected on Balaklova. Describes the situation and scenes around including the many nationalities. Describes another attack by Russians which was repulsed.
Box 1 FF 1 (continued) No date - Easter Monday (April 8, 1855). This letter reports an attack this morning at about 8:00. Casualties were small. The Russians returned fire with their usual. Easter Tuesday - Fire will continue. New batteries at Inkerman. Describes a ride on the plains where the cavalry charge was made. Wednesday - Reports casualties. Describes battles. Thinks Raglan has not made up his mind. April 14, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Mr. Perceval writes his cousin Anna. He begins on Monday describing his activities. Heavy wind and rain as they began their assault. Tuesday - The Russians fired more. The fleet drew up and attracted their attention which helped us. Describes and gives number of casualties. Had his pocketbook stolen. Had ten pounds and two letters. One has the introduction to Lord Roheby (?) and a seal. Monday night, April 16 - a magazine blew up today, one man killed and 12 wounded. Writes about wild flowers and vegetables. Wild geese and quail are all about. The telegraph is now laid all along the Black Sea and nearly completed to Vienna. The railroad is also completed within a mile and a half of our camp.
Box 1 FF 1 (continued) April 22, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Mr. Perceval writes Milware (?) that they have ceased firing and have gone back to the old thing, having lost officers. Describes the flowers, birds and lizards. May 21, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Mr. Perceval writes his Papa the Major Noslote (?) died this morning of cholera. He is not surprised because of the heat and smell caused by the drainage. The quarter master is at fault. June 3, 1855 - Just learned that the Russians attacked Ketsch (?) in great force. There is a report that we have been beaten at Anapa (?) and have taken Arabat(?). May 21, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Letter to Papa. Mayor Norton died this morning with cholera. Have had several cases. Describes the war situation and casualties.
Box 1 FF 2 June 7, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Mr. Perceval writes his cousin that they attacked Sevastopol, the intention was for their men to take the quarries and advanced works and for the French to take the Mamelon and in the morning to take Redan. Describes the fighting of French with the Russian. June 8 - The French are happy to say they still hold Mamelon. Names four officers who were killed: Major Bayley, Captain Corbet, Captain Wray and Lt. Webb, and Lt. Keusey (?) wounded. Captain Maynard wounded. June 8, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Mr. Perceval writes his mama that the French had taken Mamelon. Describes the battles just fought and the men who were killed.
Box 1 FF 2 (continued) June 15, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Letter to his papa, describing the situation with a drawing showing how they advanced. Deserters come in daily saying they have given up hopes of keeping the place. They send 5,000 men to the Redan every night, but we are gradually gaining the Redan. June 18 - More about personal activities. June 22, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Letter to Papa. Reports Bradley money received. Feels they will have to spend the winter here as the attack failed because the Russians made an unexpected attack.
Box 1 FF 2 (continued) June 29, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Dear Mama, got your letter this morning. Lord Raglan (?) died last night from dysentery. Leui Simpson is now chief in command, but not movements. Will make another attack upon the Malakoff. General Brown is away for his health and General Codnington (?) is away aboard ship for his health. Lord Bohaly (?) is suffering dysentery. Describes battle. July 6, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Dear Mama, thanks for letters. Mentions food served. Dear Papa on back page. Tells his papa that they are going to move up within 100 yards of the Redan. Will send an account of the attack. Lord Raglan's body was taken aboard ship Tuesday. July 9 - (on back of letter) mentions casualties, describes a new gun batter.
Box 1 FF 2 (continued) Monday July 9 - We open fire tomorrow to punish the Russians for the number of casualties. Found the new gun batter was of no use. Mentions a spy who gave information to the Russians. Pellissier is liked by the working portion of his officers, but not of the idle ones. He is abusive and swears. Heavy rains have torn up part of the railway. General Simpson is Leui, commanding in chief out here at present. July 20, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Dear Father, thanks for your letter. Mentions some of their ships have been taking guns to Quapa (?) for the French. Kirpor (?) is the name of a town inhabited by the Kamile Jews when they lived 110 years ago. The place selected by their ancestors from its resemblances to Jerusalem bears the date A. D. 640. Writes about a man who has invented a boat he can guide under water. July 23, 1855 - The Russians made a sortie upon the French last night but have not heard the results. A week ago they made a sortie but the French returned and took many prisoners and guns. A rifle was taken and I bought it from a Frenchman. Mentions the man who made the boat which can be propelled under water. Related the narrow escapes he had.
Box 1 FF 2 (continued) August 1, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Dear Mama, thanks for your letters. Went to the Dickerman (?) Theatre where the Zouane (?) act. Mentions food which he has. August 12, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Dear Jane. Thanks for your letter. The French talk about taking the Malakoff in about a fortnight. A sortie by the Russians some nights ago. Asks for useful books to read, also some drawing paper. A boat full of Russians deserted to out fleet, having thrown their officers overboard. August 16, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Dear Cousin, the Russians in number of 60,000 made an attack upon the bridge over the Tchernida (?). Our usual force is about 30,000. Reinforcements were sent down by the French. The battle still rages. Describes the battle and casualties. August 16, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Dear Father, the Russians tried to force the passage of the Tcherndia (?). We are to be ready at a moments notice. Describes the action.
Box 1 FF 2 (continued) August 31, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. A magazine of the French blew up Wednesday night and killed 25 men, wounding 130. A sortie occurred last night, driving the Russians back. We lost one officer and some men. August 31, 1855 - Dear Cousin, there was a sortie last night in which an officer of 97th was killed, and another wounded. The Russians succeeded in destroying part of our 6th parallel, which is being advanced from the old line of Russian works. Writes that the newspaper reporters told the Russians about the trapper (?). Captain Keppel of the naval brigade was in a great range when he found it in the papers. Mentions relationship between the French and them.
Box 1 FF 3 September 7, 1855 - Camp before Sevastopol. Dear Uncle, tomorrow the French attack Malakoff with 40,000 men, and a reserve of 20,000. The 2nd Brigade of the 2nd division attack the Redan. Discusses the plans and results, lists casualties. September 21, 1855 - Sevastopol. Dear Mother, reports he is safe. Lockhart was killed. September 12, 1855 - Sevastopol. Dear Father, sends a rough plan about the coming battle. Describes the taking of the Russians by surprise. There are no ships or steamers left in the harbor. September 13, 1855 - Sevastopol. Dear Cousin, you are anxious to know about the 8th. Relates the plan and ressults of the attack by the French.
Box 1 FF 3 (continued) October 5, 1855 - Sevastopol. Dear Cousin, reports the French have won and you may expect to hear we have sent away 3,000 men. Believe they have gone to Kinburn at the mouth of the Snewster (?), a low spit of land. We are to occupy that but don't know when. October 8, 1855 - Camp Sevastopol. Dear Mama, our division is not likely to move. Gives report on what will be expected soon. Relates a mix up on signals. October 15, 1855 - Sevastopol. Dear Cousin, thanks for paper, stamps. Reports he was among the number at the Redan. We have just had news from Berlin to say that we are to be attacked again at Inkerman. Gives more detailed information about the signal mistake. October 19, 1855 - Sevastopol. Dear Father, writes about a man from London selling things. Bought some things and gave him a check. Asks him to pay for it. Gives little information about the Russians.
Box 1 FF 3 (continued) October 31, 1855 - This letter concerns indignation over the insinuation that he was a coward. Gives descriptions of his part in dangerous situations. November 9, 1855 - Sevastopol. Dear Aunt, thanks for the letters. Reports that the Russians intend to keep the North side. Explains the situation that the Russians now occupy and what the French will do. There have been several skirmishes. November 16, 1855 - Dear Anna, tells about the fearful explosion. Gives details and action of those around, and the situation for coming attack. December 12, 1855 - Dear Cousin, the telegraph told you of the success at Kars inspired by Pasha. Fine weather has helped, also helped the Russians. Mentions some entertainments for the men. December 15, 1855 - Dear Father, this letter contains personal and family concerns.
Box 1 FF 4 January 18, 1856 - Dear Mama, asks for some things which he left in boxes. January 28, 1856 - Dear Cousin, reports that peace is now being talked about. Mentions a row between the officers of our cavalry and some French officers. February 9, 1856 - Dear Auria (?) writes about peace and that he does not want it because he thinks they have lost their prestige. France is satisfied, we are not. Russia would interrupt any preparations for the next campaign and also create a difference between us and the French. Discusses the situation and prospect for peace. Feburary 17, 1856 - Dear Mama, we were to have a review of the whole army this morning but snow prevented it. The Russians were to attack. March 20, 1856 - Dear Anna, reports that since the 3rd of March there has been a cessation of hostilities, but they would not agree to our terms.
Box 1 FF 4 (continued) March 29, 1856 - Dear Anna, reports the Frence are very badly off. Have lost many men. Describes some regimental races, had fun. Writes about the first Spring meeting of some 70,000 men of different nations. March 30, 1856 - Dear Mama, writes about food sent and sharing with others. Mentions the meeting of the 70,000 men again. Also that armistice was signed a few days later. April 1856 - Dear Mama, reports that the Russians will come into our camp and we will go into theirs, but no word when we go home. April 1856 - Dear Anna, describes a meeting of some of our men who were hunting near a French Battery when they were attacked by the French. A fight resulted in men being wounded and killed. May 26, 1856 - Dear Belle, reports the present situation very quiet. No news yet as to when they will leave. Wednesday, no date - Dear Anna, most of this letter is family or personal. Unable to read much. The letter is divided. The first directed to Anna. The second part is to his mother.
Box 1 FF 4 (continued) No date - This is two and a half pages with no beginning and no ending. The first page concerns a Monsieur Francaise, his dogs, comforts, guns, and servants, etc. No date - This letter writes about taking an immense quantity of guns and food. There is no doubt that we took the Russians by surprise. Trinity Sunday 1856 - My dear boy, writes that he has written your mother about his different excursions. Reports that he met two of our officers, Stephenson and Scarlett. Tells about being greeted by Perceval (of Radley?). This letter has been overwritten by Colonel Moorsom (?) to his son at Radley. No date - Dear Anna, this is an 18 page letter describing very poetically the scenes around him. Also sketches of the water and birds.
Box 1 FF 5 No date - A very detailed account of the attack of the Redan. Very difficult to read. No date - Dear Mama, reports a sortie on the French last night and some personal comments. No date - Dear Anna, mentions having read about charcoal and its economical application, he had conversation with Dr. Southerland (?) about it's utility. Reports and expedition consisting of French, English and Turks under General Brown (?). Landing at Kertch (?) obtaining grain and guns. Many wounded Russians. No date - This last letter seems to repeat the above letter. It is also overwritten by Perceval.
Box 1 FF 6 No date - Two copies of the announcement of the panorama of the town and north side of Sevastopol. One copy lists the subscribers. No date - A paper listing the dates of letters from Sevastopol. No date - Sketch of the French line, opposite Inkerman. Also contains a mpa showing position of English and French position and a list of subscribers for a book to be published soon.


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