BEGINNING OF THE WAR IN THE EAST.
Position of Russia in Europe—State of the Continent in
1853—British alliance with France—The Tsar’s quarrel with
Turkey—Commencement of hostilities on the Danube—-The affair of
Sinope—How it drew England and France into the war—Three
Battalions of the Brigade of Guards ordered on foreign
service—Concentration of the Allies in the Mediterranean—Guards
Brigade at Malta—Thence to Scutari—Want of transport—The Allies
moved to Varna—Good feeling between the British and French
troops—Course of the war on the Danube—Siege of
Silistria—Retreat of the Russians into Bessarabia—Intervention
of Austria—The Allies in Bulgaria-Sickness among the
troops—Return to Varna—Preparations for the invasion of the
Crimea—The organization and strength of the Allies 130