Christopher E. Blackett: Letters to his parents from the Crimea

There is a rumour that the Emperor of Russia is dead and that Prussia will join us; a negotiated peace would have to insist on Sebastopol being dismantled, to leave it in Russian hands "is tantamount to the French and ourselves acknowledging that we are licked". The condition of the troops is improving and Balaklava is much better regulated, no progress in the siege, the Russians have established new forward works, and have probably received reinforcements. "I used frequently to take a glass and go along the heights of Inkerman, on the opposite side of the valley one could plainly see the enemy and when the wind was favourable I have on more occasions than one heard their bands playing".