THE SHAM FIGHT, The Enomy—i.e. the naval brigade from H.M. ships Cadmus and Dwarf—went into the country early on Monday, to reconnoitre the ground; it having been arranged that they should take up a position on the bank of the Soochow Creek, somewhere at the back of Carter's rond. About 200 seamen and marines turned out, having with them one Armstrong field gun.
The Volunteers mustered in front of the Custom Houso—about 130 including Rangers and Artillery; and after the liminaries of proving company and serving out ammunition, started for the scene of action, headed by their band, about 2.30
Piiter half an hour's march in sun which, notwithstanding thelowness of the thermometer, made most men wish they had left a waistcoat or a cardigan jacket Behind, No. 1 Company was extended in okirm order on the right of the Cross road, and No. 2 on the left, to fool for the Enemy; the Artillery travelling along road, und the Rangeracruising around ge ally. The right was than gradually brought up, and the whole Force advanced till a few puffs of smoke from the front showed the Enemy to be ensconced behind Sinza Rond and Markham's farm j and it raves and copaes on a lino between the
was in the country between this and th Cross Road, that the battle was fought.
The various manceuvres were fairly por-formed, though the rustiness resulting from slack drill among the Volunteers was occasionally apparent.—the three Rifle Companies and the Miholoonga taking equal share in the glories and fatigue of the day, and the Rangers and Artillery doing active service. The result was that, after: much severe skirmishing and occasional interchanges of volleys, the Sailors pressed the Volunteers back t wards the junction of the Sinza and Cross roads, The cavalry here made a desperate effort to retrieve the day, by charging company of Blue Jackets who were busily engaged with No. 1; but the Jacks formed square, gave them a volley, and then broke and charged them in turn, even reaching and prodding one or two ponies with their bayonets, in the excitement.
ence was made near the new house which is being built at the end of the Cross Road; but a harder struggle ensued, to reach the contents of two barrels of beer which were there standing. It had been warm marching out; but skirt mishing across paddy fields, with the perpetual doubling involved, was down: hot; and most of the men on both were sufficiently tired and thirsty to the beer go down with rare relish.
The fall in was sounded for the march back, about 5 p.m., and the combined forces marched off—the Navy men leading, and the Volunteers, left in front, bringing up the rear.
The Bund was renched about 6.30, and the Volunteers and Sailors were drawn up facing each other while salutes were exchanged. It is needless to say the well drilled nen of the Cadmus and Dwarf presented arms with admirable precision we regret that we cannot say as much for the Volunteers, What was wanting in the effect, however, was made up by the intent thrown into three hearty cheers with which they greeted their late adversaries—and to which the latter as heartily responded,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.