a moment inclined to attack us, but in spite of the blows of the Berkani horsemen driving them on, but few insignificant exchanges of shots took place. On the other hand, the frost and snow recommenced in earnest. At last the thaw came; it was time, for our cattle were at the last extremity.

On the 30th, the Kabyles reappeared, driven on by the cavaliers; the next day the firing was very sharp; it lasted about an hour; parleys then took place, at several points at the same time.

A band of cavaliers remarkable for their fine horses and white cloaks, approached a redoubt and asked for news of the prisoners, especially of one named Ben-Abbes, whom they wished to see. "Come and see him in the town: you will be well received and free to return afterwards."

66 We wish to see him here."

"In that case, if you do not vanish instantly, our guns will open upon you."

And two minutes afterwards a bomb burst near them, and they galloped off at full speed. Not far off, a Kabyle, who had laid down his gun, approached one of our sentries, and the following conversation ensued.

"Put down your gun also, and come to me." "So! But have you no pistol concealed about you?"

"No, I swear I have not, I am a true man; shame upon him who breaks his word."

"What do you come here for? Why do you not remain peaceably at home to cultivate your fields, and tend your flocks?

"I cannot; the soldiers of Abd-el-Kader force me to fight with you."

"But why do they not come themselves? Are they women or cowards ?"

"Certainly they are stronger than we are."

"Why then do you not yield, and come with your wives and flocks; we will give you land and will protect you."

Yes, and afterwards you will return to Algiers, and abandon us to the Emir, who will kill our children and carry off our wives."

"Why do you not, then, get protection from his soldiers?"

"His soldiers are like an old lock, which cannot shut the door and leaves the house open."

At this moment the comrades of the Kabyle called him away. He caught up his gun and returned to the battle. In other places, after the manner of Homer's heroes, the combatants insulted each other in grand style. These people do not seem much disposed to fight; never

theless one of them came forward to day, twisting his firelock fantastically about and above his head like a man resolved to do valiantly. One of our soldiers threw himself before him, advanced fifty paces, and fired. "Ah!" groaned out the Kabyle, falling to the ground, "I am killed," and his gun fell from his hands. We thought he was hit, and said to the Zouave, "Run up and disarm him." But he, scratching his ear, replied: "That animal there has played me a trick, I have not hit him. Ah rogue! rogue! found out! found out!" he reloaded his piece without stirring. cunning Kabyle then rose up, seized his firelock, fired in his turn, and ran off laughing heartily.

And

The

These little combats amused us a good deal. But on the 4th of February we were all thrown into great agitation. Towards the close of the day, numerous fires were perceived at about two leagues from the city, on the road of Milianah. The garrison ran to the ramparts. Doubtless it is the column that has revictualed Milianah! it has come to visit us on its return! The joy of the passenger after a long sea voyage, when land first comes in sight, is nothing to what ours was. In all the streets, there was only one cry:-"The Column the Column!" and a Zouave near me replied to one of his comrades, "Silence: you

make me tremble for fear it should not be true." Those alone who know what isolation is, can know what we felt. God grant that we may at last receive letters and news!

Alas! the fires were not those of a French column, but of a battalion of El Berkani.

On the 5th of February, at the break of day, the Cavaliers and the Kabyles fired several shots at our advanced posts. The attack shortly after became livelier, and it was evident that in the course of the day a serious engagement would take place. At nine o'clock, all soldiers fit for the field were under arms, and we marched upon the enemy. Numerous contingent Kabyles, and a regular battalion, well ambushed and well posted, were before us. The action that ensued was extremely sharp, and if a second regular battalion, hitherto concealed, had delayed a few moments its movement to cut off our rear guard, we might have lost many men; but our little battalions facing the enemy in every direction, maintained their superiority, and a few heavy discharges of musketry soon dispersed them, not, however, before many had been killed. had been killed. We also lost a few, and had about twenty wounded. Whilst we were fighting, a telegraphic dispatch announced the departure of Marshal Valée, and the appointment

of Marshal Bugeaud as his successor; the government being in the meantime carried on by General Galbois. The name of General Bugeaud inspires confidence; the future will show whether he deserves it. Up to the 13th of February, nothing new. A few parleys for the exchange of prisoners, a few talks with the Arabs, but nothing decisive, nothing important. On the 13th, another important dispatch made known the departure of a courier from Algiers, bringing a letter to Medeah-the arrival of General Bugeaud, and his determination to carry on the war with redoubled vigour in April, and finally that Europe enjoys peace. This dispatch, placarded immediately on the Place d'Armes, and transmitted to all the posts, stirs up a general enthusiasm. Every one is proud now of his fatigues and sufferings, since he feels confident they will not be in vain. In the evening, all the officers met at the Colonel's. It was quite like a family fête.

Being told this morning that to-day is Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday), we all thought it incumbent on us to laugh and be gay. But, alas! we are told at the same time that there is no more tobacco. Of all privations this may appear the lightest; nevertheless it is the one most felt by soldiers. Some tried to satisfy their want by