ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes Charles Cattley efforts to locate and estimate the forces within Sevastopol, the Allies' main objective. It examines his tracking of Russian arms in the valleys of Baidar and the Tchernaya and in the mountainous region of the south coast. The British were originally willing to consider the idea as a means to drive Menshikov's forces away from Sevastopol and thus to invest the city. The chapter deals with intelligence on Russian logistics, the medical system, reinforcements, losses and morale. Cattley estimated the Russian forces in the Caucasus from which soldiers could be transferred to the Crimea or else threaten Turkey in Asia Minor. From late January to May 1855, Cattley's intelligence system in the Valley of Baidar developed further. He discussed the defences around the Straits of Kertch, but, while he correctly identified the key batteries, he underestimated their strengths, possibly because they were augmented after hostilities.
