"Corporal Hall, one of my own troop, had his lance trailing about and covered with blood. I told him to throw it away and wanted to pick it up myself, as I needed one, but there was no time. I ordered Private Clifford to halt, instead of which he charged into the Russians and was cut and pierced to death before my eyes. Hal was captured and died of amputation of a leg. We lost 13 prisoners, only one of them unwounded. Of these, only 3 lived to return to the English ranks." - Corporal Thomas Morley, 17th Lancers.
James Hall was born in Newbridge, Wolverhampton, the son of Thomas Hall of Leicester and a Staff Sergeant of the Leicestershire Yeomanry. Working as a servant prior to his enlistment on 17 Sep 1850, Hall was posted to recruiting duties from 19 Jan to 28 Jan 1854 after a period of furlough from 1 to 18 Jan. He then rejoined his regiment and sailed east. He would take part in the famous charge and severely wounded by a musket ball to the right leg. Taken prisoner of war, Hall would send two poignant letters home before dying in captivity after the amputation of his leg. Hall's letters home from the Crimea to his father were published in the Leicester Advertiser, including one on landing , charting the movements of troops and camp conditions:
17th Lancers Devan Camp 20 June 1854:
“We landed quite safe, with the exception of one accident, that happened to one man of the 13th Light Dragoons, who had two of his ribs broken. We had to land the horses in small boats, and had to row them two miles, which caused a great deal of trouble. Our regiment and the 8th Hussars are four miles in advance of the army, but we are daily expecting the 5th Dragoon Guards, 11th Hussars, 13th Light Dragoons; the Enniskillen’s will be up about the 5th July. The Earl of Cardigan has charge of our brigade, and a very good officer he is. We have nothing to do as regards field work at present. We exercise in the morning and graze in the evening. At midday it is so hot that we can hardly stir out of our tents. We have not been engaged at present, and are not sure when shall commence operations. Poultry is very cheap here, we can buy a goose for 2d or 4d and eggs in abundance, but cooking them is the worst, it is so difficult to get fuel. I have not had a letter or newspaper from you yet, but hope to do so soon, for I long to know how you are getting on in Old England, as it seems a long time since I heard from you. At the village of Devan, we can only get 18s for a sovereign, the people here would take your eyes out of your head if they could. I have already picked up a few words of Turkish, which is very difficult to learn, and the country is the wildest place that ever was. When you write, the best way is to send direct to Turkey, for there is no knowing what part of the country we may be at, all talk now is that we are to attack Sebastopol, which is about three week’s march up country. We have heard of the Austrians and Prussians joining us, so that we now have the blunt of the Russians in the centre of the Allied Powers, and my opinion is that it will depend on good generalship. 26th June – The post leaves today. Two troopers of the 8th, and two of the 13th Light Dragoons have taken 3 days’ provisions and have gone up country reconnoitring under the charge of Lord Cardigan, and to watch the movements of the enemy. The 5th “Green Horse” has arrived, and I have seen William Elson, and you can tell his father that he is quite well. I hope when I write you will send me some postage stamps, for Turkish money will not do to post letters with.”
‘Near Balaklava’ 29 Oct 1854:
“My dear father – I am just about to send you a few lines to let you know that I am alive, for I have no doubt that you will hear of the disaster which befell the Light Brigade of Cavalry on the 25th, on which occasion I received a ball in my leg below the knee, which broke it, but I have got it set again all right, and I’m getting on as well as can be expected for the time. I am a prisoner of war in the Russian camp, and am going to be sent to Simpheropol in the morning: There are about fifty prisoners here altogether (some very badly wounded) belonging to our Brigade. I cannot tell you the particulars this time, but will embrace the first opportunity of writing again, and tell you more particulars about it, for I have only a short time to write as our letters are wanted to be sent away in a few minutes, so I thought it would prevent you from thinking that I might have been killed on the field, as the Regiment does not know what has become of me. The Russians have been very kind to us; in fact, I am scarcely able to return sufficient thanks to them. I only hope that they will be recompensed by the English army showing the same to those who have the misfortune to become prisoners of war. Give my kind love to all at home, and believe me to remain my dear father…Your affectionate Son…James Hall".
Simpheropol 24 Nov 1854:
‘The following letter has been received by Staff Sergeant Hall of the Leicestershire Yeomanry from his son, Corporal Hall of the 17th Lancers who was wounded in the Light Cavalry Charge at Balaklava on the 25th of October. Young Hall is now a prisoner of war at Simpheropol’:
“My dear Father and Mother, I heartily return thanks to Almighty God that He has spared my life, and brought me through the trials and trouble of this world. I am most happy to tell you that my leg is getting on famously, and that with God’s help I shall soon be able to get about. I shall not commence too soon. I cannot write to you without telling you what kind people there are in Russia. I must say that I am nearly treated like a gentleman; and if the blessed Almighty spares me to return me to my native home, I shall be always talking of the kindness they have shown me, I don’t like to sit up too long; but be kind enough to ask John Fletcher to send me a copy of ‘He Comes With The Clouds Descending’. I shall tell you all the news of my travels on my return. I suppose you have my other letter, and one from the Colonel. Please to kiss my dear sisters for me, and pray both morning and evening-I myself do. I now conclude with my kind love to you all, and remain, your affectionate son, Jas Hall. P.S. I was near forgetting to tell you that it was my right leg that is taken off.”