THE SIEGE OF SEVASTOPOL.—A French dispatch, dated July 20 says: "Our approaches on the side of the Malakoff advance considerably. We now touch the place. Everything is prepared for a general action in about fifteen days."
July 21.—Gen. Simson telegraphs: "Cholera has nearly disappeared. The Russians continue to hold their strong position on the Mackenzie, and the strong range of heights overhanging Urkusta and the Valley of Baidar. It is reported they leave also a force of artillery and infantry at Aluska. The French have pushed forward the whole of their cavalry into the Valley of Baidar, resting the Sardinians upon the left bank of the Souhai River, and communicating with the French upon the Chernaya, while the high ridge protecting Balaklava is guarded by the Turkish army."
The Times correspondent writes: "Stagnation seems to reign in the camp and trenches; even the heavy firing has died away, yet the approaches advance, and every day sees the Allies nearer the crest of the Malakoff, which it will now require all the tenacity of the Russians to hold. A few days since the Russians succeeded in establishing rifle pits in front of the French sap."
Between the 23d and 27th nothing of importance occurred.
July 28.—Gorchakoff telegraphs: "Yesterday the enemy opened a heavy fire which lasted two hours, against the Flagstaff Bastion. We replied with vigor."
LATER.—Advices from the Crimea to the 29th announce continued preparations for a grand expedition. All the lighter vessels of the fleet were assembled at Kamiesh.
It was reported in Paris on the 3d inst. that the French Government had official notification that the bombardment of the Malakoff and Redan had been resumed preparatory to another assault.
Kamiesh and Balaklava were crowded with vessels recently arrived for the secret expedition.
The French Government has chartered ninety seven small steamers for river navigation, each to convey 500 men. The boats belong to companies on the Rhone and Saone.