The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1855-07-24 00:00:00

THE FIRST SHOT AT CRONSTADT,

6th.—ln the evening the Commander-in-Chief tried the
range of a 32-pounder gun, which had been slung in a peculiar
manner, at an angle of 45 degrees, in one of the wood boats
captured a few days ago. The boat was moored across the
stern of the flag-ship, and three or four shots fired; the fall
of the first in the water was eagerly watched for, but it
took so long a time before it fell that it was given up ; but
in a few seconds exclamations of astonishment burst forth
as a small column of spray rose in the air at a distance
of more than 5,000 yards, or over three miles ; the shot took
exactly thirty-one seconds for its flight. The boat was then
towed a little nearer the shore, opposite one of the new earthen
batteries, near the Governor's house, and a couple of shots
fired, to ascertain if they were within range. Both shots
went a long way over the battery, which immediately returned
an ineffectual fire with mortars that would not carry the dis-
tance. These are, perhaps, the first shots from an enemy that
ever alighted on the island of Cronstadt. An hour before
dusk a small boat was seen creeping along the north shore
towards St. Petersburg ; two gun-boats were sent to stop it,
and returned about 11 p.m. with it in tow. It contained
three fishermen, who were trying to tape three or four kegs of
sprats to market; after being examined and cautioned they
were allowed to go; but this will show you with what vigilance
the blocade is enforced. Within twelve miles of the capital of
the empire, and five of its strongest fortress, not a boat even
so large as a Thames wherry can float upon the waters within
our sight, and we have complete command.of all.
7th.—At half-past one, p.m. the Merlin, having on board the
French and English commanders-in-chief, proceeded to recon-
noitre the south passage, and approached within 2,800 yards of
the Risbank battery, which fired several shots at them, but
all fell short ; one, however, came in a good direction—about
150 yards astern of the vessel. The guns in the Kronslot
Battery have been obliged to be removed, owing to the walls
being in such a state of decay. The admirals returned
about six o'clock. While they were away, at four
p.m. two Russian gun-boats came out of the northern
passage and proceeded along the shore to the west-
ward. The Magpie and Lark gunboats went immediately to
cut them off from returning, and would most probably have
succeeded, had their recal not been made by the flagship, and
enforced by several guns. They, however, continued their
course until within range of the chase, fired a single gun each
at them, and, to the astonishment of everybody, turned their
heads round and came back to the fleet as fast as they could,
and I have no doubt you will shortly hear a Russian account
of a defeat of the gunboats ; they did wrong to moc.eed at all
when their recal was made, and they did wrong -to fire unless
they intended to go on with the action. Captains Erskine
and Hall, of the Orion and Exmouth, were on board at the
time. The Russian boats quietly proceeded into harbour.
The decks of both were crowded with people, some in uniform
and others in plain clothes; most likely they were excur-
sionists, who came out to get a nearer view of the fleet.