The Press.
London, England, 1855-07-28 00:00:00

THE PRESS.

THE BALTIC FLEET.
(From our Own Correspondent.)
OFF CRONSTADT, JULY 11.
The Arrogant and Magicienne, which generally
come to the fleet from their cruising-ground at mail-
time, started again to-day for their station off Wiborg.
It is much to be regretted that two such fine vessels,
commanded by the most enterprising men in the
fleet, cannot get within reach of that place, where
there is a strong fortification, and about 6,000 troops.
But the passage is blocked up by vessels full of
granite having been sunk across the entrance to the
position which would allow their guns the required
range to admit of their bombarding the fort. There
is an end of all encampments on the coast : they
have been so vigilantly looked after that they dare
not show their noses, from fear of the shells which
directly they are seen are pitched into them with
the greatest effect. The object of these bodies of
men has been clearly illustrated by the unfortunate
affair at Hango. Apropos of that affair, I must tell
you that letters have been received from Lieutenant
Geneste and others of the party, stating that they
are all pretty well, and as happy as can be expected.
The officers are on parole, and the people are civil
enough to them. They remark but little about the
capture, merely stating that the Russians insist that
they had a gun in the bow of the boat—which is
utterly false. The correspondence by flag of truce
still continues about this affair. Of course it is im-
possible to know the contents of the letters that
pass; but the documents are voluminous, and it is
to be hoped satisfactory.
JULY 12.—Intperieuse has arrived to-day from
England with no end of supernumeraries on board.
We are all glad to have this splendid frigate with us
again, as she is quite equivalent to a line-of-battle
ship for any purpose up here. It is very gratifying
to be able to tell you that the fleet, is entirely clear
of every epidemic whatever this year; whereas last
year, at this time, we were attacked by three different
diseases, all of which proved fatal to a great extent,
one ship losing 61 men from cholera out of a crew
of 650. I attribute this principally to the constant
prevalence of fresh breezes, which keep the ships
well ventilated. In Cronstadt, we hear from the
officer who comes in charge of the flag of truce,
there is also less sickness than is usual at this time
of the year.
JULY 13.—The general signal is made to " Prepare
for sea." This signal has caused considerable ex-
citement. Admiral Baynes has arrived with his own
ship the Retribution, the Hogue, Colossus, and three
gun-boats. There has been a great deal of commu-
nication going on between the admirals (French and
English), so we are all in great expectation.
JULY 14.—At four o'clock this morning the Eury-
alus weighed, and, taking the four mortar-vessels we
have here in tow, proceeded by signal at full speed
to Nargen. At eight the general signal was made to
weigh, and the fleet on both sides of the Island of
Cronstadt got their anchors up and steamed slowly
to the westward. On arriving off Tolbouchin Light-
house all the ships excepting the Duke of Welling •
ton (flag), Exmouth (flag), Tourville (flag), and
4usterlits, were ordered to place themselves under
the orders of Admiral Baynes. The latter-named
vessels steamed at full speed out of the fleet, steering
westerly, while the others, forming two lines in close
order, anchored about two miles to the westward of
the lighthouse. What are we to conjecture from all
this? Three admirals, taking with them the mortar-
vessels, start for Nargen, where there are fifteen
other mortar-vessels. These, including the four
with the admiral, will make our force nineteen as
regards these formidable little craft. I will not
attempt to convey to you any of the many ideas and
opinions which are circulated, as none of them have
the slightest foundation. There was considerable
stir in Cronstadt on our getting up steam. I have
not the slightest doubt that an attack was anticipated
by the enemy. We could see troops marching—or
rather running—in every direction, steamers getting
up steam, furnaces for red-hot shot smoking on the
ramparts, black flags hoisted on the hospitals, and
other indications of preparation. Their minds must
have been considerably eased when they saw us
steaming away. We have heard a rumour from the
Gulf of Bothnia that there has been some attack
made by the boats of the squadron there on a small
seaport somewhere near Abo, but that our boats had
been beaten off with considerable loss. This story
is of Russian origin, and must be taken for what it
is worth. I don't believe it. We have had despatches
from them yesterday, and no mention is made of
such an occurrence. There are between 400 or
500 artillerymen arrived from France, principally
for the mortar vessels. They have formed a camp
on shore at Nargen, and regularly intrenched them-
selves. The ouly enemies, however, they are likely
to have to deal with on shore there axe musquitoes,
who certainly are very Ruesiaa in their bites.

SATURDAY,

Arrogant has arrived, and reports having had a
small affair between her boats and the Russian
forces near Wiborg. She lost two killed--one
midshipman named Story—and five wounded, among
whom, unfortunately, is Lieutenant Woolcombe, who
was wounded in the face. The enemy brought four
or five row gun-boats, under cover of some batteries
hastily thrown up, and opened fire on our boats, who
little expected such a reception. I have just heard
that poor Story and the men of Arrogance boats who
were killed lost their lives by the explosion of
rocket in one of the boats. It is to be hoped that by
next mail you will hear of something of interest from
this quarter of the globe. Geyser goes with the
mails. This service is not popular now, as every.
body expects business now or never. Expect some..
thing by next mail.