The Sun.
London, England, 1855-10-17 00:00:00

THE BALTIC FLEET.

REVEL ROADS, OCT. 9.—You must not look for
any further news of importance; the season is already
past for active operations ; the fogs, so prevalent
in these waters, have set in, gales succeed gales, the
nights are dark, and the movements of the fleet in
consequence confined to a few changes in the posi-
tion of our blockading force, the occasional arrival
of a cruiser to replenish coals, and at times a short
reconnoitring expedition.
The Commander-in Chief personally left this an-
chorage in the Duke of Wellington on the 27th
ult., and, after having inspected the squadron of
observation under Admiral Seymour's orders, he
proceeded on to Cronstadt, and made a last recon-
naissance of the fortifications and shipping, in
order to satisfy himself that they were still in safe
keeping.
The following
a list of the enemy's fleet visible
•

in the harbour :—two three-deckers, topmasts
struck, and moored ; two liners, with topgallant
yards across ; and two frigates, one supposed to be
a screw, also topgallant yards across. On the
north side of the island lay nine block-ships, lower
masts standing ; two large and three small paddle
steamers, ready for service, and several steam gun-
boats. No material additions were apparent on
the fortifications, and the admiral's proximity did
not occasion any particular movement or excite-
ment.

From Sweaborg we learn that every exertion is
made to repair damages done by the bombardment,
for which purpose all the masons and artisans in
the south of Finland have been pressed for service ;
and further, that several thousand horses are daily
employed conveying provisions, stores, and muni-
tions of war along the Wiborg road to Helsingfors.
Our cruisers, who at times near the forts almost
within range, are able to see large bodies of work-
men engaged at Drumsio, off Sweaborg, in throw-
ing up new earthworks, and, judging from the
rapid advance these make to completion, the enemy
must have upwards of 3,000 men on this island
alone. We may, consequently, anticipate a warm
reception on our return in the spring.
Rumour states that the Eden, transport No.
107, has left for the Aland Islands, in order, it is
said, to take in the guns captured last year at
Bomarsund, which appear not to have been dis-
turbed by the Russians during our absence last
winter.

The Hogue, Captain Ramsay, and the gun-boats,
Badger, Biter, Jackdaw, Lark, Magpie, Pelter,
Bind, Pincher, Ruby, Skylark, Snap, Snapper,
Starling, Stork, Thistle, and Weasel, left yesterday
for England—some for Sheerness and the river,
others for Portsmouth and Plymouth.
It was high time these small craft departed, as
the weather is becoming tempestuous and very
changeable, which would render a prolonged stay
rather dangerous.
They have, without any exception, proved them-
selves most serviceable, and admirably fitted for
the purpose, and it is doubted if any improvements
could be suggested. The machinery has stood all
the rough work they have been put to, and not one
has required repair, although sometimes under
weigh day and night. If a disinterested Russian
could be found, we should learn that they had an-
noyed the enemy not a little, and inflicted great
loss, particularly by the capture and destruction of
numerous small coasters. The experience of this
year, it is to be hoped, will induce the Admiralty
to make preparations for supplying the Baltic fleet
for 1856 with a large squadron of the so-called
" musquito" class.
The Nile, Capt. Mundy, has joined the.flag from
Biorko Sound, as has also the Geyser, Captain
Dew, with two prizes in tow.

The master of the Issie, a schooner used this
season as a depot for stores up here, fell overboard
last night, whilst in the act of wearing cable, and
owing to the heavy sea on, perished, without being
able to receive any assistance from the ship.
The Belleisle, hospital ship, is under orders for
England ; the Jupiter, steam transport, has ar-
rived from England with stores and provisions ;
and the George Hawkins, No. 22, steam transport,
has left for England, taking the Hon. A. Hobart,
late first lieutenant of the Duke of Wellington,
home, on promotion to his commander's rank.