The Sun.
London, England, 1854-06-03 00:00:00

them out, although close under the angle of the fort, the
Magicienne keeping ready to render assistance ; Impe-
rieuse in the offing. The Dragon brought the prizes
out. They were two schooners. The crew were ordered
on shore,_ with the exception of one man in each vessel.
" Monday, May 22, 4 a.m.—The Lightning came and
ordered us all to Hango. At 10.30 a.m. close to the
Admiral at Hango. About noon we were all ready for
action. Shot and shell up—guns loaded—men all ready
—lost our dinner. At about 2 p.m. the Dragon anchored,
having on board the master of the fleet—distance 1,700
yards from Gustafsvarn Fort. We remained some time
and then began firing. The first shell. fell short. The
fort now began to fire, and their shells fell short. We
now perceived the Dragon's shot strike the fort and
make the sand and earth fly. The Magicienne now
went in under co'er of some rocks, and was placed
in a splendid spot by Captain Sullivan, of the Light-
ning, and an engineering officer. At 3.20 in the even-
ing the Magicienne's first shot fell short, after which
every shot and shell fell into the fort. The enemy then
began firing with red-hot shot from a battery which we
had not seen, as it was covered with bushes. They con-
tinued firing away, but every shot fell short. Some
shells from a mortar, however, came near, too near to
be pleasant, and burst over the Magicienne. It was
certainly a splendid view. At 5 p.m. observed a quan-
tity of men standing round a house in the small fort.
The Mngicienne's long 10-inch gun was made to bear
upon them, and the shell burst in the middle of them,
making all fly. Ceased firing and steamed for the Ad-
miral. In passing the fort fired, and the shot fell close.
A broadside was also fired, when every shell and shot
fell into the fort. Afterwards saw two guns dismounted
on the fort. Thought it strange that the enemy had never
shown his flag.
" Tuesday, May 23.—Found the Dragon had had 13
shots struck her, three of them at the water's edge. Her
mizen gaff was shot away. They soon, however, had the
ensign up. One man was killed on board of her. The
Magicienne escaped, not a man wounded. Distance
now 2,100 yards from the fort. Could see the enemy
carrying out their dead and wounded at the time the
ships were firing. The Heels fired upon another fort,
but this, I wa4 given to understand, was only to- try
the range and the weak parts of the enemy, it being •
intended to send the block ships in and knock the forts
down in the morning. As each ship went to her sta-
tion the rigging was full of men. When we were engaged
it was astonishing to see how cool and with what 3
steady aim our men fired. Stone wails are bad to
knock down. The four forts are very strong, and built
upon a small island or socks. We were told by officers
who were on board other ships that they saw one poor
fellow sent into the air by a shell bursting from one of
the Dragon's guns. By this time I expect the forts
will be down. On this day the Magicienne left with the
mails and the two prizes taken off Revel.
" May 25.—Cominunicated with Admiral Corry's
fleets off Gothland, consisting of nine sail of the line,
one frigate, and one paddle-wheel. The French fleet
passed about two days ago."