The Sun.
London, England, 1854-05-26 00:00:00

curred ; she has since joined the fleet ; but I believe she
has taken some prizes almost within range of the enemy's
batteries, who did not hesitate to do their utmost to hit
her. On leaving Elfsnabben harbour the sailing ves-
sels were taken in tow by two steamers ; on the follow-
ing day we blew off steam. hoisted up propellen-s, and
got under cauvas. Before leaving Elfsnabben the Ad-
miral was observed to visit the French ship of the line
Austerlitz, 100 guns. He was surrounded by a nu-
merous and brilliant staff, and was received by the
Frenchmen with the most enthusiastic cheering, which
re-echoed again and again through the squadron.
The Rosamond, Hecla, and Amphion, which had
been away on detached duty, joined the squadron on
the 7th inst. A fog this evening again enveloped us.
The leading ships of the lines fired guns successively
through the night. The Majestic, from England, joined
the squadron on the Ilth, having a heavy mail on board.
The Gorgon was ordered in chase, the same evening, of
two vessels which hove in sight. She captured both,
and brought them back to the squadron. We were dis-
appointed in seeing them again let go ; but we have
'since heard from friends in the squadron that they were
not legal prizes, as they were leaded previous to the de-
claration of war. The Arrogant is away on detached ser-
vice, and is supposed to be hovering about }Tango and the
Aland Islands. In consequence of the death of Captain
Foote, by drowning, the following changes have taken
place -in the squadron :- -Commander Cumming to be
captain, and to command the Conflict ; Commander Cra-
croft to the Gorgon ; Commander Dorville,, of the Cressy,
to the St. Jean d'Acre ; Mr. Anderson, First Lieut.
of the Duke of Wellington, to the rank f commander,
and appointed to the Cressy ; Mr. Brett, mate, to be
lieutenant, and appointed to the James Watt ; Mr.
Hannant, first lieutenant of the James Watt to be first
of the. Duke of Wellington. Dr. M'Farlane, of the
Valorous, has proceeded to England, having been in-
valided. Mr. Bowden, assistant-surgeon of the flag-
ship, has been appointed acting surgeon of the Valorous.
Mr. Duirgan, assistant-surgeon of the Royal George,
has been appointed to the Duke of Wellington. The
Euryalus and Driver rejoined the fleet on the 12th, from
detached service. On the same date the Duke of Wel-
lington went ahead of the squadron, and went in down-
right earnest to practise her crew at general quarters. It
was a glorious sight to see the terrific broadsides that burst
forth from her sides. We only regret that the Duke was not
between two Russian ships-of-the-line, that they might
have a practical proof of the thews and sinews of our
invincible wooden walls. "Cha "is popular amongst
the men and officers of the fleet, as well from his general
character as a sailor as also from his kind and friendly
manner in matters of duty. Yet his orders are given
with brevity and firrune3s. His manner evidently tends
to infuse into all those who meet him on service a strong
desire to carry out the orders- with strictness and zeal.
He seems to notice everything done well, and forgets
nothing. News from Copenhagen and Stockholm in-
form us that vast numbers of Fins -are quitting Finland,
and seeking refuge in Sweden, in consequence of the
reign of terror established in their own country.
Armed bands of soldiery burst into their houses at
all hours of the day and night, and compel them to
enter the military service. Fathers and sons are
suddenly hurried away from their families to swell
the armies of the Emperor and to fight his urjust bat-
tles. Those people have ever been a race discontented
with Russia, and would be only too happy to avail them-
selves of any force, disembarking on their shores against
their exacting ruler. We aie all looking lor.ward anxi-
ously for the commencement of operations ; yet our im-
patience is not of that character as to induce us to go in
.rashly at any enterprise. We trust that a suitable time
to begin' may soon present itself. The training of
the 'men constantly goes on, and they are • already in
a most efficient state of gunnery. I wish-We had some
small steamers with a light draught of water, to act
as gun-boats close along the shore, to counteract the
myriads of gun boats that we have . been informed
were • lately launched and heavily armed by 'Russia.
The squadron has been supplied by the Rosamond with
shot, &c., sent out frotu England. The Dragon has
rejoined from Copenhagen. The Holyrood, a merchant
steamer, which arrived on the 13th, replenished the
ships with provisions. It is, reported that she will con-
tinue working between the squadron and England dur-
ing the summer ; something of the kind is required ; she
takes the present mail to England. The Majestic has
been detached from the squadron.