Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-10-09
ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE

| narchs to visit the ships Ut war in their ports
from foreign stations, we copy from the London
Morning Herald the following account of one by
the Russian Emperor, to the British ship Talave-
ra, lying at Cronstadt. 1t gives an amusing his
tory Of some of the traits of the Russian Auto
| craft
The Emperor fixed on Saturday, the 21st OF
July, to make his promised visit to the Taavera,
| and, Of course, we were all hurried down to the
snip to be ready for his reception.
The weather. on the promised morning, prov
ed remarkably fine, and, at an early hour, the
Comet steamer came down from Petersburg,
bringing Lord Durham, MIR. Ward, the Secreta-
~ Of Legation, the Hon. Mr.. Ponsonby, Mr..
Ellice, and DR.. Eden, and two Of the gen.
tlemen attached to Lord Heytesbury's embassy,
| all in full diplomatic costume, with The exception
of the ambassador himself, who wore military
uniform.
Soon after ten O'Clock the Emperor came from
| Peterhof, in steamboat, as in his former visit,
but on this occasion, he came in state, with the
| imperial standard hoisted. He was attended by
a numerous retinue, and a second steamer, and
a large vessel carrying twenty-five long guns
| As he approached, the whole OF the Russian fleet
manned Yards, aud saluted: and, when they had
finished, the Talavera did the same. He then
Quilted the steamer for his barge, which ne again
sreered himself, and, with the imperial standard
| in the bow, he proceeded to visit several OF his
own ships, and then came on board OF US. We
received him with all the ceremony usually OBJ
served on board British men OF war when visited
BY sovereigns. lie was accompanies, by his koy-
| al Hisness Prince William OF Prussia, the Prince
Of Ol1emburg, Prince Menzikof, Prince UrIsoff,
and very numerous aud brilliant staff; but you
must excuse the names. iOh, these Russian
| names!)
On reaching the quarter deck he shook hands
with Captain Brown very cordially, aud said. IN
EuSisl, - Will you lei me see your ship! l
speak very bad English He appears to under
stand Ensish very wall. but from want OF habit,
expresses himself imperfectly. The factis that
to foreigners he usually speaks French or Ger
mau, but as Captain Brown understands neither
of those languages, his majesty was obliged TO
speak to him IN English, and got on very wen.
He was conducted over every part OF the snip,
which he examined most mnutely, aud asked
such questions as evlnced knowledge Of naval
affairs which is quite surprising, particularly his
acquaintance with the state at the British Navy.
He inquired, by name, for Mr.. Blake, the build
err in the dock.yard at Portsmouth, and made
some remarks on his proposed improvements IN
ship bows. He also mentioned the name OF the
builder Of the Davenport. There is on board the
Talavera, 68.pounder, which he examined most
infinitely, and caused it to be run in and out and
trained. He seemed pleased at the facility with
r which this heavy gun was handled by so few men,
and taking the handspike in his hand. ne tried the
weight Of the gun himself, and said g Oh IT Is
quite easy"
Whilst the Emperor was below examining the
store. rooms,it struck eight bells; twelve ociock)
Now il is the custom, throughout the British ma
w, for the sailors to dine at 19 o'clock and ne
yer, but in cases of urgent necessity, are they
made to wait minute for their dinner; this Gus
tom was observe ed on board of US, notwithstanding
the presence Of the Emperor. Accordingly,
when his majesty returned to the lower deck, the
people were a, dinner. He appeared to be much
pleased at this, and tasted the soup and beef, and
said, 1t is very good; now have yon some rum
or whiskrys" The Captain said. "four males-
ty shall have some refreshments IN the cabin
lie said, ..No. no, don't mean that; mean
. that l would drink with the people" Accor.
dinghy glass OF gros was presented 10 him' VI
which he drank, saving. ~ drink TO the health
of King William Nv. and all the people" In
the store room some OF the carpenters stores are
5 SD arranged along Que OF the beams as to form
the words I" God bless the King.''-rhis was
pointed out to him, and on reading the words. he
said All! Gud bless the King 50 | say, God bless
: him, he is very good friend TO me.
There was, in his manner of saving this, some
thing so frank, so manly, and, apparently. SO
hearty. that il won all hearts; and as tor Cap
tain Brown, he ftom that moment forgot the EN-
? peror; and treated his majesty as one honest En-
! slish sailor would treat another, who loved HI;
n king and his country, as we'll as himself. The
Emperor readily tell into the same vein, and all
: their future intercourse was carried on with q
degree Of cordiaIity which must have been a:
: fiatterng to Capt Brown as it was surprising tt
all the Russian couttiers.
The Emperor expressed himself highly gratifiet
with every thing he saw, and with his reeepton al
together; aud am sure that we had every reason
TO be grati6ed also; his manner was SO easy, 81
affable, and evinced such desire to please, ant
such determination to be pleased, that 1t wa
impossible to be otherwise than gratifed. III
!. asked some questions Of all the officers who wer
= presented to him, and with the siids, who ha.
that honor, he shook hands. But must brni
this to a close, or your patience will be exhaus