Polynesian., 1854-09-30
The Emperor Nicholas.

| George NJ. Dallas, late Vice President of the
United States, and Minister to Russia thus sketch
es the Car
few years ago an American frigate, alike eel
ebrated for the beauty of her proportions, the so
lidIty of her form, and quickness of sailing enter
ed the harbor of Cronstadt. Her arrival was al
once communicated to Nicholas, and, before her
anchor was fairly down, one Of his richly ornament
ed steamers was observed approaching across the
wide bay. The steamer stopped at G5ont one hun
dred yards distance from the frigate and dazzling
group of officers was seen to enter barge, the
course OF which was Immediately directed towards
the ship. Acting coxswain to T. Is barge, and
seating himself at the stern, appeared eonSpicU-
Gus figure, with a small white cap, eBcircled by a
red band, and attired in a single-breasted dark
green trock-coat the attire corresponding with the
individuals subordinate capacity, and presenting
singular contrast to the epaulettes and other nery
of those under whose orders he seemed stationed.
Always prepared TO receive such visitors, our ma
val commander met them at the gangway, and
gave them cordial welcome. Among them was
the Vice Chancellor of the Empire, the Minister
of Marine, and number of admirals and general
officers, who went aft in the cabin of the COM
modore, whilst their coxswain, as if conscious
that he must look out for himself, walked " for
ward" and mingled carelessy with the common
sailors. As he examined the battery and scruti-
nlzed the bulwarks, asking now aud then some
questions the hardy taTs trained to discern the
and tone of real authority, instlnctively touched
their tarPaulin hats, and, winking knowingly to
each other, whispered their conviction, that it
" was the old boy himsef!" This suspicion cir
cuated with rapldIty throughout the frigate, bot
no one deemed 1t decOrOus by the slightest word
or look, to intimate its existence to him who
thought himself he wished to be, absolutely un-
recognized. After inspecting this proud specimen
of our naval architecture and armament the sp!en-
did cavalcade re-entered their barge. And now
arrived the moment when the commodore was TO
decide whether he should give the ordinary salute
of twenly-one guns, or twice that number, constr
tutIng an Imperial salute. The suspected cox
swain was then observed alone, and leaning on the
wheel of the steamer, as the man-of-war's heavy
cannon thundered from her ports He remained
silent and stationary until the sound Of the twenty
second gun; he started with surprise, gathered his
officers around him, and, after he bad explained to
them that the "cute Yankee" had seen through
his disguise, he issued his orders for the resfmp-
ton of his true character; signals were immedi-
ately noticed to be exchanged with the surround
ing forts, and ten or twelve Russian ships in the
harbor. The star-spangled banner was then hoist
ed at the masthead of the steamer, gracefully
playing across the bows of the American ship,
while every other armed vessel commenced firing
salutes. When this ceased, the flag of
our Union slowly descended, and Nicholas pro-
claimed his real presence by hosting in its stead
the standard of his house-the dark double-headed
eagle, on a yellow ground-whose presence, as if
by magic, awoke the cannon both on shore and
the bay producing the deafening roar Of 2000
guns The self-confdence which leads to those
eccentric movements, characterizes the department
of the Sovereign everywhere and at all times.
Our fancies are always apt to imagine him always
moving in state, and hedging himself around with
guards and attendants, with all the show and pomp
nj 10 OE Such Il NOT no
case. He is seen, at all hours, in Il small, single
horse sleigh, in an open carriage, on horseback
on foot, unaccompanied and undistinguished, ex-
cept by those familiar with his general personal
appearance or physiognOmy strangers often, I'M
aware of his presence, pass him without respect.