Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-02-18


post into vast entrenched tete de posst, inter
posed an effectual barrier against the advance
Of the Russians on Sophia and the weak Turk
ish left and at the same time it cut them off
from all direct communication with their parti-
sans in Servia, and gained the best possible
base for offensive operations on the left bank
Of the Danube, should such become advisable;
while the series Of attacks along the Lower
Danube, and more particularly the passage of
that river at Turtukai, and the occupation of
the strong position Of Oltenitza on the left
bank, threatening direct attack on Bucharest,
completely paralyzed the Russian commander,
who in order to preserve his communications,
(which were ia great danger when the repulse
of his attack on Oltenitza had shattered the
centre Of his line, was obliged to concentrate
the main body Of his forces in the neighborhood
Of Bucharest, and content himself with merely
observing Kalafat thus giving time to the
Turks tofortify and establish themselves strong
ly in that most important position. The Turk
ish line has been much strengthened by this
acquisition; for it must be carried before the
Russians can either advance from their own
right against Sophia or operate with safety with
their centre upon Shumla, as it directly bars
the way to the one movement and indirectly
from its affording an opportunity to the Turk
ish forces Of debouching in strength in the rear
Of their right fank) does SO against the other.
The Importance of a clear understanding Of
the actual strategical position Of the contending
forces on the Danube may perhaps Justify the
length to which these remarks have extended
from your most obedent servant,
"a AN ENGLISH OFFICER.
January IA. a. fo,F R49 ti4
FoRTIFIcATIoNs AT MILFORD HAyEN.--The
various works of defence now in course Of erec-
ton for the better security of the haven and
dock-yard have been pushed forward as much
as it has been possible during the late severe
weather. The fort on Thorn island and the
martello-tower on the Stack rock will be COM
peted without delay, as they are essentially ne
cessary for the due security of this great inland
basin. a short time ago the whole of the der
fences were minutely inspected by the officers
of ordnance, and plans and surveys taken Of
every point. The defence at Thorn island, when
completed, will be garrisoned withsa company
of artillery, and will be mounted with guns Of
very heavy calibre, which, from its command-
ing position, will be very effective. A battery
is also to be erected at Dale point, situated on
the north shore of the :sntrance to the haven,
which viii open cross Gre with the other bat
teries at the mouth. The erection of several
other defences on one or two other command
ing positions is also spoken Of The heavy ar
tillery for the fort at the western side of the
dock-yard has not yet arrived This work is now
under the direction Of the admiralty, and is
only waiting to be mounted with heavy guns
to be an effective protection. Extensive alter
ations have been made the embrasures widen.
ed, and necessary repairs effected, prior to the
mounting of 32-ponnders in lieu Of the old "a
Founders; and the new metal is to be mount
ed upon traversing carriages, and 8-inch guns
are to be placed at the angles. The new guns
are expected almost daily. 1t is said that the
western defences will be extended as far as
Cars rocks, which would add much to the Sc
curity Of the dock-yard 'oi'.
s1 COURAGE OF SEAMAN.--A paragraph in
the Times, of Wednesday, stated that the Tyne
collier Lady Steward was run into on the
Thursday previous by Lynn vessel, and that
there was every reason to fear that she had
sunk, drowning q seaman and a sailor boy
who were imprisoned in the forecastle, the heel
of the bowsprit having been driven across the
fore-scuttle hatch by the collision. We are
happy to state that these two poor fellows have
brought the vessel into place Of security, and
reached their homes in safety,d through the
high courage Of the seaman, Alexander Archi-
bold, belonging to Sunderland. 1t appears
that the poor fellows, when they found them
selves entrapped in the forecastle, made a de-
termined effort to extricate themselves. 1t
was no use trying the fore-scuttle hatch, but,
proceeding more amidships, Archibold made
an attempt to force open the fore hatch, which
was battened down with a tarpaulin. He got
q piece Of wood, which housed as a ram, and,
after some labor, pushed the hatchway SO far
open that he was able to slit the tarpaulin
across with his knife, and thus force his way
on deck. He then hauled the boy up. Find
ing that they were deserted, he and the boy
Immediately sounded the pumps, and found the
vessel was not making much water. Archi-
bold then put her before the wind and ran for
the north, he and the boy guiding the vessel
very cleverly by themselves until they came
abreast of Scarborough, when, they were board
ed by the crew Of a fishing boat, who wanted
to make salvage of. the vessel; but Archibold
refused to give her up, offering, however, to
take four of them aboard the vesseLiif they
would help him into Hartepool with her,
which they ultimately agreed to do. q With the
assistance Of these four men the vessel was
brought up off Hartlepool, and n steamboat
coming of, also wanted to make a salvage;
but Archibold refused to have anything to do
with them either, unless they would tow him
in for 3Os., which they in the end did. After
mooring the vessel, he proceeded to Shields, to
inform the underwriters of his safety. The
committee Of the Coal Trade Office, with whom
the vessel is insured, have expressed their high
sense Of Archibold's exertions and courage
under such trying circumstances, and propose
to present him with handsome acknowledg-
ment Of not less than fl00. The fishermen
have received ESQ for their help. It is but
Justice to the master of the Lady Steward to
state that he was informed that all his crew
own vessel and that, upon ascertaining that
| two men had been left, the lighter knocked
about all night near the scene Of the disaster,
to try if they could fall in with them, but the
Lady Steward was then scudding before the
wind for the north. aa ~ saa
TTARPER,S MAGAZINE for February