The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-03-08
The Allied Fleets Singular Har'
Dor of SebastODOl,

The Allied Fleets Singular Har-
Dor of Ssbastopol.
The Constantinople correspondent OF
the Boston Trareler, under date of Jan.
uary 18th, gives the following interesting
items:
We have some further news from the al
lied fleets. They came to anchor in the
harbor Of Sinope, from whence the Turk
ish steamers and transports were sent on
to Batoom. under convoy of two 80 gun
English propellers; and one do. French,
and four French and English steam fri
gates, under command of the second Ad.
miral, Sir Edmond Lyon. 1t is known
that a Russian fleet of II heavy ships is
out cruising in the Black Sea, and OF
course they may fall in with this convoy.
when probably some hot work would fol-
low, although England and France are
yet at peace with Russia.
Meanwhile the British steam frigate Ret
ribution has been sent to Sebastopol itself,
under pretext of bringing away two En-
glish eng gineers who were taken by the
Russians in small Turkish merchant
steamer they captured near the beginning
Of the war. The real object. no doubt,
was to make observations, both as to the
present Whereabouts of the Russian fleet
and also as to various points that will be
useful to the allied fleets. if war shall ac-
tually be declared. This steamer accom-
plished her mission in the most satisfactory
manner; but before stating the result, let
me briefly allude to the situation OF Se-
bastopo.
This hsrbor is situated naar the south
western extremity of the Crimea. Its slips
are almost precisely like that of the grea,
harbor of Malta. only it is at least four
times as large, and is one of the most
splendid harbors in the world. 1t is, OF
course, very strongly fortified, but more
by nature than by art. in consequence Of
striking peculiarly in its entrance, which
is between two rocks, not far enough apart
to admit two large ships abreast, and the
upper surfaces of which are sunk fve or
sic feet beloac the surface. On each OF
these, in times of peace, is anchored a
beacon, and on the highlands at the head
of the harbor are two lighthouses, one
back of the other, and so arranged that a
vesselentering in the night, and keeping
all her masts in the exact line with these
two lights, will steer clear of the rocks.
1t is reasonable to suppose that in time
OF war, and when an attack was anticipat-
ed, both the beacons and the lighthouses
would be removed. Between the rocks
the water is deep enough for the largest
vessels, though on the land side of each
is reef extending to the shore. leaving
no possible channel. The entrance is per
fectly straight, and outside of these rocks
there is no obstruction to free navigation.
To the north runs point OF land to the
distance of eight or nine miles, on which
are several batteries; but as the southern
side is all open sea. it is easy for hostile
feet 10 approach very near the entrance
without coming within the range of their
guns. At the entrance, however, on the
southern side. is large and strong bomb
proof martillo tower, and on both sides.
without and within, series Of very for
midable Notifications. small harbor on
the outside, north of these sunken rocks,
is used as quarantine harbor. and they
are strictly prohibited from entering the
great harbor.
The Retribution, on reaching the mouth
of the harbor, steereG directly in. with the
British flag at the peak. Boom went one
of the guns from The batteries 1t was
blank cartridge, designed merely to warn
the vessel that she was trespassing on for
hidden ground. She needed it not, but
pursued her straight forward course
Boom wen: another gun, and still she
noxun tho q ohor onA fh
Russians stood aghast. Usage in such
cases would justify them in letting off
shotted cartridge next but should they do
it? That one shot might be the spark that
would set all Europe into blaze! The
officer in command would probably have
given worlds If his master had been there
to tell him what to do. He did not fire
another gun; and who can tell but that the
poor man may spend the rest of his days
in the Siberian mines to pay for it.
A boat Immediately came out with the
officer on board. and Captain Drummond, i,
Of the Retribut,on, was told that he had
done very acrong to come in there, and
that he must Immediately leave. The i'm
perturable Captain replied that he was the
bearer of dispatches for Prince Menschi
koff and the Russian Admiral. He was
told that neither Of these was there, but
that he might 60 into the quarantine har-
Dor and pass quarantine of fourteen days.
and in the interval, very likely one or both
of these officers would come, But he had
no intention of submitting to such delay.
so he delivered his dispatches and was
then told to leave at once. The batteries
were all manned, but he was fire or sir
hours in getting up his anchor; during
which time, III be bound, his eyes and
his instruments Of observation were not
idle. He then steamed straight for Sinope
and reported to his Admiral all he had
seen and observed. The beacons and
lighthouses may now be removed, the en-.
trance can be made without them.