Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-08-29
0sneral 4attlliamn.
From the Baltic.

The latest reports from the Baltic, il will be
collected, stated that three Thousand French sol
diers and six hundred English marines had landed
al three points on the island OF Aiand, and II Is
stated thai Bomarsund was 10 be attacked on the
9th ofAugust. m
The Monitsue dc la Folts gives the following
account of the deiences OF Bomarsnnd:
The squadron is anchored within six leagues
ofBomarsund. Admiral Parseval Deschenes went
lately with part of his stall, in the Darien, 10
connoitre The Russian fortifcations Every day
steamers go TO aud fro The bay at the extremity
of which Bomarsund is situate has been carefully
sounded. Captain Sullivan, of the English navy,
displayed in that the most interchangeable activity,
He had previously laid down buoys in the winding
and dangerous channels leading TO the fortress.
Ii we attack Bomarsund, eight ships of the line
can only bring their broadsides to bear on its
ramparts. Attacked by sea and land. II cannot
offer long resistance. The Russians conceal
their numbers by remaining in their quarters.
Bomarsund is defended by three separate works,
two towers and long line of batteries. The
towers, one round and the other octagonal are
erected on the SUBMITS Of two rocks, and uncon-
nected by any works. Each is surrounded by a
broad ditch. AT the foot OF the rock on which the
octagonal tower stands, extends, on the sea side,
long circular front, half occupied on the left by
barracks, and on the right by casemated batteries
This is the strongest work; il contains seventy
two enlbraisures. The Russians had begun 10 con-
struct a second line of batteries in front of the
round tower, but have ielt IL diminished n single
earthen battery Of 1--WE pieces of artillery is seen
under the trees, about mile in advance. II is i'm
possible to form an idea of the desolate appear
ance of that coast. The bay, above which the
towers rise, is solitary, and lined everywhere with
the sombre verdure Of frs, without the slightest
appearance of town or village. Here and there
only are TO be seen on the sides OF the rock few
wretched cabins, built of wood, dried up by the
cold and the sun. No flag is hoisted on the fort
rcss. Everything around is motonless. For the
last eight days have only perceived sentinels
relieving each other at Intervals. $50
Ii will be recollected that the London Times re-
Gently reported that the Russian vessel, on board
of which the and other members OF the
imperial family, had attempted TO cut Oft plea
sure yacht which had ventured TOO near Cronstadt,
but was prevented by one of the English vessels
which might have captured the Russian had her
captain known what distinguished passengers she
had on board We intmated our doubts Of The
accuracy Of the story at the tae, and uniortu-
natelv for the credit Of The great metropolitan dur
nal, the owner of the English yacht, Lord Lch-
field has blown this story about the probable cap
ture of the czar and The other members OF hi
family into thin air The only fact seems to have
been that Lord Lich6ed's yacht was cruising of
Cronstadt and this /" Baltic Legend, as ii has been
termed shows the growth of story in able hands.
z Z