New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-07-19
FROM ST. PETERSBURG.

From The Syydeuse Journal Of July II.
Extract from leetsI dated A. s. Petersburg June s. to
A few days since / went, in company with some 300
excursonists, to Peterhoff and Cronstadt. We had
the best steamer Oh the Neva, band of music from
the Imperial Guards and best of all half dozen
Americans. Passing down the river we had a fine
chance 10 the vast preparations made for defend
ing the city itself since the declaration OF the state OF
siege. Batteries have been thrown up on all the
islands and coasts. Every person who has visited
this capital must yet grasp firmly remembrances of
the paidens and groves of the Vossilie Osrof That
venerable island, which has been smiling and SUM
beripg ever since the days OF Peter is grt in full
amor and numberess satellites, in the shape of snap
pish little cun-boas, are in continual attendance.
An hours voyage brought us in full sight of the
forts of Cronstadt and shortly after the fleet of the
Allies were looming up five or six miles beyond 10
every of us whose mind had been at all bent to-
ward calculation of the character of the war; every
foot Of the way became interesting. Stretching away
TO the right from the town of Cronsadt across the
gulf shore of Finland was the submarine wall of
stones and ping at which an army has been occupied
during the past winter. Its object to shut the north
channel which, though generally too shallow for frig
ates would admit guu-boats You must not picture to
yourse this wall grand piece Of regular masonry
in finish granite like Peters qusys. On tho contrary
its presence only denoted by specks and spots here
and there, and by long rank of dismaned frigates
anchored so as 10 command every part of it. Coming
nearer we passed two fleets Of Russian guuboats
These are perhaps sixty feet long, propelled by
steam, by oars-the former carrying three great
guns, the latter two. The Russians clam TO have as
great number Of tbefe the Allies. IL is also said
that the Russian boats are much better adapted 10
tbese waters: While on board one some weeks since
at trial of Ter machinery, there were we shown me
several parts for which this superiority is claimed.
Soon we came into goodiy company OF steam
higaee. and among them most trim of all was the
Ktmschatka, built some years since at New-York.
Then made our way through all the Russian feet,
the bands on every side playing the national anthem,
chorussed by hurrahs loud and long.
Then ran close under the forts and batteries of
the Empire. 1t would greatly tax the boldest imagi-
nation, not spurred by the view itself fancy even
so immense a combination of defences At our right,
lowered Fort Menschikof, of horseshoe shape, four
tiers high, and of granite. On the left was Kron
KTon Castle fortress OF still greater size. Stretch
ing out from these were long ranges Of batteries
cred with epoImous guns. Farther advanced en- the
LEFT wac Risbaud-the creates, fort of all.
Like kron Castle II is circular in plan, and built of
granite hewn In great squared blocks. Still further
in front was Fort Alexander, and number of other
forts, from which branches long lines of heavy caa-
in battery. Tue channel iiselfis so narrow that
OF more than two three vessels could be arranged
abreast IN H. and could be swept any moment by
the concentrated fire of nearly all these forts aud bat
teres-b BY fire coming from five different directions
Add then 10 this that two rsclaSs ships of the line
stand protected by the forts but sweeping with their
whole broadssdes the whole channel engthWise-that
place could be better fitted for defense by submer
Inc baieries-that according 10 all accounts jacob
the msster spirit III ali such devices has been con-
sirntly at work-thnk of all these and you viii then
be in way 10 estimate the probable emaciation OF
any foe VI no proclams bis intention of passing that
way TO his dinner in ST. Petersburg.
a long way out the hostile feet, then numbering
tweniys SIX and AL steamers except one. They were
arranged in long lines the Gulf and their mag
nheent appearance doubt glsddened the hearts of
The EDglishmen Of our party. Ii a splendid sight
BY the ala OF glass every part of thar hus were seen
distinctly. Ihey have already shown much boldness
few days since steamer, the Bulldog came so
close in that the faces of the were clearly seen
The ugh within easy range not shot was fired on either
side. There is Russian story that the Emperor has
given order TO let bis enemies FIRE the first shot
The Allies seem TO have employed the time since
their last visit TO profit, for now thanks 10 in
proved charts, they freely about in waters which
last year they dared not approach perfect chart
of the Gulf Of Finland and the Neva Is not a thing
easily TO be attained, as you may imagine when Won
know that taking soundings in tire Of peace Is pun
ished crime. There are evidently other dangers
TO the feet besides those arising from sands or stones