Admiralty, June 2, 1854.
DESPATCHES have been received at this Office from Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B, Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty’s ships and vessels in the Baltic, of which the following are copies:
No 96.
Her Majesty’s Ship Duke of Wellington,
off Hango Head, May 20, 1854.
SIR,
I BEG to enclose a letter from Captain Yelverton, of the Arrogant, giving an account of a smart operation he performed at Ekness, 12 miles in the interior of the country. Great credit is due to him for his perseverance in threading up so narrow and intricate a navigation; and it will show the enemy they are not safe even in their country towns.
Captain Yelverton very properly abstained from damaging the town.
He speaks very highly of the gallantry of Captain Hall, of the Hecla (who I am sorry to say is slightly wounded), as also of Lieutenant Haggard, first of the Arrogant, and Lieutenant Crew Read, the senior lieutenant of the Hecla, which gallant officer has received a severe wound, which I fear has endangered the sight of his eye. All the officers and men behaved as British seamen and marines were wont to.
I have, &c.
(Signed) CHAS. NAPIER,
Vice-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.
Her Majesty’s Ship Arrogant,
SIR, Skagaedslenden, May 20, 1854.
I HAVE the honour to inform you that I came into the inner passage yesterday, in company with the Hecla, for the purpose of examining the channel.
At three in the afternoon, just as I was about to anchor a little beyond Teverminne, a strong force of the enemy’s troops opened their fire upon both ships from behind an extensive sand-bank; the effect, however, of a few broadsides from Hecla and this ship soon dispersed them.
No one, I am glad to be able to say, was hurt in either vessel.
I did nothing to provoke this attack on the part of the enemy.
I ascertained from a pilot who lives here that three large Russian loaded merchant ships were at Ekness, eight miles to the northward. I lost no time in proceeding there early this morning; but did not expect to find the enemy so well prepared to receive me. Owing to the Hecla’s light draught of water she led the way; a task not easy to perform in a narrow and intricate passage, exposed as she was to the first of the enemy’s fire.
In addition to a field battery of five guns (two of which I dismounted) and one mortar, they had erected a strong battery which they supplied very efficiently; Captain Hall succeeded in dismounting and bringing off three of the guns. The engagement lasted longer than I expected, as they returned to their guns twice in the midst of our fire, and were only compelled to leave them when their guns were destroyed by our shot.
On reaching the anchorage of Ekness, I found that two of the merchantmen were aground, but Captain Hall brought out one under the fire of a battery, which my draught of water would not allow me to near sufficiently to completely destroy. I most carefully avoided firing one shot in or near the town of Ekness, directing the whole of the fire of the guns exclusively to the batteries and troops attacking us, which consisted, in addition to the brigade of Horse Artillery, of a considerable body of cavalry and infantry, moving abreast of the ship as she advanced.
I cannot give sufficient credit to Captain Hall for the assistance he rendered me on this, as on all occasions, since he has been under my orders; the admirable way in which he went in and brought out his prize, under a galling fire from the enemy, deserves the greatest praise.
I beg also to call to your favourable notice Lieut. H.V. Haggard, senior lieutenant of this ship, whose most zealous services at all times were particularly displayed on this occasion, and also that of the whole of the officers, seamen, and marines of Her Majesty’s ship under my command.
I regret to say that I had one man killed, and five wounded. I must not omit to mention how very highly Captain Hall speaks of Lieutenant Crew Read, First Lieutenant of the Hecla, for the support he had from him, throughout the engagement) until he was unfortunately wounded and carried below), as also from the officers, seamen, and marines, of Her Majesty’s ship under his command.
I beg leave to enclose herewith a list of casualties on board the Hecla and Arrogant, in the engagement.
I have, &c.
(Signed) H.R. YELVERTON,
Captain.
Admiralty, June 29, 1854.
DESPATCHES, of which the following are copies or extracts, have been received from Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B., Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty’s Ships and Vessels in the Baltic:-
ENCLOSING Admiral Plumridge’s Report of his proceedings in the Gulf of Bothnia.
No. 151.
Duke of Wellington, Baro Sound,
June 18, 1854.
SIR,
I BEG leave to enclose Admiral Plumridge’s Report of his proceedings in the Gulf of Bothnia, from the 5th May to the 10th June, by which their Lordships will observe that he has destroyed forty-six vessels, afloat and on the stocks, amounting to 11,000 tons; from 40,000 to 50,000 barrels of pitch and tar; 60,000 square yards of rough pitch; a great number of stacks of timber, spars, plank, and deals, sails, rope, and various kinds of naval Stores, to the amount of from 3 to £400,000, without the loss of a man. Admiral Plumridge has had to contend with innumerable rocks and shoals, incorrectly laid down in the charts, and met the ice up to the 30th May; nevertheless, though several of his squadron have touched the ground, I am happy to say they have received no damage that he is not able to repair with his own means.
2. The Rear-Admiral, their Lordships will observe, speaks in the highest terms of the captains, officers, seamen, and marines, and particularly of Lieutenant B.P. Priest, the first lieutenant of the Leopard, an old and deserving officer, and of Lieutenant Hammet, his flag lieutenant.
I have, &c.
CHAS. NAPIER, Vice-Admiral and
Commander-in-Chief.
No. 151.
Her Majesty’s ship Leopard, at Sea,
10th June, 1854 – lat. 64° 1’ N;
long. 22° 41’ E At noon.
SIR,
IN obedience to your orders of 5th May, 1854, I proceeded with the squadron under my command to examine, as far as practicable, the Island of Aland, but not being able to procure a pilot, I found the hazard too great to proceed further in the execution of that duty; the reports of Captains Buckle and Giffard, numbered 1 and 2, will more fully inform you of the result and termination, for the present, of that service.
From thence I proceeded up the Gulf of Bothnia, and I have now the honour herewith to transmit letters and papers, numbered from 3 to 6, giving a detailed account of the squadron’s proceedings up to the date hereof.
The summary of the large amount of mischief done to the enemy by the boats, as per margin, and the paper lettered A.
Boats of Leopard employed at Brahestad, Uleaborg, and Tornea.
1st Gig-
Lieutenant B.P. Priest.
Mr. Terence H. Wall, assistant-surgeon.
Mr. James Ray, passed clerk.
1st Cutter-
Lieutenant L.U. Hammet.
Mr. Richard Harington, midshipman.
Galley-
Lieutenant William Graham.
Mr. H. St. L. Palliser, naval cadet.
Barge-
Lieutenant G.W.E. Lloyd.
Mr. Arthur Salwey, mate.
1st Launch-
Mr. Henry G. Payne, mate.
Lieutenant E.D. Thelwall, R.M.A.
Pinnace-
Mr. James Laurence, second master.
Mr. W.D.M. Dalbin, naval cadet.
Mr. J.G. O’Connell, master’s assistant.
2nd Cutter-
Mr. Augustus Jacob, naval cadet.
1st Launch-
Lieutenant C.B.C. Dent.
Lieutenant W.S. Davis, R.M.A.
Pinnace-
Mr. R.F. Broadrick, mate.
1st Cutter-
Mr. M.A.S. Hare, midshipman.
1st Gig-
Mr. J.R. Trefusis, naval cadet.
Mr. W. Ray (M.D.) assistant-surgeon.
2nd Gig-
Mr. J. Bailey, cadet.
Vulture’s Boats, at Brahestad and Uleaborg.
1st Launch-
Lieutenant C. Wise.
Mr. N.J. Morphy, mate.
Barge-
Mr. C.F. Hill, mate.
Mr. Chapman, master’s-assistant.
Cutter-Mr. C.P. Fortescue, midshipman.
Gig-
Mr. J.V.D. Butler, naval cadet.
Mr. George Duncan, assistant-surgeon.
1st Launch-
Lieutenant W. Mould.
Mr. C.F. Montague, mate.
Lieut. A.O. Lewis, R.M.A.
Lieutenant Carrington.
Mr. Long, acting second master.
Barge-
Lieutenant J.H.B. Fellowes.
Cutter-
Mr. Henry Athorpe, midshipman.
1st Gig-
Mr. C. Rice, naval cadet.
2nd Gig-
Mr. H. Salmond, naval cadet.
Mr. J.C. Hamilton, assistant-surgeon.
From the hindrances the squadron have encountered in this service, it has spread over a greater space of time than I at first contemplated; the intricacies of the ice, navigation, innumerable rocks, shoals, and the imperfect state of the charts as to soundings on the Russian side of the Gulf, together with the difficulties we experienced in disentangling the squadron, up to the 30th May, from the floes and fields of ice (of which we saw the last this morning), could not be surmounted in less time, or with less vigilance, by the officers in command, and that of the captain of my flag-ship, together with the constant perseverance and zeal evinced by Mr. George B.F. Swain, the master of the Leopard; which ship I may here observe, to the credit of these two officers, has led the squadron from leaving the Aland Islands.
I feel it incumbent on me to notice how sensibly I feel the zealous co-operation of Captains Buckle, Giffard, Glasse, and Scott, as well as the good arrangements of their ships’ boats for service.
The letters from No. 3 to 6, show the names of the several lieutenants and boats commanded by Lieutenant B.P. Priest, of this ship, and seconded by my flag-lieutenant, L.U. Hammet. To them and the other, officers, those subordinate, the seamen, marines, and their lieutenants (Davis, Lewis, and Thelwall), my thanks are fully due.
Any credit that may arise from such extensive damage having been executed, will, I trust, pardon me for thus bringing to your special notice the name of that steady, old, and deserving officer, Lieutenant B. Priest, who held the boat command from Brahestad to Uleaborg and Tornea.
I cannot refrain from again reverting to the ability and exertions of Captain George Giffard, feeling as I do that it is my duty to take this opportunity of bringing some of his merits before you.
I have, &c.
(Signed) HANWAY PLUMRIDGE,
Rear-Admiral.
Return of Enemy’s Property destroyed at Brahestad, Uleaborg, and on the Kemi River, near Tornea, between the 30th May and 8th June, 1854.
Her Majesty’s ship Leopard,
June 9, 1854.
Burnt afloat and on shore, and totally destroyed:
Brahestad, May 30, 1854.
1 brig, 250 tons, under repair and empty.
1 barque, 450 tons, just launched and empty.
1 topsail schooner, 140 tons, }
2 F. and A. schooners, 60 to 80 tons, } in ballast.
5 sloops, 60 to 80 tons, }
4 large vessels, building, 300 to 500 tons.
Naval Stores destroyed:
About 25,000 barrels of pitch, tar, and oil.
A large quantity of timber, spars, plank and materials for ship building.
Three building yards, with workshops and storehouses.
Off Uleaborg, June 1, 1854.
3 schooners, 60 to 170 tons, 1 empty and 2 laden with tar, but burnt; they sank in the gale of 2nd June.
5 barques, 300 to 400 tons, building and nearly complete.
June 1 and 2, 1854.
8 schooners, 50 to 150 tons, hauled up on shore and purposely damaged.
Scuttled and purposely sunk:-
2 brigs, 600 tons, partially laden with tar.
1 brig, 400 tons, partially laden with tar.
1 brig, 350 tons, partially laden with tar.
1 cutter, 100 tons, contents not ascertained.
1 schooner, 150 tons, contents not ascertained.
1 brig, 300 tons, just launched and empty.
Ukovaryakka, June 1 and 2, 1854.
1 vessel, ready for launching, 204 feet long, about 1200 tons.
1 vessel, in frame, not measured.
1 barque, 600 tons, empty, but scuttled.
Killoncrusit, June 1 and 2, 1854.
1 schooner, 100 tons, laden with tar, purposely scuttled.
1 schooner, 70 tons, hauled up and fresh caulked.
3 schooners, 80 to 100 tons, empty.
Naval Stores destroyed:
Uleaborg, June 1 and 2, 1854.
From 40 to 50,000 barrels of tar and pitch.
6000 square yards of rough pitch.
A vast number of stacks of timber, spars, plank, deals, &c.
A large number of storehouses, containing sails, rope, and all kinds of stores.
Numerous workshops, with forges.
Several building yards, and a great extent of wharfage.
Kemi River, near Tornea, June 8, 1854.
1 schooner, of about 80 tons, empty.
80 stacks of timber.
Being a total of 46 vessels destroyed; and, at the lowest estimate, the enemy has suffered
damage to the extent of-
| At Brahestad | £65,000 |
| Uleaborg | £300,000 |
| Kemi River | £15,000 |
| £380,000 |
(Signed) GEO. GIFFARD,
Captain.
Her Majesty’s ship Valorous at sea,
May 15, 1854.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report to you that in consequence of thick foggy weather, I did not reach Grisselhamn until noon of the 6th instant.
On landing to communicate, I found that the commandant was absent at Stockholm, but the officer in command, Captain Billbery, very obligingly afforded me all the information in his power, through the interpretation of Captain Fahnelyelm, the Director of the Electric Telegraph, which was to be in operation in about a week. No pilots for the Aland Islands could be obtained, and I believe they are not permitted to serve in our ships of war. The commandant observed that he believed there were not more than 1000 troops at Bomarsund, and that 300 of them had lately been relieved by 500 from Russia; he did not appear to know anything about the gun-boats. The only information I could obtain relative to the Aland Islands was, that the inhabitants appeared to be well disposed towards the English, and that they had declined taking up arms to oppose us. He was anxious to know whether their Post-boat, Eckero, would be intercepted by us. I replied it would not, unless it contained military despatches to or from the Russian Government, but that I considered it advisable that a passport should be obtained from the Commander-in-Chief, to be produced when boarded by our cruizers.
2. I proceeded next morning in the direction of Wardo Island and Bomarsund, but in the afternoon found myself near some shoals, with ice on some of the patches; I therefore anchored to sound, and a fog soon came on which prevented my moving until noon on the following day. On standing to the southward, on the 8th instant; towards Wardo Island, I observed a barque running to the southward among the islands, and on my steering to cut her off, she bore up. I therefore stood in cautiously, and finding a good channel close to some rocks and small islands, I proceeded in, anchoring in 15 fathoms, with Vulture in company, within a mile of the barque, in a good harbour formed by the Island of Saggo and numerous others. On sending the boats, the barque was found to be aground and deserted, in a small cove. Russian colours. and a paper found on board proved her to be the Princess of Uleaborg, of 346 tons, with a cargo of salt (part having been landed), from St. Ubes, bound to Abo. Observing a boat pulling away from her, I sent a gig which brought her back, with the master, mate, and three men, the ship’s papers and their private effects. I have sent her to Faro, with a prize crew of eleven men from the Valorous and Vulture, in charge of the second master of this ship. The village, consisting of half a dozen cottages, was deserted, with the exception of an old woman. I left a paper in the largest house, on which I caused the master of the captured vessel to state that the English would not molest them, or touch their property, but would pay for anything they had to dispose of, and this was likewise explained to the woman. We also found a cutter, of about 35 tons, deserted and empty, called the Alfred, which the master of the Princess said was a revenue vessel. The barque having been got afloat and brought out during the night, I started the following afternoon with the Vulture, towing the barque, and the cutter not being worth removing I directed her to be burnt.
3. While cutting the anchor, three or four cables’ length from where we had been lying, the ship touched on a sunken rock.
4. The prize parted company in the evening, and I proceeded with the Vulture in the direction of Bomarsund. The master of the Princess stated that he had been three weeks at Marsund, and that the Russians had 500 troops there and 1500 at different parts among the islands, but principally at Bomarsund. Some, he said, were in the vicinity of the spot at which we had captured his vessel, and several watch-fires which were kept up during the night on the adjoining hills, which are rocky and covered with pine-trees, supported the assertion, though we saw none.
Next morning, the Vulture in company, I proceeded in the direction of Bomarsund, but found the channels very intricate between the innumerable small islands and rocks, which did not correspond with any of the charts, and which appear to be far from correct. Having no pilot, I proceeded cautiously by the eye and lead, the water being perfectly smooth. About two P.M. I observed a part of the works of Bomarsund, which proved to be two casemated batteries, one of which appeared to have double loop holes below, and both with embrasures on the summit, with chimneys appearing between them, a sketch of which, as I observed it to be from our mastheads, was taken by Mr. Broadrick, mate, is inclosed herewith, the distance was about five miles from Bomarsund. I was led there by observing the mastheads of several vessels over the land. In standing cautiously towards them the ship touched the ground once, but I succeeded in anchoring, in company with the Vulture, about a mile from the vessels. We made out six or seven, and I sent in seven boats from the two ships; they found them deserted, six being small schooners, and the other was a brigantine, – all empty and scarcely of any value. The boats brought out the brigantine and two schooners, the latter had the appearance of being fitted for gun-boats; I therefore burnt them. The others were apparently unseaworthy, except the brigantine; but as she was very badly found, and not fit for a voyage to England, and belonging apparently to the poorer people of the place, whose good-will I consider it advisable to gain, I left her untouched. The lights of Bomarsund were visible above the trees of the adjoining island from the masthead, and with the assistance of a glass the sketch was accurately made.
We started next morning without meeting with any opposition, only a few of the people of the village being seen at a distance. The channels between the innumerable rocks and islands are so intricate, and so different from the positions on the charts, that I considered it unsafe to proceed further south than Wardo without a pilot, nor could I find the channel track by which I entered; fortunately, the water was very smooth and clear, and the rocks bold, so that I could steer through them by the eye and lead, which generally indicated the approach to shoal water.
5. On the 12th instant I met the Odin, and received the rendezvous from her, since which I have been drawn away to the N.W. by chasing several vessels which proved to be Swedes and Norwegians.
I have, &c.
(Signed) C.H. BUCKLE,
Captain.
Rear-Admiral J.H. Plumridge.
Sub-Inclosure No. 2, in Enclosure No. 1, in Sir Charles Napier’s Letter No. 151.
Her Majesty’s skip Leopard,
off Uleaborg, June 1, 1854.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to forward the enclosed report, from Lieutenant Benjamin P. Priest (senior lieutenant of this ship), of the operations of the boats of the squadron under his command, sent into Brahestad harbour on the 30th ultimo; and have great pleasure in reporting the very good conduct of every officer and man employed; the boats having been away upwards of seven hours, immediately after clearing the ice in which the squadron had been blocked up for the previous twenty-four hours.
Lieutenant Priest deserves credit for the able manner he conducted the operations, and I beg leave to bring his services under your notice.
I have, &c.
GEORGE GIFFARD,
Captain.
Rear-Admiral J. Hanway Plumridge.
Her Majesty’s ship Leopard, off Brahestad,
May 30, 1854.
SIR,
IN obedience to your orders, I this afternoon proceeded with detachments of boats from Her Majesty’s steam frigates Leopard, Vulture, and Odin, into the harbour of Brahestad, where I damaged enemy’s property as follows:
Burnt on shore and totally destroyed, viz:
Four large vessels, building and nearly complete on the stocks, the largest being about 500 tons burden, and pierced for six guns.
Three detached stores of timber, fit for building ships of large scantling.
Two detached storehouses, containing some thousand barrels of pitch, tar, and oil, a large number of them marked with the imperial crown.
Burnt afloat and totally destroyed:
1 barque just launched, not masted, about 450 tons burden.
1 brig under repair.
1 topsail schooner.
2 fore and aft schooners.
5 sloops.
All in ballast.
As the inhabitants yielded immediately to our force, I was very careful not to damage the private houses; at the same time I satisfied myself by personal inspection, that there was no contraband of war within those storehouses, which were situated in the immediate vicinity of and inside the town, which I did not destroy.
Two large stores, on the outskirts of the town, were found to contain flour; these were not destroyed, as I had reason for supposing it to be private property.
All the officers placed under my orders, vied with me in preventing unnecessary alarm to the inhabitants; and I feel it to be my duty to report the alacrity, great steadiness, and good conduct shown by all the officers and seamen employed on this service.
It is almost superfluous to add that the royal marines under Lieutenants Thelwall, R.M.A., showed their admirable discipline.
I have, &c.
(Signed) BENJ. P. PRIEST,
Senior and Gunnery Lieut.
Captain Giffard, H.M.S. Leopard.
Destruction of enemy’s property.
P.S. Being in all 14 vessels destroyed.
About 25,000 barrels of pitch, tar, and oil.
A large quantity of timber, spars, plank, and materials for ship-building.
3 building yards, with workshops and storehouses.
Boats employed on the 30th May, 1854.
Her Majesty’s ship Leopard.
2nd Cutter-
Lieutenant B.P. Priest.
1st Cutter-
Lieutenant Hammet (next in command)
Mr. Harrington, midshipman.
1st Launch-
Mr. Payne, mate.
Lieutenant Thelwall, R.M.A.
Pinnace-
Mr. Lawrence, second master.
1st Gig-
Mr. Wall, assistant-surgeon.
Mr. Palliser, naval cadet.
Her Majesty’s ship Vulture.
1st Launch-
Lieutenant Wise.
Mr. Hill, mate.
Barge-
Mr. Morphy, mate.
Mr. Chapman, master’s assistant.
Mr. Duncan, assistant-surgeon.
Mr. Butler, naval cadet.
Cutter-
Mr. Fortescue, midshipman.
Her Majesty’s ship Odin.
1st Launch-
Lieutenant Mould.
Lieutenant Lewis, R.M.A.
Mr. Montagu, mate.
Pinnace-
Lieutenant Carrington.
Mr. Long, acting quartermaster.
Cutter-
Mr. Athorpe, midshipman.
1st Gig-
Mr. Hamilton, assistant-surgeon.
Mr. Rice, naval cadet.
2nd Gig—
Mr. Salmond, naval cadet
Total.
3 gun-boats, each with 24-pounder howitzer.
3 gun-boats, each with 12-pounder howitzer.
25 officers.
201 seamen.
78 marines.
Grand Total.
6 gun-boats.
8 smaller boats.
25 officers, and
279 men.
His Majesty’s ship Leopard, off Uleaborg,
June 4, 1854.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to enclose the reports of the officers commanding the several detachments of boats of the squadron sent from this ship on the 1st and 2nd instant, after the ships had anchored within range of the town of Uleaborg; and I have much pleasure in again bringing the zeal and ability of Lieutenant Benjamin P. Priest, who commanded the principal force, to your notice.
All the officers and men engaged in this trying duty for nearly 12 hours (and during a snow storm of six hours’ duration) conducted themselves entirely to my satisfaction, and the destruction of enemy’s shipping and property has been very great.
From the enemy having sunk all their shipping, it was found that no vessels could be rendered serviceable to embark any of the valuable property without great loss of time, and it was burnt without a murmur or thought of prize money.
I take this opportunity to report to you the unwearied zeal and ability of Mr. George B. Swain, master of this ship, assisted by Mr. D.M. Jago, the master of Her Majesty’s ship Odin, and their assistants, in sounding and buoying the intricate and shallow channels for upwards of 30 miles leading to this port, they being employed day and night for 48 hours, and having no plan of the place.
I have, &c.
(Signed) GEORGE GIFFARD.
Captain.
Rear-Admiral J.H. Plumridge,
H.M.S. Leopard.
Total number of Vessels destroyed.
| Lieutenant Priest’s division | 13 building, and on shore. |
| Lieutenant Priest’s division | 7 afloat, but scuttled. |
| Lieutenant Graham’s division | 2 building. |
| Lieutenant Graham’s division | 1 afloat, unseaworthy. |
| Lieutenant Lloyd’s division | 5 small vessels. |
| Captured by Lieutenant Young on the 31st May, and burnt | 13 schooners. |
| 31 |
From 40 to 50,000 barrels of tar and pitch.
6,000 square yards of rough pitch.
A vast number of stacks of timber, spars, planks, deals, &c.
A large number of storehouses, containing sails, rope, and all kinds of stores, workshops, forges, &c.
Several building yards, and a great extent of wharfage.
Estimated damage to the enemy above £300,000.
Her Majesty’s ship Leopard, off Uleaborg,
June 2,1854.
SIR,
IN compliance with your orders, I yesterday evening took under my command, the boats of Rear-Admiral Plumridge’s squadron, as per margin,* and proceeded up the river to Uleaborg. Taking possession of the town of Uleaborg, I spent two hours in examining the buildings, of which none appeared to belong to the Russian Government, except the Cossacks’ Barracks, situated in the very heart of the town; and as its destruction by fire would have involved the burning of a large number of private houses, if not of the whole town (containing several thousand inhabitants), I judged it better to spare it.
In thus acting I had the less reason to expect your disapprobation, as it was little better than a collection of hovels.
The storehouses within the town were for the most part cleared out; no naval stores were found in any of them, and as their burning would also have endangered the town, they were spared.
I next detached Lieutenant L.U. Hammet, (flag lieutenant) in command of a division to examine both the sides of a river, below the narrows, to recover any of the sunken vessels, if practicable in a short time; otherwise to destroy all the enemy’s shipping and naval stores; impressing upon him your orders to be careful not to damage any private dwelling, a service which he performed with discretion and ability.
Proceeding myself with the other division to the island opposite to the town, I fired and destroyed all the ships building, together with the storehouses containing shipbuilding materials, and workshops, and continuing destroying as I passed down on both sides of the river, I rejoined Lieutenant Hammet and returned on board.
During the performance of this service, the men were exposed to great trials and temptations, both from the almost uninterrupted sleet, with very cold weather, and the large number of spirit stores open; yet, notwithstanding this their general behaviour gave me the greatest confidence in their devotion and daring, had the enemy shown opposition.
| * | LEOPARD’S |
| 1st Gig | Lieutenant B.P. Priest. |
| W.J. Kay, passed clerk. | |
| W.T.C. Wall, acting-assistant-surgeon. | |
| 1st Cutter | Lieutenant Hammet (next in command). |
| Mr. R. Harrington, midshipman. | |
| 1st Launch | Mr. Payne, mate. |
| Lieutenant E.D. Thelwall, R.M.A. | |
| Pinnace | W.J. Lawrence, second master. |
| VALOROUS’ | |
| 1st Launch | Lieutenant C.C. Dent. |
| Lieutenant W.S. Davies, R.M.A. | |
| Pinnace | Mr. R.F. Broadrick, mate. |
| 1st Cutler | Mr. Hare, midshipman. |
| 2nd Gig | Mr. G. Trefusis, naval cadet. |
| Mr. W. Ray, M.D., assistant-surgeon. | |
| VULTURE’S | |
| 1st Launch | Lieutenant Wise. |
| Barge | Mr. C.F. Hill, mate. |
| Cutter | Mr. Fortescue, midshipman. |
| Gig | Mr. Butler, naval cadet. |
| W.G. Duncan, assistant-surgeon. | |
| ODIN’S | |
| 1st Launch | Lieutenant W. Mould. |
| Mr. Montague, mate. | |
| Lieutenant A.O. Lewis, R.M.A. | |
| Pinnace | Lieutenant Fellowes. |
| Mr. R. Athorpe, midshipman. | |
| Gig | Mr. C. Rice, naval cadet. |
| Mr. J.E. Hamilton, assistant-surgeon. | |
| Gig | Mr. Salmond, naval cadet. |
| TOTAL | |
| 4 gun-boats, each with 24-pounder howitzer. | |
| 4 gun-boats, each with 12-pounder howitzer. | |
| 27 officers. | |
| 203 seamen. | |
| 98 marines. | |
| GRAND TOTAL. | |
| 8 gun-boats | |
| 8 smaller boats. | |
| 27 officers. | |
| 301 men. | |
Of the conduct and discipline of the marines under Lieutenant W.S. Davis, (R.M.A.) I cannot say too much in praise, exposed so much to temptation when sentries in the town.
All the shipping, boats, &c., were found scuttled and sunk; and as considerable time would have been required to weigh and load them, all were burnt and destroyed.
The whole service lasted nearly twelve hours, and the following list shows the loss which has been inflicted on the enemy, which, at a low estimate, cannot be valued under £200,000:
Burnt ashore and totally destroyed.
5 barques or ships, of from 300 to 400 tons, all nearly complete on the stocks.
8 schooners, sloops, and small vessels, hauled up on shore, and all damaged purposely, so as to render them unseaworthy unless extensively re-repaired.
A very large number of storehouses, containing sails, rope, shipwrights’ gear, and other materials for fitting and building ships.
A vast number of stacks of timber, some of very large scantling.
Many stacks of deck planks.
Several heaps of spars.
A stack of crooked oak timber, apparently for stern and stem pieces of ships.
An enormous heap of unmanufactured pitch, extending over about 6000 square yards of surface, having an average height of about three feet.
8 stores facing the river, containing tar and pitch.
A large store at the back of this, containing tar, &c.
A large open space both before and behind those storehouses, containing barrels of pitch and tar. Calculating the contents, and taking the very lowest possible estimate, there must have been at least 30,000 barrels of pitch and tar on this portion of the banks of the river, as the conflagration was on each side of the river, and extended over a great length. Several storehouses containing salt were involved in their destruction. Eight storehouses on the right bank of the river were spared because their burning would have destroyed a private house. The contents, as far as regarded a small quantity of naval stores were taken possession of. There were many launches (most of them purposely scuttled and sunk) which were spared because they were reported to be the property of poor men.
Burnt afloat and partially destroyed.
| 2 vessels of about 300 tons, partially laden with tar. | ||
| 1 vessel of 400 tons, | } | both laden with pitch, tar, &c. |
| 1 vessel of 350 tons, | } | |
| 1 cutter of 100 tons, | ||
| 1 schooner of 150 tons, | ||
| 1 brig of 300 tons, just launched and empty. | ||
All the vessels had been scuttled and sunk purposely. They were burnt by us to the water’s edge, and rendered quite unfit for their purpose without being almost rebuilt.
About 500 casks of tar were found in the river secured by spars. They were cut adrift after finding their burning impracticable.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) B.P. PRIEST,
Senior and Gunnery Lieutenant.
Captain George Giffard,
H.M.’s ship Leopard.
Her Majesty’s ship Leopard, off Uleaborg,
June 2, 1854.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report to you, that in obedience to your orders, I proceeded in the boats of this ship, named in the margin,* to the Island of Ulkonargaick, and on arriving off the north-east point, I boarded a large barque, which on examination proved to be scuttled, and rendered otherwise unseaworthy. I then proceeded on shore, and searched several storehouses and work-shops, containing pitch, forges, and other materials requisite for ship-building, together, with two vessels on the stocks, one nearly ready for launching, and a second in a less advanced state; also a wharf, built at some distance from the shore, on which were sheers, capstans, &c., for masting ships, the whole of which were disposed of in the following manner, viz.:-
Large Storehouses, containing pitch – burnt.
2 blacksmiths’ workshops, having two forges each – burnt.
1 large one-storied building, containing one launch, and apparently used for boat-building – burnt.
1 vessel ready for launching, extreme length 204 feet, breadth 36 feet – burnt.
1 vessel in frame, not measured – burnt.
1 barque lying at anchor, estimated size 600 tons – burnt.
I then searched the village on the adjacent island, but finding no stores contraband of war, I re-embarked and proceeded in search of three schooners, of which information was obtained from the pilot; and after pulling some distance through a creek to the south of the town, I met a division of boats under Lieutenant Hammet, by whom I found the vessel I was in search of had been destroyed.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. GRAHAM,
Lieutenant.
Captain Giffard, H.M.S. Leopard.
* Galley, Lieutenant Graham. 2. Cutter, Mr. Dolben, Naval Cadet
Her Majesty’s ship, Leopard, off
Uleaborg, June 3, 1854.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report that in obedience to your orders, I proceeded yesterday with the boats under my charge to take or destroy the vessels at Killoon Kraseli, that I found there five schooners, which were disposed of as follows.
Scuttled and aground, one laden with tar – burnt.
Empty, three – one burnt, two destroyed.
One hauled up and fresh caulked, burnt.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) G. LLOYD,
Lieutenant.
Captain Giffard, H.M.S. Leopard.
Boats employed.
1 cutter of Leopard, Lieutenant Lloyd.
1 cutter of Valorous.
1 cutter of Vulture.
1 cutter of Odin.
Her Majesty’s ship Leopard,
off Kemi, 9th June, 1854.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to enclose Lieutenant B.P. Priest’s report of his proceedings with a division of boats in the Tornea river and town, which, from the rapid current in the stream, he had great difficulty in reaching.
Also a letter from Lieutenant G.W.E. Lloyd, reporting the destruction of enemy’s property in the Kemi River, with a division of boats under his command.
I have, &c.
(Signed) GEO. GIFFARD,
Captain.
Rear-Admiral J.H. Plumridge,
H.M.S. Leopard.
Her Majesty’s ship Leopard, off
Kemi, June 9, 1854.
SIR,
I PROCEEDED yesterday morning with the boats, as per margin* to Tornea, in execution of your orders.
A strong wind, with extraordinary rapids in the river, delayed us, and it was 7 30 P.M. before the boats arrived off the town of Tornea, 13 hours after leaving the ship; the garrison left on our approach.
Having taken possession of the town I found the storehouses had been cleared out, and their contents conveyed across the barrier to the Swedish territory, and that the inhabitants had destroyed the barracks and public buildings; the purpose for which I was despatched having been thus completed, I therefore returned on board, after being 20 hours in the boats, and have great pleasure in stating every officer and man behaved to my satisfaction.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) B.P. PRIEST,
Senior and Gunnery Lieutenant.
Captain George Giffard,
H.M.S. Leopard.
| * | LEOPARD’S |
| 2nd Cutter | Lieutenant B.P. Priest. |
| Mr. T. Wall, assistant-surgeon. | |
| Mr. Dolben, naval cadet. | |
| 1st Cutter | Lieutenant Hammet. |
| Mr. Jacob, naval cadet. | |
| 1st Launch | Mr. H.C. Payne, mate. |
| Lieutenant Thelwall, R.M.A. | |
| Pinnace | Mr. Lawrence, second master. |
| VALOROUS’ | |
| 1st Launch | Lieutenant C.B.C. Dent. |
| Lieutenant W.S. Davies, R.M.A. | |
| Pinnace | Mr. Broadrick, mate. |
| 1st Cutter | Mr. Hare, midshipman. |
| 2nd Cutter | Mr. Trefusis, naval cadet. |
| Gig | Mr. Bailey, naval cadet. |
| Mr. Ray, assistant-surgeon. | |
| TOTAL. 4 gun-boats, 5 other boats, 15 officers, and 166 men. |
off Kemi, June 9th, 1854.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report that in obedience to your orders I proceeded yesterday with the boats under my charge,* up the Kemi River, on the banks of which, and on the adjacent islands, I burnt eighty stacks of timber (covering about two miles of ground), and the hull of a vessel of about eighty tons burthen. A quantity of timber not fit for ship-building was spared at the request of the inhabitants.
I have, &c.,
GEO. LLOYD,
Lieutenant.
Captain George Giffard,
* Boats employed, barge of Leopard, Mr. Salwey, mate; 2nd gig of Leopard, Mr. O’Connell, master’s assistant.
No. 152.
Duke of Wellington, Baro Sound,
June 10th, 1854.
SIR,
I BEG leave to transmit to their Lordships the accompanying letter from Rear-Admiral Plumridge, enclosing one from Captain Glasse, of the Vulture (which ship arrived here yesterday), giving an account of an unfortunate failure in an attack on Gamla Carleby, in the Gulf of Bothnia, by the boats of the Vulture and Odin.
2. I have expressed to Captain Glasse my disapproval of sending boats to attack a place so far distant from his ship, without any apparent object, which has led to the melancholy catastrophe on this occasion.
I have, &c.
(Signed) CHARLES NAPIER,
Vice-Admiral and Commander in Chief.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.
Enclosure No. 1, in Sir Charles Napier’s Letter No. 152.
Her Majesty’s ship Leopard,
Oreground, June 14, 1854.
SIR,
PREVIOUS to leaving the neighbourhood of Uleaborg, on the 4th instant, I gave Captain Glasse, of the Vulture, the accompanying order, and parted company from that ship and the Odin.
After having finished the service I went to perform at and near Tornea, with this ship and the Valorous, we rejoined the Vulture, and Odin, on the night of the 10th instant, at the previous appointed rendezvous (No. 6).
The accompanying letters, returns, and papers, I have received from Captain Glasse, detailing a failure in the service he intended to execute; the perusal of these letters and returns, has caused me considerable concern from the severe, and I am sorry to add very extensive, loss, sustained in officers and men killed and others wounded.
From what I am able to discern, it would appear to me that this serious catastrophe has resulted from surprise, and a subsequent want of suitable management.
I am, &c.
(Signed) HANWAY PLUMRIDGE,
Rear-Admiral.
Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B.
Sub-Enclosure No. 1, in Sir Charles Napier’s Letter, No. 152.
Her Majesty’s ship Leopard.
Memorandum. Uleaborg, June 3, 1854.
YOU will proceed off Old Carleby, taking with you the Odin.
After examining and operating, if practicable, on that place and its vicinity (where it is said they have a small screw steamer, which it is an object to obtain for the use of the squadron), you are then to rendezvous at Hallgrund Beacon, off Jacobstad; and as before directed, employ your force to the best advantage in its immediate neighbourhood, until rejoined by the Leopard, at Hallgrund Beacon (No. 1).
(Signed) HANWAY PLUMRIDGE,
Rear-Admiral.
Captain Glasse, H.M.S. Vulture.
Sub-Enclosure No. 2, in Rear-Admiral Sir Charles Napier’s Letter No. 152.
Her Majesty’s ship Vulture, at sea,
June 10, 1854.
SIR,
HAVING in obedience to your orders proceeded off Old Carleby, on the morning of the 6th instant, the state of the weather obliged me to put to sea again; but, on the following day, the 7th, the wind moderating, we were able to return, and anchored abreast of Trullön Island, as near as we prudently could to the bar, in four fathoms water, the Odin in Company.
The boats, as per enclosed list (1), were dispatched under charge of the senior lieutenant of the Vulture, Mr. Charles A. Wise, with signals and directions for his guidance, as per enclosures (Nos. 2 and 3).
It is my painful duty to report that they were met in force by the enemy, and beaten off, with the loss of the Vulture’s paddle-box boat.
Immediately on perceiving the attack, the reserve was ordered away, consisting of one paddle-box boat from each ship, accompanied by Captain Francis Scott, in his gig, who having gallantly volunteered his services, I readily entrusted with the charge of bringing the boats out of action, as I observed the fire of the enemy evidently proceeded from an overwhelming force.
The following day under a flag of truce, Lieutenant Wise proceeded with a letter to the Governor of Gamla Carleby; he returned without communicating, the flag not being acknowledged, and reported that a regiment of regular troops were drawn up during the time the boat remained off the beach, and apparently a second regiment, from the difference of their uniforms, employed throwing up breastworks, with embrasures.
From there being only thirteen feet water on the deepest part of the bar, and the impossibility of getting ships of the draft of water of the Vulture and Odin over, I considered our further operations there impracticable, and sailed at six P.M., for the rendezvous at Hallgrund Beacon, off Jacobstad, but the unfavourable state of the weather has prevented our employing our force in its immediate neighbourhood.
Enclosed is Lieutenant Wise’s report (No. 4), as also the returns of killed, wounded, and missing from the two ships (5 and 6), and a copy of my letter to the Governor of Carleby Gamla (7), and of my sailing orders (No. 8).
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK H.H. GLASSE,
Captain.
Rear-Admiral J. Hanway Plumridge.
Her Majesty’s ship Vulture, off Gamla
Carleby, June 8, 1854.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report to you, that in obedience to your orders, I proceeded with the boats of Her Majesty’s ships Vulture and Odin, named in the margin,* towards Gamla Carleby.
Having anchored the boats in line abreast, their guns pointed towards the beach, I landed in the gig with a flag of truce, for the purpose of communicating with some persons whom I observed on the adjacent shore. The flag was duly received, and I addressed one who styled himself the Burgomaster, demanding that all the property of the Emperor of Russia should be given up to me, and that on this condition, in compliance with Admiral Plumridge’s notice, the town and private property would be respected. Not being able to obtain a satisfactory answer, and assistance in communicating with the Governor being denied me, re-embarked and directing Lieutenant Carrington to proceed ahead in a boat of light draught to sound, ordered the boats to weigh and form in two lines abreast, but before this was executed the enemy’s fire from storehouses on our right, opened with field pieces and musketry, which was promptly returned by our guns and small arms.
The enemy being in great force and rapidly increasing – their position well chosen, and protected among wood and houses, behind which they were completely concealed, and from which they poured a most destructive fire – I deemed it expedient to withdraw the boats, and accordingly made the signal for the general recall.
I did not, however, accomplish this without the loss of the paddle-box boat of this ship, which was destroyed by the enemy’s fire; and it is with sorrow I contemplate the severe loss of officers and men we have sustained. Lieutenant Carrington, of the Odin, fell while in the act of carrying out my orders. His boat, a cutter, was the object of the enemy’s first fire, by which she had eleven struck down, and gave us first notice of their proximity. Mr. N.J. Morphy, mate, in charge of the Vulture’s paddle-box boat, I observed encouraging his crew with great gallantry. Mr. C.F.H. Montague (mate), Odin, I am sorry to say fell mortally wounded while most gallantly doing his duty in the paddle-box boat of that ship. I have to add that the conduct of every officer and man was most exemplary. I cannot close this report without mentioning my approbation of the cool and praiseworthy conduct of Lieutenants Madden and Fellowes, who commanded the other two boats with guns.
I am, &c..
(Signed) CHAS. A. WISE,
Senior Lieutenant H.M.S. Vulture.
| * Centre – | |
| Vulture’s 1st gig. | |
| Vulture. – | Starboard Division |
| Pinnace. | |
| 2nd paddle-box boat. | |
| 1st cutter. | |
| 2nd cutter. | |
| Odin. – | Port Division |
| 1st paddle-box boat. Pinnace. | |
| 1st cutter. | |
| 2nd cutter. |
Return of the Boats of Her Majesty’s ships Vulture and Odin, employed in the attack on Gamla Carleby, the night of the 7th and 8th June, 1854.
Vulture’s Boats.
Odin’s Boats.
| Pinnace – | Thomas H.B. Fellowes, lieutenant; Henry Magrath, midshipman; Henry Salmund, |
| naval cadet; 29 men. | |
| 1st Paddle-box boat – | Edward M.W. Carrington, lieutenant; Charles F. Montague, mate; Arthur Lewis, lieutenant R.M.; Ernest Rice, naval cadet; 40 men. |
| 1st Cutter – | William Long, acting 2nd master; John E. Hamilton, assistant-surgeon; 16 men. |
| 2nd Cutter – | Henry Athorpe. midshipman; 16 men. |
| Total – | Officers 10; men 101. |
| Reserve: | |
| 2nd Paddle-box boat – | William Mould, lieutenant; Charles Leigh, master’s assistant; 22 men. |
| 1st Gig – | Francis Scott, Esq., captain; 7 men. |
| Odin’s whole total – | Officers 13; men 130. |
| Whole force, 252; viz.: – | Officers 21; men 231. |
(Signed) FREDERICK GLASSE,
Captain.
Sub-Enclosure No. 3,* in Sir Charles Napier’s Letter No. 152.
THE undersigned Commanding Officer of Her Britannic Majesty’s ships at anchor off the port, presents his compliments to his Excellency the Governor of Gamla Carleby, and trusting to the high and honourable feeling that should always exist between civilized nations, to alleviate, when possible, the horrors of war, has sent in to request his consideration for the wounded and prisoners who have fallen into his hands, that the former may be permitted the aid of surgical attendance in mitigation of their sufferings.
His Excellency will confer a favour on the undersigned by informing him of the number of killed and wounded of the party captured in last night’s attack.
(Signed) FREDERICK H.H. GLASSE,
Captain.
* This letter was sent in charge of Lieutenant Wise, of the Vulture, but was not delivered; the flag of truce not being acknowledged. F.H.H.G.
THE English Admiral will not molest or injure private persons or their property.
He only intends to destroy the castles and defences, shipping, and the property of the Emperor of Russia.
So long as the inhabitants continue peaceable within their houses, they will be protected, but should they offer assistance to the Russian troops, they will be treated as enemies.
The English Admiral desires that the women and children should be sent out of the town.
Her Majesty’s ship Odin, at Sea,
June 10, 1854.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to request that you will be pleased to move Rear-Admiral James Hanway Plumridge to bring under the notice of the Commander-in-Chief the extremely gallant conduct of Mr. Henry Hugh Monk Magrath, midshipman, in the pinnace of this ship on the occasion of an attack on Gamla Carleby, on the night of the 7th instant, who, whilst loading the 12-pounder for the fifteenth time, was struck down by a severe wound from a musket-ball, and removed to the stern sheets, where it was bound up, and he was then only prevented from attempting to resume his former duty by the express order of Lieutenant Fellowes, commanding the boat.
I am, &c.
(Signed) F. SCOTT,
Captain.
Captain F.H.H. Glasse,
H.M.S. Vulture.
Admiralty, 29th June, 1854.
With reference to the above Despatches, Lieutenant Benjamin Pentland Priest has this day been promoted to the rank of Commander.
No. 6. Camp before Bomarsund,
MY LORD DUKE, August 19, 1854.
I HAVE the honour to report, that on the morning of the 16th the fire from the fleet was resumed, and after about two hours’ firing, the white flag was hoisted on the large fort of Bomarsund, and the garrison* surrendered unconditionally, and were embarked in two hours afterwards.
The interior of the fort showed that the fire from the ships had been excellent; nevertheless the injury to the works was trifling, and ought not to have induced the Governor, with such a strong garrison, no breach, and a well casemated work, to have surrendered. The cause may be considered that, finding two of his principal advanced works taken, a breaching battery ready to open, and no prospect of relief, it would be a sacrifice of life to hold out any longer: thus has been lost to Russia a most important military post, and, judging from the nature of the works existing, those partly erected, and the foundations of others which have been laid, it was evidently the intention of the Russian Government to have created a first-rate fortress; the position of Bomarsund at the entrance of the Gulfs of Finland and Bothnia, with a beautiful and extensive anchorage well sheltered, points it out as a position of the most favourable nature, and no expence apparently has been spared in the construction of the works already built, and the walls of those partly erected are of the same substantial nature.
The position of Bomarsund is naturally very strong, and favourable for defence; bold and rocky, with a fine command of the ground in its immediate front, and when occupied with suitable advanced works would make its capture a very long operation, and if fully garrisoned would require a very large force for its reduction: the Admiral has sent home his report accompanied by a joint report from the French General Niel and myself, upon the practicability of holding Bomarsund in its present state; that report will have reached London before this despatch, it is therefore needless for me to recapitulate the substance of that report, as your Grace will have been acquainted with it; in fact I have no copy, as it was called for in great haste, and no time was allowed me to do so before the departure of Lieutenant Nugent, Royal Engineers, the bearer of the Admiral’s despatches.
This the first operation of the combined forces having been brought to a successful termination, I may be permitted to state that the utmost cordiality and good feeling have pervaded every branch of the service employed, English as well as French; and in making these observations I should not do justice to the officers of the Royal Navy, the seamen and marines of the fleet who were employed under my orders on shore, if I did not notice the great order and regularity as well as the great zeal with which every duty was performed, and the strict discipline which was observed in camp; not a single complaint has been made to me of any irregularity on their part.
From Captain Ramsay, R N., in charge of the seamen, and from Colonel Graham, in command of the Royal Marines, I have received the most ready assistance, for which my acknowledgments are due; Captain Ord, my Brigade-Major, has been most active and zealous, and in addition to his staff duties he offered his services, and took his tour of duty, as an engineer, during the period our works were erecting. I have also to express how much indebted I am to my naval aide-de-camp, the Hon. Edward Cochrane, for the assistance he has afforded me throughout our operations, and since I have been deprived of the services of Lieut. Cowell, he has performed that officer’s duty, so far as a naval man could perform military duties.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) HARRY D. JONES,
Brigadier-General.
P.S. – I have omitted to mention the services of Captain King, Royal Engineers, who laid out with great judgment the road up the hill leading to the breaching battery. My thanks are due to him and Lieut. Nugent for the able and zealous manner in which they performed the harassing duties which fell to their lot. The Royal Sappers and Miners have distinguished themselves by their good conduct and in the construction of the batteries.
(Signed) H. D. J.
His Grace the Duke of Newcastle,
&c. &c. &c.
* Prisoners, 2,300; 139 pieces of artillery taken in the different forts.
DESPATCHES, of which the following are copies, have been received from Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B., Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty’s Ships and Vessels in the Baltic:
No. 354. Bulldog, off Bomarsund,
August 16, 1854.
SIR,
1. AT four o’clock in the morning of the 13th instant the French battery, of four 16-pounders and four mortars, opened a splendid fire on the western tower, which commands the fortress of Bomarsund and the anchorage: a white flag was displayed in the afternoon, which led to nothing; but on the morning of the 14th the tower was surprised by the Chasseurs. General Jones’s battery of 32-pounders was finished in the night and ready to open; but, not being wanted, was turned against the eastern tower, and on the morning of the 15th he opened his fire: the battery was manned by seamen and marine artillery from the four ships named in the margin,* under the direction of Captain Ramsay, of the Hogue, assisted by Commander Preedy, Lieutenant Somerset, of the Duke of Wellington, and the officers named in the margin;† their fire was beautiful.
2. At six P.M. one side was knocked in, and the tower surrendered.
In the attack on the western tower the Chasseurs, with Minnié rifles, were employed so successfully, that it was difficult for the enemy to load their guns; in the attack on the eastern tower we had no Chasseurs, and they were enabled to load their guns with more facility.
3. Our loss has been trifling, one man killed and one wounded, but I have to lament the death of the Honourable Lieutenant Cameron Wrottesley, R.E., who was mortally wounded by a cannonball, and died twenty minutes after he had been sent to the Belleisle.
4. The enemy had 6 men killed; 7 wounded, and 125 were taken prisoners. I have sent the latter to the Termagant.
5. The loss of the French at the western tower was also trifling.
6. Both batteries were admirably constructed and admirably fought, which accounts for the small loss. General Jones speaks in high terms of the conduct of the seamen and marine artillery, and the precision of their fire.
7. During the time the operations were going on, General Baraguay d’Hilliers was employed in establishing his breaching batteries against the great fortress, and the French and English steamers, as per margin,‡ supported by Trident (bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Penau), Duperré, Edinburgh, and Ajax, kept up a well-directed fire from their shell guns, and very much damaged the fortress, whilst Captain The Honourable F.T. Pelham, of the Blenheim, kept up a beautiful fire from a 10-inch gun, landed in the battery we had driven the enemy out of a few days before. His position was one of great danger, but the battery was put in such good order by Captain Pelham, that the men were well covered, and he had no loss.
8. The General’s breaching batteries will be ready by to-morrow, and they shall be well supported by the ships-of-the-line of both nations, and the steamers. The narrowness of the ground on which the General has established his breaching battery, very much circumscribes the space; the greatest caution will be necessary to prevent firing on his troops, and the little space in the anchorage before Bomarsund, and the intricacy of the navigation, will prevent ships approaching the main fortress so near as could be wished; but when the batteries are established acting in the rear of the fort, and supported by the shell guns in front, it cannot hold out more than a few hours.
9. I have put off to the last moment the departure of the mail, but I shall send an extra courier the moment the fort surrenders.
10. The western tower was fired either by accident or design, I do not know which, and blew up at 11 A.M. yesterday.
11. I am sorry to add that Lieutenant Cowell, Royal Engineers, Aide-de-Camp to Brigadier-General Jones, was unfortunately wounded in the leg by the accidental discharge of his pistol; he is now on board the Belleisle, doing well, but the loss of his services is much to be regretted.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) CHAS. NAPIER,
Vice-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.
| * Edinburgh; Hogue; Ajax; Blenheim. | |
| † H. M. S. Blenheim— | Lt. F.A. Close. |
| J.J. Ball, Master. | |
| L. Wildman, Acting Mate. | |
| Lieut. T.L. Ward. | |
| David Orr, Acting Mate. | |
| P.B. Nolloth, Brevet-Major, R.M. Wm. Sanders, First Lt. R.M. | |
| S. Wade, Asst. Surgeon. | |
| H. M.S. Ajax— | W.L. Sayer, Capt. R.M. |
| Thos. Bent, First Lieut., R.M. H.L.C. Robinson, Mate. | |
| H.M.S. Hogue— | Chas. Smith. Mate. |
| M. Singer, Lt. R.M. Capt. Fosbroke, R.M. | |
| A.R. Bradford, Surgeon. | |
| H, M. S. Edinburgh— | Lieut. G.F. Burgess. |
| Capt. Delacombe, R.M. | |
| A. Tait, Lt. R.M. | |
| E.J. Giles, Passed Clerk. | |
| ‡ Asmodée, Phlegeton, Darien; Arrogant, Amphion, Valorous, Driver, Bulldog, Hecla. | |
No. 355. Bulldog, off Bomarsund,
August 16, 1854.
SIR,
IN continuation of my despatch of this date, I beg you will inform their Lordships that, after sending away the mail, the fortress opened a heavy fire on Captain Pelham’s battery, which had annoyed them much, and which he maintained all yesterday and to day, and it is wonderful how he and his men escaped. He had with him Lieutenant Close and Mr. Wildman, Mate, of whom he speaks highly. Seeing his position, I immediately ordered the ships and steamers named in the margin,* who were within range with their 10-inch guns, as well as the French mortars on shore, which had been playing on them some time, to give them a shot and shell every five minutes; and their fire was so well directed that the enemy held out a flag of truce.
2. I sent Captain Hall (of the Bulldog) onshore, who was shortly joined by Admiral Parseval’s Aide-de-Camp, and two of General Baraguay d’Hillier’s Staff, and the troops in the fortress agreed to lay down their arms and march out.
3. After I had landed I was joined by the French Admiral and the Commander-in-Chief of the Army; the prisoners (about 2,000 I believe) were marched out and embarked in steamers, and proceeded to Led Sund, to Commodore The Honourable Frederick Grey, who will conduct them to the Downs to await for further orders.
4. I beg to congratulate their Lordships on the fall of this important fortress, which will be followed by the submission of the Garden of Islands, with so small a loss; and I am happy to say the greatest cordiality has subsisted between the French General and Admiral and myself, as well as between the soldiers and sailors of the two nations.
5. As soon as I can collect a list of the stores captured, it shall be forwarded to their Lordships, and a Commissary has been named for that purpose.
6. This despatch will be delivered by my Flag Lieutenant (Lieutenant John de Courcy Agnew), whom I beg to recommend to their Lordships for promotion.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) CHARLES NAPIER,
Vice-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.
* Edinburgh; Ajax; Arrogant; Amphion; Valorous; Sphynx; Driver.
DESPATCHES, of which the following are copies or extracts, have been received from Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B., Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty’s Ships and Vessels in the Baltic:
No. 380. Bulldog, off Bomarsund,
August 19, 1854.
SIR,
I BEG to inclose a letter from Rear-Admiral Plumridge, who was stationed, with the Hecla and the French steamer Cocyte (commanded by Lieutenant de Vaisseau A. Georgette du Buisson), on the north side of Bomarsund.
2. I had intended to have brought his squadron through the Presto Channel to have shelled the north side of Bomarsund, but when the breaching batteries were placed he could not take that station without endangering the men in the French batteries; he therefore very wisely took up a position so that he had the Presto Tower and Bomarsund in a line, and did good service against the Presto Tower, which I afterwards examined. He was rather too close, being within range of the enemy’s fire, and received some damage, but no one was hurt.
3. The ships I stationed to the southward were out of range of the enemy’s guns, and received no damage; but the shot and shells from the 10-inch guns, together with the fire from the four French mortars, which never missed, and the excellent fire from Captain Pelham’s battery, together with the preparations the enemy saw in progress, I presume expedited the surrender.
4. Had the enemy held out till the following morning, when the breaching battery, judiciously placed by the French Engineer (General Niel) within 400 yards of the rear of the fort, and the ships the French and English Admirals intended to place in their flank, the fortress would have been reduced to ashes.
5. I have the honour of enclosing lists of the whole British Force landed, and of casualties, together with a list of prisoners and guns captured, being no less than 112 mounted, 3 mortars,7 field pieces, and 79 not mounted.
6. The Commissioners are now taking an account of the stores, and they are preparing plans not only of the batteries in existence but of those in progress, which I shall send home as soon as possible.
7. This has been a most arduous and laborious service, and I have great reason to be satisfied with the great exertions of all the officers, seamen, and marines, and their orderly conduct.
8. General Jones speaks in the highest terms of the conduct of Colonel Graham and his marines. The firing of the seamen and marines and marine artillery, under Captain Ramsay, was most precise; he himself was slightly wounded.
9. The shells thrown by the ships were most destructive, and had the fortress resisted till the following day when all was ready on shore, they would have been irresistible.
I have, &c.,
CHAS. NAPIER.
Vice-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.
Her Majesty’s ship Blenheim, Bomarsund,
August 17, 1854.
IT is with great pleasure that I have to report to you, for the information of the Commander-in-Chief, the exceeding good conduct and gallantry displayed by the officers and men under my command on shore at Blenheim Battery, during the attack on Bomarsund, on the 15th and 16th instant, when under a very heavy fire of shell and shot during the greater part of this period.
All deserve the highest praise, and I name in the margin* the two officers and captain of gun.
I have, &c.,
FREDK. PELHAM,
Captain.
Rear-Admiral Henry D. Chads, C. B.
* Fras. A. Close, Lieutenant; Leveson Wildman, Acting Mate; John Farrell, Chief Boats Mate and Captain of Gun.
Edinburgh off Bomarsund,
August 18, 1854.
Submitted for the consideration of the Commander-in-Chief.
H. D. CHADS,
Rear-Admiral.
Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K. C.B.
Leopard, at Bomarsund.
August 17, 1854.
SIR,
OBSERVING on the 16th instant the Presto Tower’s fire was harassing the constructors of General Jones’ battery, I moved (in obedience to your orders) the Leopard, Hecla, and French steamer Cocyte into a delightful sequestered position, screened from observation by the trees on the neck of land to the eastward of the tower, having the great Bomarsund Fort and it in one, so that our over shot and shell should fall to the lot of Bomarsund.
The simultaneous opening fire from the three broadsides was the first intimation the tower inmates had of our movements, and I had the satisfaction of seeing (at times from aloft) the steadiness and precision with which the shot and shell were delivered from each vessel. I only regret that the trees alluded to obscured us all from your view, as I feel almost assured this bit of service would have been deemed worthy of better notice than it becomes me to give at so short a distance from your flag. It is however, Sir, my most gratifying duty to state, on behalf of the whole of the officers and ships’ companies, that I entertain the most lively admiration of their exertions, as well as of the exemplary animation exhibited by Captains Hall and Giffard, and Lieutenant de Vaisseau A. Georgette du Buisson, of His Imperial Majesty’s steam-vessel Cocyte.
I have, &c.
HANWAY PLUMRIDGE,
Rear-Admiral of the White.
Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B.,
Commander-in-Chief, &c. &c. &c.
In Camp, Bomarsund, Aland Islands,
August 18, 1854.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to acquaint you that in compliance with your directions, I landed at Bomarsund on the 8th instant, in command of a battalion of Royal Marines, and placed myself under the orders of Brigadier-General Jones, R.E., the general officer commanding the brigade.
The brigadier-general having by a brigade order of yesterday’s date, thanked the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Marines under my command for their good conduct during the period they have been employed on shore, as also for the cheerful and willing manner in which they have performed the very laborious duties they were called upon to perform, and which has contributed so greatly to the successful results which have been obtained, I have only to bear my testimony to their zeal and steadiness in the performance of every duty allotted to them.
The artillery companies of the corps under the direction of Captain Ramsay, R.N., with Lieutenants Mawbey, Poore, and Hewett, R.M.A., performed their part well. The exactness and precision of their fire from the battery reflected great credit on the officers in command of the several guns.
The divisional companies were repeatedly exposed to a heavy fire of round and grape as well as from the Minnié rifle, the casualties have been few, for which we have to be thankful to a divine providence.
I beg to bring to your favourable notice the zeal and energetic conduct of the two officers appointed by brigade orders of the 9th instant, to perform the duties of field officers, viz.; Major Nolloth and Captain Heriot, R.M., of my brigade, Major Captain W.C.P. Elliott, whose exertions in support of my orders call forth my warmest thanks.
I beg also to assure you that the captains of companies, subalterns, non-commissioned officers and men, did their duties in a manner highly satisfactory to me.
Lieutenant Fraser, R.M., acted as the adjutant, and Lieutenant Lennox as my orderly officer, and I have great pleasure in bringing them both under your favourable consideration as deserving officers, together with Assistant-Surgeon Daniel John Duigan, and the other medical officers employed under my orders, who evinced the greatest willingness and promptitude in the execution of their duties.
I have, &c.,
F. GRAHAM,
Colonel, Royal Marines, A.D.C., in
command of Brigade in Camp.
Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B.,
&c. &c. Commander-in-Chief.
Head-Quarters, Bomarsund,
August 19, 1854.
SIR,
I BEG leave to enclose a copy of a Brigade Order which I directed to be issued previous to the seamen and marines, who have been employed on shore, returning to their respective ships, and it affords me great satisfaction to state that the discipline observed merits my warmest approbation; not a single complaint has been addressed to me on the part of the inhabitants against any individual of the force employed on shore under my orders.
I beg leave to bring to your notice the valuable assistance I have received from my naval aide-de-camp the Honourable Ernest Cochrane, who has been most zealous and active in the discharge of the duties required of him, many of which have, in consequence of Lieut. Cowell’s absence, from his wounds, partaken more of the military character.
Mr. Cochrane is a young officer of great intelligence, and I beg leave to recommend him most strongly to your favourable notice, and to express a hope, should a force be again employed on shore, that I may have the benefit of his assistance.
I have, &c.,
HARRY D. JONES,
Brigadier-General.
Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier,
&c. &c. &c.
No. 396. Bulldog, off Bomarsund.
August, 22, 1854.
SIR,
I BEG to transmit their Lordships the enclosed letter I have received from General Baraguay d’Hilliers, expressing his satisfaction at the zealous manner in which Commander the Hon. Arthur Cochrane performed his duties during the time he was attached to the General’s Staff.
Commander Cochrane was in the batteries throughout the operations of the siege of Bomarsund, and General Baraguay d’Hilliers has spoken to me in the highest terms of his conduct.
I have, &c.,
CHARLES NAPIER,
Vice-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.
No. 380. Brigade Orders.
Camp, Bomarsund, August 17, 1854.
THE Brigadier-General cannot allow the force which he has had the honour to command, during the operations against the forts of Bomarsund, to re-embark without requesting the officers, seamen, non-commissioned officers and privates of the Royal Sappers and Miners and Royal Marines, to accept his thanks for their good conduct during the period they have been employed on shore, as also for the cheerful and willing manner in which they performed the very laborious duties which they were called upon to perform, and which has contributed so greatly to the successful results which have been obtained.
The excellence and precision of the fire from the two batteries was the admiration of every one who witnessed it, and reflects great credit upon the officers in command of the several guns.
Captain Ramsay, R.N., and Colonel Graham, Royal Marines, are requested to accept the Brigadier-General’s thanks for the very able assistance they have afforded him during the period he has had the honour to have them under his command.
(Signed) H. ST. GEORGE ORD,
Major of Brigade.
No. 381. Bulldog, off Bomarsund
August 19, 1854.
SIR,
I HAVE received their Lordships’ letter of the 7th instant, approving of all my proceedings and their satisfaction at Admiral Plumridge’s activity and judiciousness.
2. I owe much to Admiral Plumridge for the manner he placed his squadron to prevent reinforcements being thrown in; and I am informed two Russian Admirals were sent among the islands to see if it were possible to pass the blockading squadron, and returned in despair.
Rear-Admiral Plumridge, as second in command, I have removed into the Neptune; Rear-Admiral Martin will hoist his flag on board the Leopard, and take charge of the Gulf of Bothnia, during the rest of the season, which will not be long.
I have, &c.,
CHAS. NAPIER,
Vice-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.
No. 397. Bulldog, Led Sund,
August 22, 1854.
SIR,
I AM happy to inform their Lordships, that Rear-Admiral Chads has conducted three of his line of battle ships in perfect safety through all the intricate navigation of the channels from Bomarsund to this anchorage.
I have, &c.,
CHAS. NAPIER,
Vice-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.
Admiralty, September 6, 1854.
DESPATCHES, of which the following are copies or extracts, have been received from Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B., Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty’s Ships and Vessels in the Baltic:
No. 410. Duke of Wellington, Led Sund,
August 27, 1854.
SIR,
HAVING received information that Russian troops and gun boats were amongst the islands, I sent Captain Scott with a small squadron, as per margin,* to find them out, and I beg to enclose his very able report.
2. Captain Scott threaded his way through the islands in a most persevering manner, as their Lordships will see by the chart I send; his ships were repeatedly on shore, and the Odin no less than nine times, before they discovered the enemy’s gun boats and steamers lying behind a floating boom, supported on each side by batteries and a number of troops, covering the town of Abo, where they have collected a large force.
3. I take this opportunity of bringing under their Lordships’ notice the very great exertions of the surveying officers, Captain Sulivan, assisted by Mr. Evans, Master of the Lightning, and Commander Otter, of the Alban; and I have no hesitation in saying, that it is owing to their exertions this fleet have found their way, with comparatively little damage, into creeks and corners, never intended for ships-of-the-line; day and night have they worked, and worked successfully; Commander Otter is an old officer, and well worthy of promotion, and Captain Sulivan and his assisting surveyor, deserve the protection of their Lordships.
I have, &c.,
CHAS. NAPIER,
Vice-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
London.
* Odin, Alban, Gorgon, Driver.
Her Majesty’s ship Odin, Led Sund,
August 25, 1854.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to state that in pursuance of your orders, dated the 18th of August, I proceeded with Her Majesty’s ships Odin, Alban, Gorgon, and Driver, under my command, towards Kumblinge, and the islands east of it.
2. Having procured a pilot at Dagerby, we felt our way on with boats and leads through a most difficult and intricate navigation, in the course of which every ship has been on shore (Gorgon and Odin frequently), but we hope with no further injury than that done to the copper in various places.
3. At Kumblinge and the adjacent islands I was unable to obtain any information of troops or gun boats, but learnt on Sunday, at Asterholm, that a small fast steamboat from Abo was in our immediate vicinity.
4. Rather than return to your flag without intelligence, I resolved to attempt a passage to Abo, and on Monday at daylight, leaving the larger ships at anchor, I took all the masters in the Alban, surveyed and buoyed off a passage for ten miles to Bergham, and then returned for the other ships, but the Gorgon grounding, delayed us for that night.
5. On Tuesday we made our way in safety into the comparatively main open track to Abo, beyond Bergham; at two P.M., observed a small steamer watching us, and at three P.M., several gun boats moving a body of troops from the point (one and a half miles to the north-west) up to the chain across the narrow entrance to the harbour.
6. Having approached to within 3,000 yards the Alban stood in to sound. The entrance of the harbour was closed by two impediments, the one in front appeared to be a chain laid on a floating platform, the other of stakes and booms, between which the gun boats were stationed at regular intervals, and the steam vessels (four in number) were under the shelter of the points.
7. About 4 P.M. the Alban fired the first shell which burst over one of the gun boats. I then commenced firing and was followed at intervals by Gorgon and Driver, but with little or no effect that we could discover, except that of fully answering my purpose in drawing a return from the masked batteries and gun boats. Only one of the former at the end of the boom mounted a gun or guns of large calibre and long range, but which was concealed from our view by a point of land. The others, three in number, about one mile to the west of the boom, as far as we could judge, did not in any one case mount more than five, or less than three small guns. A fort, of apparently eight or nine large guns, at a distance, constructed to enfilade both passages, fired repeatedly, but the shot invariably fell a very short distance beyond the south end of Little Beckholm.
8. As my object was not to attack Abo, but to examine its defences, I contented myself with firing a shot occasionally at the gun boats, or whatever looked like a masked battery. In the meantime Commander Otter, in the most zealous and gallant manner, after going as close as it was prudent in the Alban, pulled in with his gig, sounding just within range of the gun boats and batteries, which were all the time keeping up a constant fire.
9. The sum of the information I have been able to obtain with his assistance, and that of Commanders Cracroft and Hobart, amounts to this – seventeen row boats, two guns each, and about twenty oars on each side, four steam vessels (all small), two having the flag with cross anchors in it, and another was observed steaming away through the Channel to the eastward of Beckholm. Three (if not four) masked batteries, and another I think in course of construction, for the position of which I refer you to the very clear delineation executed by Commander Otter.
10. The Channel appears to be very narrow, and the thick woods were evidently full of soldiers. We learnt that our arrival had been anticipated (as we expected, knowing that we had been watched by a steamer for some days), and that four thousand additional troops had been sent on the previous day, and five thousand more were expected to arrive on the following day; that there were six steamers, five small and one large (the latter we did not see), and eighteen boats and two guns, and eighty men, besides soldiers in each.
The weather was so bad on Thursday, that I was detained under Bergo, and went into Bomarsund this morning; when, having communicated with Captain Warden, and received his despatches, I proceeded to join your flag.
I have only to add my very anxious hope that my proceedings may meet with the approbation of the Commander-in-Chief.
I have, &c,,
Captain.
Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B.,
Commander-in-Chief, &c., &c., &c.
Her Majesty’s ship Odin, Led Sund,
August 25, 1854.
SIR,
IN returning to your flag from detached service with the squadron you did me the honour to place under my orders, it is my gratifying duty to express to you how well and ably I have been supported by Commanders Otter, Cracroft, and Hobart, in their respective ships, during my late examination of Abo and its defences, and engagement with the batteries and gun-boats at that place; and I beg to offer my humble testimony to their ability, zeal, and great exertions during a week of very difficult and harrassing duties.
I desire most particularly to call your attention to the services performed by Commander Otter during that time. Nothing but the most unceasing and laborious efforts of a clever, indefatigable, and zealous officer could have performed the duties I required of him, and which alone enabled me to obtain the information herewith enclosed, and to examine a place so difficult of access and so little known as Abo, in the limited time to which I was restricted by you.
Under the above circumstances, upon public grounds, and for the advantage of the naval service, which I know you have so much at heart, I beg to urge your recommendation of that officer and Lieutenant William Mould, senior and gunnery lieutenant of this ship, to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for that promotion their constant and valuable services have so long entitled them to expect and hope for.
I have, &c.,
FRANCIS SCOTT,
Captain.
Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B.
&c. &c. &c.