_Thunderer_, has
been disabled by shells from the air-ship, and all his other
vessels have been terribly knocked about by the incessant
cannonade from the fleet, which has now advanced to within two
miles of the shore, having nothing more to fear from the land
batteries. A terrific thunderstorm is raging, and no words can
describe the horror of the scene. The air-ship ceased firing
nearly an hour ago.

10 P.M.

Five of our eleven ships--two battleships and three
cruisers--have been sunk; the rest are little better than mere
wrecks, and seven torpedo-boats have been destroyed in attempting
to torpedo some of the enemy's ships. Heavy firing has been heard
to the southward, and we have learnt from Dundee that four
battleships and six cruisers have been sent to our relief. A
portion of the Russian fleet has been detached to meet them. We
cannot hope anything from them. Captain Marchmont has now only
four ships capable of fighting, but refuses to strike his flag.
The storm has ceased, and a strong land breeze has blown the
clouds and smoke to seaward. The air-ship has disappeared. Six
large Russian ironclads are heading at full speed towards the
mouth of the river--

The telegram broke off short here, and no more news was received from
Aberdeen for several hours. Of this there was only one possible
explanation. The town was in the hands of the Russians, and they had
cut the wires. The long charm was broken, and the Isle Inviolate was
inviolate no more. The next telegram from the North came from Findon,
and was published in London just before ten o'clock on the following
morning. It ran thus--

Findon, N.B., 9.15.

About ten o'clock last night the attack on Aberdeen ended in a
rush of six ironclads into the river mouth. They charged down
upon the four half-crippled British ships that were left, and in
less than five minutes rammed and sank them. The Russians then
demanded the unconditional surrender of the town, under pain of
bombardment and destruction. There was no other course but to
yield, and until eight o'clock this morning the town has been in
the hands of the enemy.

The Russians at once landed a large force of sailors and marines,
cut the telegraph wires and the railway lines, and fired without
warning upon every one who attempted to leave the town. The
stores of coal