dressed to Mr. Thornton, being to the same effect, need
not be given. The exchange of prisoners took place at a subsequent
period.

A negociation now ensued between the Russian and British
commanders-in-chief, for permission that the blockaded fleet should
return to St. Petersburg unmolested, on condition that a part should
be given up by the former. In answer to this proposition, his Swedish
Majesty requiring that the whole should be given up, and Sir James's
demand being for both the three-deckers and half the remainder, the
negociation was broken off, and fire-ships were fitted out as the only
chance of destroying them.[7] In the mean time, the Thunder and
another bomb-ship, covered by the Goliath and Salsette, continued to
throw shells into the fortress, and on one occasion a magazine was
blown up; but the fleet was too far within the harbour for the shells
to reach them, or to prevent their extending a barricade of booms to
prevent the approach of fire-ships. The Erebus and a brig having
however been prepared, an attempt was made on the 20th September; but
failed, owing to the rise of the moon before the vessels could
approach.

[7] The Erebus sloop and Baltic, besides a brig, were converted
into fire-ships.

The following is an extract from a letter written by Sir James to his
brother:

Victory, off Port Baltic, 31st August 1808.

I have been disappointed in the expectations I so ardently
formed when I wrote you last Monday. We arrived off Hango Udd,
expecting all night to fall in with the Russian fleet; but at
daylight a Swedish frigate joined, with the information that
the Swedish squadron, with the Centaur and Implacable, had
sailed on the 25th in pursuit of them, and chased them into
this harbour; the Centaur and Implacable had cut off their rear
ship, which was set on fire after her crew had been taken out.

I anchored at two yesterday afternoon, and had the satisfaction
to find Sir S. Hood with the Swedish squadron at anchor,
watching the enemy's squadron in the harbour, who have been
occupied in fortifying themselves in the best manner; and I
fear nothing can be attempted with any prospect of success,
_from what I am informed_.

I most sincerely lament not to have been in time to join our
ally, as most probably not a Russian would have escaped. My
great consolation is, that not a moment has been los