t; and,
when it is considered that I was off here in only eight days
from the time I left the Belt, it will appear almost
surprising, particularly with the north winds we experienced.

Sir S. Hood and Captain Martin are beheld by the Swedes with
adoration for their heroic attack on the enemy's ship; had the
Swedes sailed as well as the Russians, not one would have
escaped.

It was after this letter had been despatched that Sir James
reconnoitred the enemy in the Victory; and, consequently, determined
on an attack.

On the 23rd of September, Captain Bathurst, of the Salsette, and
Captain Trolle, of the Camilla, being sent to ascertain the position
of the Russian fleet, reported that they were so completely
barricaded, that any further attempt with fire-ships would be
fruitless; Sir James ordered the Erebus and Baltic to be restored to
their former condition, the brig having been burnt in the attempt.

In addition to the scurvy, which made its appearance in the Swedish
fleet early in the month of July, the crews were now attacked with a
malignant epidemic, which daily became more fatal; those who had been
affected by scurvy, being predisposed to catch the infection of the
fever, were invariably carried off. A Swedish ship of the line and two
frigates had been loaded with the sick from the different ships, and
sent to Carlscrona. As the month of September advanced, it was
evident that the Swedish fleet could not keep longer at sea; and that,
if a reinforcement did not arrive from England, the blockade must soon
be raised. Lemon-juice, sugar, &c. as well as medical assistance, was
sent to the Swedes, but too late to have the desired effect.

Sir James, having anchored the Swedish ships farther out, persevered
as long as it was possible, and the fleets rode out two heavy gales of
wind in that exposed situation; while the Russian ships lay moored,
with yards and topmasts struck, in the position given as second in the
diagram (page 116).

The Swedish army in Finland had fought with great bravery, but were at
length overpowered by numbers; Abo, the capital of Finland, was in the
end taken, and that valuable country for ever lost to Sweden. The
King, and subsequently the remains of his army, retreated to
Stockholm, and the campaign terminated decidedly in favour of Russia.

After what has been stated, it will not excite surprise that Sir James
should have had some anxiety about the opi