of the Bosphorus, escaping back to Sebastopol with impunity.
Throughout the war, the enterprising and daring captain of the
_Vladimir_ performed feats worthy of the reputation of any navy in the
world. It became necessary for the allies to send a flag of truce to
Odessa, the bearers were treacherously fired upon. This exasperated the
allies, and Odessa was bombarded. The admirals endeavoured to spare the
commercial portions of the place, it being a free port; the destruction
of the defences was, in consequence, only partially effected, while
much damage was nevertheless inflicted upon the city itself. After
the bombardment, the Muscovites, with great activity, repaired and
strengthened the defences, so that the bombardment was little more than
an empty demonstration of power. It displayed, however, the skill of
the allied squadrons; for one of the most scientific and beautiful naval
operations of the war was accomplished. The ships fired while in motion;
circling round the place; delivering their broadsides as they passed;
and, by their rapidity of movement, gave little chance to the batteries
on shore to inflict any damage.

The British and French navies held possession of the Black Sea,
incurring little loss. The destruction of the British frigate _Tiger_
was, however, an incident which caused much regret in England. In
certain operations in shallow water near Odessa, the ship went aground,
and was captured. The Russians, vindictively and cowardly, continued to
fire upon it while any living object was seen upon its decks. Few
acts were ever perpetrated, by even the most barbarous enemy, more at
variance with the laws of war, and the instincts of honour, gallantry,
and generosity. The allied armies continued most uselessly to linger on
the shores of the Bosphorus and at Varna, until the season proper
for military operations had passed away. Never was an expedition more
unprofitable. The Turks were allowed to battle against the whole power
of Russia upon the Danube without the slightest help, while two large
armies were within forty miles of them. In England, suspicions of
treachery were entertained. Some believed that the Aberdeen government
was unwilling to weaken the power of Russia; others believed that France
and Austria had covert designs, and were unwilling to prosecute the
war. It was not until the middle of September that the allies acted
in concert. In the meantime, Russia fomented disturbances in the Greek
p