1812.
State of Europe in 1812.--Critical situation of Sweden and
Russia.--Advance of Buonaparte.--Sir James Saumarez resumes the
command in the Baltic.--Attack on Anholt
prevented.--Proceedings of the advanced squadron.--Arrival of
the Victory at Gothenburg.--Capture and destruction of a Danish
frigate and two brigs.--Captain Stewart's gallant
conduct.--Official letters.--Capture of a ship in Pillau
Roads.--L. Jones's gallant conduct.--Official letters.--Peace
with Russia.--Correspondence with Mr. Thornton and Earl
Cathcart, who is appointed Ambassador to the Court of St.
Petersburg.--Proceedings of the hostile armies on the frontiers
of Russia.--Admiral Byam Martin sent to co-operate.--Siege of
Riga.--Diversion made by Admiral Martin in Dantzig
Bay.--Capture and destruction of four French
privateers.--Ratification of peace with Russia and Sweden.--Sir
James named Knight Grand Cross of the Sword of Sweden.--His
Swedish Majesty's letter and the answer.--Emperor Alexander
sends the Russian fleet to England.--Defeat of the French at
Polosk, Borodino, Moscow.--Retreat of Buonaparte.--Archangel
fleet arrives.--Earl Cathcart.--Mr. Saumarez's tour to Abo and
St. Petersburg, and return to the Admiral with
despatches.--Afflicting news from England.--Sir James's conduct
on that occasion.--He is relieved by Sir George Hope.--Returns
to England.--Strikes his flag.
The state of Europe at the commencement of this year left no doubt
that a severe struggle for independence was approaching. It was
evident that under the pretence of conquering a maritime peace,
Buonaparte's ambition was nothing short of continental empire; his
armies had been gradually advancing, and, under various pretexts,
taking possession of every fortress in Prussia, and towards the
frontiers of Russia. Supposing himself in a position to enforce the
ruinous demands which he well knew could not be granted, he looked
forward with confidence to the subjugation of Russia, after which
Sweden would become an easy conquest. Alexander saw that the existence
of his empire depended on the exertions he was now compelled to make,
and before the conclusion of the last year, his intentions of
resistance were secretly made known both to the British and Swedish
cabinets. It was now deemed fortunate that the wise and temperate
policy of Sir James had been the means of forming that coalition,
which was subsequently the saving of Europe.
So important did Government consider the continuation of Sir James as
commander-in-chief in the Baltic, that while in London, at Tunbridge
Wells, and other places where he resided, the whole of the
correspondence passed through him, and as the spring advanced he was
again entreated to finish the good work he had begun. As his force was
now to consist of only ten sail of the line, he did not judge a
Captain of the fleet to be necessary; but Rear-admirals Byam Martin
and J.N. Morris were at his request appointed to serve under him, and
it may be truly added that two officers better qualified to support
his plans could not have been found.
Early in the spring, Captain Dashwood, who had so highly distinguished
himself in carrying a valuable convoy through the Sound at the close
of last year, was sent with a squadron of sloops to afford protection
to the island of Anholt, which was again threatened by the Danes, but
on the appearance of this detachment, the attempt, if ever intended,
was abandoned. On this service the Fly sloop was unfortunately lost on
Anholt Reef.
In April, Rear-admiral Morris was despatched with the advanced
squadron and arrived at Wingo Sound about the middle of April, having
been previously informed of the state of affairs in Sweden, and
instructed to keep up the appearance of hostility without committing
any positive act; in the mean time a fleet of line of battle ships was
fitting out at Carlscrona, and strict orders were issued that in the
event of their putting to sea they were not to be molested by his
Majesty's ships. A correspondence was entered into with the Danish
auditor-general respecting the exchange of prisoners, in which a
demand was made for the release of all the Danish prisoners in lieu of
all English, which would have been ten to one in favour of Denmark;
but the chief object was the release of a Danish officer, who, after
having struck his colours, attempted to destroy his ship, contrary to
the laws and usages of war, and who had been detained in consequence.
This request was at first refused, but in consequence of the kind
treatment of the unfortunate crews who suffered shipwreck, and who
were unconditionally liberated, the exchange took place.
Sir James hoisted his flag in the Victory on the 14th of April, and on
the 28th sailed from the Downs. On the 3rd May he arrived at
Gothenburg, having then under his command ten sail of the line, seven
frigates, and fourteen smaller vessels. Admiral Morris, with a strong
detachment, passed through the Belt to Hanoe, where he carried on the
service relating to convoys, and the prevention of troops being sent
across the Belt to the Danish islands, which were no doubt intended to
menace Sweden into compliance with the demands and views of
Buonaparte.
This campaign commenced with several brilliant naval actions, among
which the following is most worthy of being recorded. During the
spring the Danes had succeeded in stationing a large frigate and six
large brigs on the coast of Norway, for the purpose of attacking our
convoys in passing through the Cattegat, which, in order to protect
the trade, had obliged Sir James to station the Dictator of sixty-four
guns, and three brigs, off that part of the coast. The result cannot
be more fully given than in the following extract of Captain Stewart's
letter to Sir James:
H.M.S. Dictator, Sleeve, 7th July 1812.
SIR,
I have the honour to inform you, that yesterday evening being
off Mardoe, with the Podargus, Calypso, and Flamer, the
mast-heads of the squadron were seen over the rocks, and
Captain Robilliard of the Podargus, in the most handsome
manner, volunteered to lead the squadron in to attack them, he
having a man on board acquainted with the place; and as neither
the pilots nor masters of either of the ships conceived
themselves equal to the charge, I did not hesitate to accept
his kind offer, well knowing the British flag would meet
nothing but honour in such hands.
In the entrance of the passage the Podargus unfortunately took
the ground, by which circumstance I was deprived of the
valuable and gallant services of her commander during the
remainder of the day, and was in consequence obliged to leave
the Flamer to her assistance; but in Captain Weir, of the
Calypso, I found everything that could be wished for, which in
a great measure made up for the loss I had sustained in the
Podargus and Flamer.
By this time, seven hours thirty minutes P.M. we had arrived
within one mile of the enemy, who were running inside of the
rocks under a press of sail. The Calypso, which had also
grounded for a short time, was now leading us through the
passage, and both she and ourselves engaged with the squadron
and numerous gun-boats; however, at nine hours thirty minutes,
I had the satisfaction, after sailing twelve miles through a
passage in some places scarcely wide enough to admit of our
studding-sail booms being out, of running the Dictator's bow
upon the land with her broadside towards the enemy (within
hail) as per margin, (Nayaden, Laaland, Samsoe, and Kiel,)
who were anchored with springs on their cables close together,
and supported by gun-boats, in the small creek of Lingoe, the
Calypso most nobly following us up. In half an hour the frigate
was literally battered to atoms, and the flames bursting forth
from her hatchways; the brigs had also struck, and most of the
gun-boats were completely beaten, and some sunk.
The action had scarcely ceased and the ship afloat, than we
found ourselves again attacked by gun-boats, which had
retreated on seeing the fate of their squadron, and were again
collecting from all quarters; but Captain Weir, of the Calypso,
having taking a most advantageous position, engaged them with
the greatest gallantry and effect. Indeed I am at a loss how to
express my approbation of the prompt exertion of this gallant
and meritorious officer. The Podargus and Flamer, in the mean
time, were warmly engaged with numerous batteries and
gun-boats, both brigs being aground; but by the uncommon
exertion and extreme gallantry of Capt. Robilliard, and the
officers and crews of the brigs, they at last got afloat, very
much cut up. On this occasion Lieut. England particularly
distinguished himself.
At three A.M. having got the Dictator, Calypso, and prize brigs
in the fair way, we attempted to get out through the passage,
when we were assailed by a division of gun-boats from behind
the rocks, so situated that not a gun could be brought to bear
on them from either vessel. In this situation the prize brigs
grounded, and notwithstanding every exertion on the part of
Lieut. James Wilkie of this ship, who was on board the Laaland,
and had extinguished a fire on board her, which was burning
with great fury, and Lieut. Hooper of the Calypso, in the Kiel,
we had to abandon them complete wrecks, humanity forbidding us
setting them on fire, owing to the number of wounded men they
had on board.
Captain Stewart's letter concludes with the highest praise on all the
officers and men in the squadron he commanded, and subjoins a list of
nine men killed, and thirty-seven wounded and missing. The enemy
admitted that they had lost three hundred men, but it was supposed
that five hundred was nearer the number. We are sorry to record that
some of the Danish officers violated their parole and treacherously
rose on their protectors, after medical aid had been afforded them
under the sacred sanction of a flag-of-truce!
Sir James enclosed Captain Stewart's narrative in the following letter
to the Secretary of the Admiralty:
SIR,--I have the highest satisfaction in transmitting to you,
to be laid before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, the
inclosed letter, which I have this day received from Captain
Stewart, of H.M.S. Dictator, detailing the particulars of a
most gallant exploit, performed by him and the two sloops and
the gun-brig named on the margin (Podargus, Calypso, and
Flamer,) upon the Danish frigate Nayaden, three large sloops of
war, and numerous gun-boats, within the Rocks of Wardoe, on the
coast of Norway, supported by batteries on the shore; in which
the enemy's frigate has been totally destroyed, and the sloops
of war completely disabled, besides several of the gun-boats
sunk. It is impossible to express in an adequate manner the
undaunted spirit displayed by Captain Stewart, and all the
officers and men under his orders, in this arduous enterprise,
which, I am assured, will be duly appreciated by their
Lordships. Captain Stewart speaks in the strongest terms of the
gallantry and zeal of Captain Robilliard, of the Podargus;
Captain Weir, of the Calypso; and Lieut. Thomas England, of the
Flamer gun-brig; he also recommends Lieut. Buchanan, first of
the Dictator, to their Lordships' favourable notice.
I have, &c. &c. &c.
JAMES SAUMAREZ.
J.W. Croker, Esq.
To this their lordships expressed their high approbation, and promoted
Captain Stewart, Weir, and Lieutenant England immediately, and Capt.
Robilliard soon after, for the gallantry, zeal, and judgment they
displayed.
The following letter from Captain J. Ross, of the Briseis, gives an
account of a gallant exploit performed by the boats of that ship.
Briseis, off Pillaw, 29th June 1812.
SIR,
I have the honour to inform you that, in pursuance of your
orders, I stood in yesterday to communicate with the merchant
vessel Urania, in Pillaw Roads, when I perceived her to be in
possession of the French troops, and that it was intended to
destroy her on our approach. I therefore tacked and stood off,
judging it the most likely way to save the ship (which was
employed by Messrs. Solly and Sons on the part of government)
from destruction, and the remainder of her cargo from falling
into the hands of the enemy. I resolved, however, to surprise
her in the night. Lieutenant Thomas Jones, first of the
Briseis, Mr. Palmer, midshipman, and eighteen men, were sent in
the pinnace on that service. At midnight, when within pistol
shot, they were hailed and fired upon by the enemy, who had six
guns and four swivels on board the Urania, which was surrounded
by craft and smaller boats; but every obstacle was overcome by
Lieutenant Jones and his crew, who gave three cheers, boarded
over the craft, and drove the enemy off deck into their boats
on the opposite side, leaving behind part of their arms. The
cable was then cut, and she was brought out, together with a
French scout, that was employed unloading her.
On our side I have to regret the loss of one seaman killed; the
sergeant of the Royal Marines badly wounded; Mr. Palmer,
midshipman, and one seaman, slightly wounded; but the enemy
must have suffered far more severely from being exposed in
their turn to the fire from the Urania after they had abandoned
her.
My pen cannot do sufficient justice to the merit of Lieut.
Jones, who has on a former occasion received the approbation of
the commander-in-chief, for his gallantry and zeal; but when I
leave the plain statement of this to recommend him, I am happy
in the conviction that his valour will be duly appreciated by
yourself and the commander-in-chief. Lieutenant Jones informs
me that Mr. Palmer, who has passed for Lieutenant, behaved in
the most gallant manner, and I think him also highly deserving
promotion.
I have the honour, &c.
JOHN ROSS, Commander.
To Rear-admiral Martin, &c. &c. &c.
The above was transmitted by Admiral Martin to the commander-in-chief,
who, after expressing his admiration of the conduct of Lieut. Jones
and the rest, forwarded the letter to the Admiralty. The following
answer was received from the Secretary:
Admiralty, 16th July 1812.
SIR,
I have received and laid before my Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty your letter of the 10th instant, transmitting a
report from Captain Ross, of the Briseis, of the re-capture of
the merchant ship Urania, in Pillaw Roads, by the boats of that
sloop, under the orders of Lieutenant Jones and Mr. Palmer,
midshipman, and I am in reply commanded to express their
Lordships' approbation of the gallantry displayed by the
officers and men on this service.
There can be no doubt but promotion would have followed this valiant
and successful affair, but Lieut. Jones being unfortunately obliged to
return home in consequence of pressing family affairs, and having not
rejoined his ship, lost his well-merited advancement in the navy,
while Mr. Palmer obtained his promotion.
The Briseis was subsequently appointed to carry the joyful news of
peace to Libau, where Captain Ross was received with demonstrations of
joy. The hatred the oppressed inhabitants manifested towards their
oppressors the French, who had just vacated the place, was beyond
expression; and a Russian squadron had now ventured out of the Gulf of
Finland to join in the general rejoicing.
Steps were taken by the Admiral to remove the supplies of corn and
provisions at that place, to prevent their falling into the hands of
the advancing enemy.
Rear-admiral (now Admiral Sir Byam Martin, G.C.B.) was detached in the
Aboukir, his flag-ship, and a numerous squadron and flotilla, to
assist in the defence of Riga, which, as soon as war was declared,
would be exposed to the attack of Macdonald's and Oudinot's divisions
of the French army. In the mean time, peace between Great Britain and
Russia took place on the 18th July, and this happy event was announced
to the Admiral in the following letter from Mr. Thornton, General
Suchtalen having previously arrived in Sweden with full powers from
the Emperor of Russia.
Orebro, 17th July 1812.
SIR,
I have the honour of informing your excellency that I have this
day signed a treaty of peace with the Swedish and Russian
plenipotentiaries, and you will receive under this cover a
packet containing those for his Majesty's principal Secretary
of State for Foreign Affairs, which I will request your
excellency to deliver to the care of a confidential officer, to
be conveyed to England. Should you think that the King's
service will not be promoted by detaching a vessel of war with
him, I see no impropriety in the officer's sailing in the
packet-boat and making the best of his way to England.
I leave it to your excellency's judgment to give what publicity
you think proper to this important intelligence. It should, I
think, certainly be communicated to all the commanders of his
Majesty's ships in the Baltic, for the purpose of regulating
their conduct towards Swedish and Russian ships of war, but I
know not that any alterations ought to be made in commercial
arrangements until after the confirmations of the peace by
exchange of the ratifications. I may have opportunities of
writing again on these points.
I have the honour to be, &c.
E. THORNTON.
To Admiral Sir Jas. Saumarez.
Sir James immediately despatched his nephew, Flag-lieutenant Dobree,
in the Drake sloop of war, with this important despatch, and with the
intelligence that the French army had passed the frontiers of Russia
on the 24th of June, being the first act of hostility. Lieutenant
Dobree arrived at the Admiralty on the 31st July, for which and other
services he was promoted to the rank of commander. In the mean time,
and in anticipation of this joyful event, Earl Cathcart had been
nominated as Ambassador to the Court of St. Petersburg, and had sailed
from England in the Aquilon.
Admiral Martin's arrival at Riga was extremely well-timed: his
judicious operations in concert with Generals Essen, Ems, and Lovis,
were the means of saving that city, which was in July and August
besieged by Macdonald, when General Lovis was obliged to retreat
within the walls. The suburbs were burnt rather hastily, but the
arrival of a reinforcement of both English and Russian gun-boats, not
only raised the siege, but impeded the advance of that division of the
enemy towards the great scene of action in the vicinity of Moscow.
A well-timed feint concerted by Admiral Martin on the heel of Dantzig
had the desired effect of retarding the advancement of a strong
reinforcement, so as to prevent it reaching the main army in time to
take part in the battle of Borodino. To effect this a number of small
merchant vessels were seized in the harbour of Riga, and by the prompt
exertions of British seamen were converted into transports, on board
which were embarked four hundred troops and other people of all
classes, a sufficient part of which were clothed in regimentals to
deceive a spectator. This formidable-looking armament having entered
the Bay of Dantzig under Swedish colours, created such a degree of
alarm, as to induce the troops which were marching to join Buonaparte
to halt for no less than fourteen days, during which time
proclamations in the German and Swedish languages were landed on the
coast, while demonstrations for landing troops, ostensibly for the
purpose of an attack on the city, were occasionally made, and shells
thrown into the lower forts. After a sojourn of three weeks in the bay
the borrowed ships were sent back to Riga, and the Aboukir and part of
the squadron joined Rear-admiral Morris at Hanoe, where that excellent
officer had been most successfully protecting the commerce of both
nations. On the 9th of October a large convoy, which had long been
detained at Matvick and Hanoe, was about to sail, when it was
ascertained that several French privateers had passed through the
canal of Kiel, in order to attack it, and the Briseis was consequently
sent in the disguise of a merchant bark in advance of the convoy. The
plan succeeded; one of the privateers came alongside of the Briseis,
and was easily captured, while the other three having taken refuge
under the batteries in Hammarhus Bay, on the N.W. side of Bornholm,
were attacked and destroyed. In this affair the Briseis had her
main-mast badly wounded. Lieutenant Jones, who commanded the boats,
particularly distinguished himself; but on his approach the enemy,
having cut their cables, and run their vessels on the rocks, they were
instantly wrecked and could not be carried off.
Sir James had detached Captain Stewart of the Dictator with several
small vessels, to the Belt, to cut off the communication with Zealand,
and in the course of this service Lieutenants Wilkie, Douell, and
Petley particularly distinguished themselves. The Attack gun-brig was
taken, and Lieutenant Craufurd, of the Wrangler, made a gallant but
ineffectual attempt to retake her. The Mars, and Courageaux, and
Orion, had the arduous duty of protecting the trade through the Belt,
and excepting on one occasion, when five merchant vessels were driven
on shore in a storm, their efforts were successful. Owing partly to
the negotiations and to the expectation that an enemy's fleet might
escape from the Scheldt, the commander-in-chief was detained at Wingo
Sound, the outer Roads of Gothenburg. The merchant ships which had
been detained at that port and Carlshamn, as also the colonial produce
and other British property, had been by his firm and temperate conduct
released and sent under licence to various ports on the Continent.
Mr. Thornton, who had been on board the Victory on the 11th of July,
had proceeded to Orebro, where he signed the treaty of peace already
mentioned; returned on the 7th of August, sailed in the Tweed for
England on the following day, but fortunately meeting with the Aquilon
to the eastward of the Scaw, he returned with Lord Viscount Cathcart;
and after a consultation with Sir James and Count Rosen, the Governor
of Gothenburg, the ambassador set out for Orebro to ratify the
coalition of the three nations against the common enemy.
An expedition was now planned for an attack on Zealand, the object of
which was to force the King of Denmark to join the coalition, and
7,000 Swedes were collected; these were to be joined by 20,000
Russians; but the latter were so tardy in their motions that the plan
was abandoned, as well as another for the descent on the coast of
Norway; but the armament itself had a good effect by detaining the
troops necessary for the defence of Denmark from joining the main
army of the French, while it gave a more serious aspect to the feint
made by Rear-admiral Martin in the Bay of Dantzig.
Soon after the ratification of peace the Swedish Monarch conferred on
Sir James the high honour of the Commander of the Grand Cross of the
Order of the Sword of Sweden,[13] which corresponds to that of the
Bath in England, and the decorations were sent in the following
handsome letter from his Majesty:
MONSIEUR LE VICE-AMIRAL SAUMAREZ,
Mon Conseiller intime d'Etat, le Baron de Platen, se rendant
aupres de vous pour concerter sur des mesures a prendre contre
l'ennemi commun, je profite avec plaisir de cette occasion pour
vous envoyer ci-incluses les decorations de Commandeur Grand
Croix de mon Ordre de l'Epee. Les services distingues que vous
avez deja rendu a mon royaume, et ceux que vous lui rendez
maintenant, le zele que vous avez constamment deploye pour le
succes de nos entreprises, tous ces motifs reunis vous avaient
acquis depuis longtems des droits a mon estime et a ma
reconnaissance; et j'eprouve une satisfaction toute
particuliere de pouvoir vous en donner aujourdhui un gage
solennel. Je vous felicite de l'avantage remporte le 7 de ce
mois par une partie de votre escadre; et vous devez etre bien
persuade, qu'il ajoute encore au prix que j'attache a vos
efforts pour assurer la defense des cotes de la Suede. Et sur
ce je prie Dieu qu'il vous ait, Monsieur le Vice-amiral de
Saumarez en sa sainte et digne garde; etant votre affectionne,
CHARLES.
Au Chateau de Stockholm, le 19 de Juillet 1809.
[13] The Order of the Sword, fourth class, was conferred on
Captains Hope, Reynolds, Mansell, and John Ross, and the Order
of Wasa on Dr. Jameson.
Permission to accept and wear the decorations were subsequently
granted by the Prince Regent.
The defeat of Oudinot at Polotzk, the junction of Begration and
Barclay de Tolly with the grand Russian army under Kutusoff, and the
battle of Borodino, gave a favourable turn to affairs, but not such as
to dispel every apprehension, and it was determined by the Emperor
Alexander to send the whole Russian fleet to winter in England.
Admiral Crown was expected from Archangel with eight sail of the line,
and Admiral Tait with ten, and six frigates from Cronstadt. The former
having sailed from Wingo before this had been determined on, it became
necessary for Sir James to delay his return. The Aquilon, which had
been sent through the Belt to meet Lord Cathcart at Daleroe, and convey
his lordship to Abo, where he was to have a conference with the
Emperor Alexander, met with some damage and returned to Wingo.
Mr. James Saumarez, eldest son of the Admiral, who had accompanied his
lordship, made a tour and visited the Swedish, Finland, and Russian
capitals; he returned on board the Victory on the 9th of October, when
the afflicting intelligence arrived of the sudden death of his
sister, the eldest daughter of the Admiral, whose loss was deeply
regretted by all who knew her excellent disposition. The shock, as may
be imagined, was deeply felt by Sir James; but it will be seen by the
following correspondence that his mind was supported under this severe
trial, and much as his presence was required at home he regarded his
duty to his country to be paramount to every other consideration, and
unflinchingly remained at his post. His son (the present Lord de
Saumarez) who had just finished his education for the Established
Church, was indeed a great comfort to his suffering parent.
In a letter, dated 13th October, to the Secretary of the Admiralty, he
says,--
There has been no ship in the Hawke Roads into which I could
have shifted my flag, since the receipt of their Lordships'
letter to send the Victory to Spithead, and the present
afflicting state of my domestic concerns renders it of the
utmost consequence that I should repair to England immediately;
but I have suffered my private feelings to give way to the
public service, and have to request that I may receive their
Lordships' permission to proceed to England upon the receipt of
this letter.
In his letter to Lord Cathcart, dated on the following day, he
writes,--
Although the afflicting state of my domestic concerns requires
my return to England with as little delay as possible, I
sacrifice my private feelings to a sense of my duty to the
public service, and I have signified to his Majesty's
Government my intention to remain here until I receive the
pleasure of H.R.H. the Prince Regent upon the above measures
(respecting the Russian fleet), when I hope to receive
permission to return to England.
Sir James having given the necessary directions to Rear-admiral Morris
for sending pilots to, and conducting the Russian fleet through the
Belt, shifted his flag to the Pyramus and despatched the Victory to
England. He was preparing to sail homewards, when to his surprise
Rear-admiral George Hope arrived to supersede him; he, however, did
not give up the command until everything was completed, and until he
had received the following despatch from Lord Cathcart:
St. Petersburg, 26th Oct. 1812.
SIR,
I had the honour of receiving yesterday by the Briseis your
letter of the 10th ult., duplicates of your two letters of the
2nd, and triplicates of your letter of the 4th.
I lost no time in laying the three last-named despatches before
the Emperor, and his Imperial Majesty desired me to take the
first opportunity of expressing his entire approbation of
everything you have done and promised for his squadrons,
together with his best thanks for the exertions you have made
in meeting and assisting the squadron under Admiral Crown, to
refit so as to pursue the voyage to the Baltic, as well as for
supplying an officer and pilots for the passage of the Belt.
His Imperial Majesty learned with great concern the afflicting
loss you have sustained, and was duly sensible of the efforts
you made for the public cause, by remaining at Gothenburg under
the pressure of so much grief.
Admiral Crown has afforded an example of the uncertainty of
calculations of time and of meeting at sea, in regard to the
sailing of men-of-war; for this squadron outstripped all the
vessels and cruisers you sent, and, missing all the copies of
the Emperor's orders, arrived at Sweaborg, I think, on the
10th. The Emperor sent immediate orders for this fleet to
prepare to return forthwith to Wingo. Vice-admiral Crown has
sent up no details whatever to the Minister of Marine
concerning the state of the squadron, but that minister, the
Marquis Traversay, has sent a superior officer of known
activity, to hasten the supply of everything necessary for
them, and to repeat the order for the immediate sailing of the
whole squadron, or of as many ships as can be ready; the
remainder to follow.
The wind being fair, it is expected that Admiral Tait is under
sail with a division as per enclosed list, and it is probable
he may be the first to reach you. I have not failed to
communicate your idea in regard to the road at Dantzig to the
Minister of Marine.
The Snipe will sail with the last division, &c.
I have the honour to be,
With truth and regard,
CATHCART.
To Vice-admiral Sir James Saumarez, Bart. K.B.
Here follows a list of one ship of one hundred guns, one of eighty,
five of seventy-four, and three frigates, under Admiral Tait; seven of
seventy-four, and three frigates, and four smaller vessels, under
Admiral Crown; and three of seventy-four, two frigates, a brig, and
four English transports, under Rear-admiral Karobka. Sir James at the
same time received details of the proceedings at Riga, which have
already been mentioned.
The following passage relative to the death of his daughter is
extracted from a letter from Sir James to his brother.
At a time I was buoying myself up with the expectation of soon
returning to England, and affording that consolation to my
beloved wife and to those dear ones whom the Almighty yet
spares us, which they so greatly need, I received despatches
which rendered it impossible for me to leave the station; I
most fervently implore the all-gracious Providence to enable me
to submit to its divine decree with patience and due
resignation.
If I could be assured of Lady Saumarez's welfare, I should feel
more tranquil, but I know too well the keenness of her
feelings. The anxiety she suffers on my account will, I fear,
put to the test her practice of those pious virtues we all know
her to possess, and of which she sets so bright an example.
James's presence is of the greatest comfort to me, and alone
enables me to make my cabin supportable. He returned most
opportunely from St. Petersburg the day on which the news of
this affliction arrived, and it was he that communicated it to
me. He was the bearer of Lord Cathcart's despatches, which I
have forwarded, for I could not spare him from me.
We shall now continue the narrative of Sir James's operations at this
eventful period, when the tyrant of France received his first
effectual check, followed by the disastrous retreat of the French army
from Russia, and the liberation of Europe.
Besides twenty thousand stand of arms which had been supplied to the
Swedish army and landed at Gothenburg, the Snipe gun-brig, Lieut.
Champion, had been sent to St. Petersburg with four transports laden
with sixty thousand stand of arms. On opening the arm-chests it was
found that they contained muskets, but no bayonets, and the
indignation of the Russians at this circumstance may be better
imagined than described, when they exclaimed, "What! do the English
think we do not know how to use the bayonet?" On searching, however,
the last ship, the bayonets were found, to the inexpressible joy of
these people; and it cannot be denied that they _did_ make use of them
with fearful effect.
The Briseis was sent with the Admiral's last despatches to Lord
Cathcart, and Captain Ross had the honour of returning with the
important intelligence of the re-capture of Moscow, the defeat of
Murat, and that the French were in full retreat. The Russian fleet
had, however, sailed from Cronstadt and Sweaborg, and it was now too
late to stop them: the accounts reached London on the 8th of November,
and it was a satisfaction to Sir James that he had retained the
command until the overthrow of the invading army. Mr. Saumarez went
home in the Aquilon, but the Admiral remained in the Pyramus at
Gothenburg until the 5th of November, at which time he had delivered
the various papers and instructions to Rear-admiral Hope necessary in
giving up the command to that officer.
Before leaving Sweden he was waited on by Baron Essen, aide-de-camp to
the Crown Prince, who presented him with a splendid sword, the hilt of
which was set in diamonds, and said to be worth 2000_l._, as a
testimony of the high sense his Majesty entertained of the important
services he had rendered to Sweden and the good cause.
Among the many attached to the Court of Sweden, there was none who
expressed himself more emphatically than his excellency Baron Platen.
We shall give his letter, although it has already been published in
substance.
At length I rejoice, my dear Admiral. You have been the
guardian angel of my country; by your wise, temperate, and
loyal conduct you have been the first cause of the plans which
have been formed against the demon of the Continent. He was on
the point of succeeding; folly and the want of confidence in
some have made them doubt the success of the good cause. You
have shared my anxiety, but it is now all over; two couriers
have arrived this night from the head-quarters of the Emperor
and the Prince. War was declared on the 24th of July; Austria
is with us; thus, if Providence have not decided something
against all probability, Buonaparte will be defeated, humanity
will breathe again, and Europe be once more raised up. With
Wellingtons, Moreaus, Bernadottes against him, what hopes! I
shall not fail to communicate to you the first news of
importance, for once more I must tell you, that _you_ were the
first cause that Russia had dared to make war against France:
_had you fired one shot when we declared war against England_,
all had been ended, and Europe would have been enslaved. I own
to you, also, my satisfaction that our august Prince Royal has
conducted himself in such a manner as to leave your excellency
no cause to repent of that which some people were pleased to
call "credulity," but which events have proved to be wisdom.
The expressions of the worthy and truly patriotic friends, Admiral
Krusenstjerna and Count Rosen on taking final leave of the Admiral,
were no less remarkable for sincerity and gratitude. The first has
long since paid the debt of nature, universally and justly regretted;
the latter in 1834 fell a sacrifice to his humane endeavours to arrest
the progress of cholera, and both will long be remembered as two of
the saviours of their country.
The Pyramus reached Yarmouth Roads on the 10th of November, when Sir
James made immediate application to strike his flag, and had the
satisfaction of receiving in answer the following letter from the
Secretary of the Admiralty.
Admiralty, 20th Nov. 1812.
SIR,
My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have been pleased to
command me, in transmitting to you the accompanying order, to
strike your flag and come on shore, to communicate to you their
marked approbation of the zeal, judgment, and ability evinced
by you during your late command in the Baltic. Your attention
to the trade of his Majesty's subjects, and your conciliatory,
yet firm conduct, towards the Northern Powers, have met the
approbation of his Majesty's Government, and their lordships
are glad to have observed that your services have been justly
appreciated by the Courts of Sweden and Russia. I beg to add
the personal satisfaction which I feel at being the channel of
communicating to you this testimony of their lordships'
approbation.
I am, &c. &c. &c.
J.W. CROKER.
To Vice-admiral Sir James Saumarez, Bart., KB.
To this highly honourable testimonial Sir James made the following
reply:
London, 23rd November 1812.
SIR,
I have received your letter of the 20th inst., transmitting to
me the order to strike my flag and come on shore, and also
communicating their lordships' marked approbation of my conduct
during my late command, in terms highly gratifying to myself. I
am also peculiarly happy to find that the conduct I held
towards the Northern Powers during a period of the utmost
intricacy, has been honoured by the approbation of his
Majesty's government, whilst it was duly appreciated by the
Courts of Sweden and Russia. I take this opportunity to express
my sincere acknowledgments for the unremitting attention I
received from you during the period of my late command.
I have, &c. &c.
JAMES SAUMAREZ.
To J.W. Croker, Esq.
After Sir James had arrived in London he continued to direct the
proceedings of the fleet in the Baltic, and it was not until the good
work he had begun was completely ended to the general satisfaction
that he retired from actual service.