HMS BULLDOG

[6-gun paddle sloop]

1854

CRIMEAN WAR - BALTIC EXPEDITION

The immediate cause of the Crimean War was the occupation by Russia in May 1853 of Moldavia and Wallacia, two Christian provinces in the Ottoman Empire. Encouraged by support from France and England, whose policy it was to resist Russian expansion into the Mediterranean, Turkey declared war in October. In November the Russians destroyed the Turkish fleet in the port of Sinope. Alarmed by the threat that these successes represented to Anglo French interests, France and Britain issued an ultimatum to Russia to withdraw from the occupied provinces. This ultimatum was rejected and war was declared on the 28 March 1854.

The main area of operations was to be in the Crimea and a British Fleet had been in the Black Sea since the previous autumn. However it was decided to also open a second campaign in the Baltic. A force consisting of nineteen sail of the line, two-thirds of which were screw-steamers, eleven frigates, and a large number of paddle steamers was assembled in England. This force was unique for its number of steam vessels. It was commanded by Sir Charles Napier, whom we have met before in 1839 when William, as a Midshipman, was serving in Benbow during the campaign against Mehemet Ali in Syria.

ADMIRAL SIR CHARLES NAPIER

On January 28th William, who had been promoted Captain the previous year, commissioned HMS Bulldog, a 6 gun paddle sloop at Devonport. On the 28th February he sailed from Plymouth Sound to join the fleet that was gathering at Portsmouth. On the way he called in at Weymouth for a brief farewell to his family.

PLYMOUTH TO PORTSMOUTH

March 2nd

11 pm In my cabin. Just taken leave of my affectionate Louie and dear children.

March 3rd

Started at 4 am but shortly after, thro' the forgetfulness of the Engineers, she came to a dead standstill, for there was no steam - this would have been embarrassing had we been near shore in deep water. However it may not happen again, for the Engineers were in a great stew about it.

AT PORTSMOUTH

March 4th

Passed thro' the Needles, and anchored at Spithead at noon; reported myself to Sir Thos. Cochrane, who I found - a most polite Petit Maitre - a much younger-looking Admiral than I have seen for some time. A short conversation took place, and as he had no orders about me, and no one had given me any, I supposed myself still under the orders of Sir John Ommanney and continue to fly the White Ensign - a letter has gone up about the boilers not generating sufficient steam, and I wrote to Sir B. Walker on the subject privately - on my way off called on Johnny Hay, who is at present living in an armed neutrality with his Chief.

March 7th.

Exercising gunnery and preparing for sea. Short handed and very uphill work. Unable to find out anything about our sailing, and being short of employment it causes me much anxiety.

March 10th

Signal made at daylight. Fleet will sail this afternoon. As our spare brasses were on shore, lost no time in rushing off to the Flagship expecting to find the Captain or Sir C. Napier on deck, but much to my surprise and delight I found the Commander G.W. Preedy, who ridiculed the idea of our leaving and said their pumps were out of order on shore. Signal made to send for double allowance of chloroform - much wiser had they sent order to the Surgeon to get it, for although all will know it, yet the young hands might not understand it or connect it with many wounded.

Landed and found Commodore Seymour, Gen. Eyre and many Officers and civilians, including the Port Admiral, at the George, waiting for Sir C. Napier. The Secretary, Ozzard, was also waiting and no one knows or could tell what had become of him. It gave me the opportunity of having a few words with the Commodore, whose position is as important as it is unenviable. Added to its being quite a novelty to all this generation, it is evident that the Commander-in-Chief wants method and less acting suddenly and from impulse. No man is more suited for the post than the clear headed honourable and conciliating Commodore, who I feel proud of as my friend. Met Admiral Berkeley, who would not listen to my having any men drafted into me. Purchased a coil of coir rope, said to be 100 fathoms, and paid '2 for it.

PORTSMOUTH TO KRISTIANSAND, NORWAY

March 11th

Sir Charles Napier's squadron sailed after dinner.

THE FLEET SAILING FROM SPITHEAD

March 15th

Bulldog and Neptune to sail immediately. Picked up 2 stout hands on board Neptune, 2nd Class Ord. and an A.B. Pensioner on shore - and received a draft of 12 from Victory - 3 comb makers from Aberdeen - a tailor from London, rest labourers, and one fisherman from Stornoway who can scarcely speak or understand English. However they are all stout fellows, and have plenty of heart. I happened to be on board Victory when Signal was made about payment of their two months advance, so I went with them, meeting Adml. Martin on my way, who inspected my ragged gang. There is one thing quite clear, that among the 14 I shipped this day they certainly have all 'thin pair of breeches, and apparently all light hearts.' One lanky fellow from Oxfordshire, to my remark that they would easily learn to be sailors, said 'Whether or no, we can all of us larn hard work.'

FOUR STOUT FELLOWS

March 16th

At 11 [the Royal yacht] Fairy, with Her Majesty on board, and Elfin in company, came down from Osborne. The Neptune and ourselves weighed together, manned rigging and cheered. The Queen followed the Neptune nearly as far as the Nab. Then hoisted 'Farewell' and a round of cheers. Put the Fairy about, for Osborne; we were about 1 mile astern and I scarcely expected she would have come purposely out of her way for us, a small smoker, but to my surprise and gratification she came down, and passed along not 2 Ships' length off. The Officers and myself were in a line on the starboard paddle box boat, and Marine Artillery inside us in another line. The Rigging well manned, and we cheered away most lustily and loyally. Her Majesty bowing, Prince Albert waving his hat, and some Maid of Honour her handkerchief - and having reached our quarter, the Fairy put her helm aport and steered for Osborne. Thereby shewing most clearly the compliment she paid us, for had we been a great fat Jolly Liner it might have been expected. I must confess I was pleased - Good fortune attend her.

SPECTATORS AT SOUTHSEA CASTLE GREETING THE ROYAL YACHT

During the first watch it came on to blow and at 10 pm we went off - during the time we stopped and the Neptune ranged up very close to us, by no means an enlivening sight to observe a large flying fat boom pitching over your taffrail. The sea got up astonishingly fast, and the whole night we were tumbling about very much. I was indeed off and on all night. Slumbering in the early part of the night, startled by fancying dear Lou called my name.

March 22nd

At 6 am a strong wind abeam cast off and at 8 it blew so fresh - signal made to close reef topsails and reef courses - about this time our boilers primed, and we stopped to shut off steam - dropped astern 4 miles at least. This is owing to insufficient steam chest. The raw hands astonished at the breeze.

11 am. Coast of Norway near Christiansand ahead - a very large proportion of crew, including Engineers and stokers, sea-sick.

Having passed through the Kattegat the fleet anchored in the Great Belt to the W of the island of Zealand.

AT NYBORG ROADS

25th March

The signal was made for the Fleet to anchor, which they did in Nyborg Roads and shortly after the Danish flag was hoisted on board Duke of Wellington and saluted with 15 guns. Of course the opinions are various about what his (the British Minister's) mission may be; I sincerely hope Peace. Glory is a poor recompense for the horrors of war, and even if it should please God to protect me in the day of battle I have no wish to reap honours and fame from seeds sown in fields of blood and watered by the tears of widows, parents and children.

A lovely evening . . . perfect stillness with the bright red sky in the west and a full silvery moon. It appears so unnatural to destroy one's fellows. The feeling of Peace and a desire to be grateful to God came over my mind, the anxious hearts throughout the length and breadth of the land, amongst them beating that of my wife, the anticipation that much sorrow must take place . . . all this made me feel that Glory is very absurd and that ambition is vanity and truly vexation of spirit.

The lower orders here, I am told, are generally in favour of England. The King, Court, and Army & Navy, the Russians.

They have cause to be so. Nicholas frequently sends orders and decorations to the Officers of the Danish Services.

The Palace is a much larger one than necessary. His Majesty is incompetent [impotent?], divorced 2 wives because he placed the fault of no offspring to them - married a common woman who had been a shopkeeper's wife or shoemaker's, and kept at the time - raised her to the dignity of a Countess, and actually makes a great friend of the man who used to keep her. Very few of the nobility will receive her or come to Court, and only those who are quite dependent.

Various are the reports about the Russians.

Another that large masses of granite are now on the ice in the Channels so that when the ice thaws they will effectively block up the entrance, and in addition they are charged with powder to explode by galvanised wire should the Ships come over them.

At all events there is one thing certain - Helsingfors and Kronstadt are almost impregnable and there the [enemy] fleet is lying.

It was at this time that William may have met a young diplomat called Richard Ker who was temporarily serving with the Copenhagen legation having had to leave St Petersburg. Some 40 years later Richard Ker's daughter Olga married William's son George.

AT COPENHAGEN

Sunday, April 2nd.

Anniversary of Copenhagen, 53 years since. Valorous and Vulture arrived 2 pm Mr. Buchanan came on board and the Signal was made from our masthead at 4. 'Declaration of War.'

Studied the chart, and think a strict blockade, taking Port Baltic as our rendezvous and place for colliers would be the best plan; from its shape it appears very feasible to attack and also to retain and strengthen. A most incompetent Engineer in charge of the engines, one from whom you can never get a straightforward answer, and altogether in spite of the predilection one naturally has for one's old ship - the contrast is too great to dwell on with satisfaction. The crew 'here and there!' Anchored about 5 miles from Foreness Light at 8.30 pm

April 10th

A grand day for exercising pinnace in and out past box boats - loosing and fuelling, and gun drill and lastly disconnecting and mooring under sail about 3½ miles, anchoring at 7 off Granaa - where there is a small harbour and many small craft loading with grain. The drill did much good, but we are very badly off for seamen, and grown-up fellows don't take to it so readily as others younger.

Got papers up to 7th, read the report of a speech said to have been made by signal from Sir C. Napier, which I hope is not the case, for 'Lads, sharpen your cutlasses' is not very out of the way made verbally to a ship's crew, but becomes in my opinion rather too braggadocio before the enemy are in sight, or certain of attacking them. Wrote to Sir C. Napier officially to say I hoped if active operations took place we may be considered worthy of serving near his Flag, and also to ask whether I should accompany Belleisle to the Fleet. Of course no one has a right to expect to choose duty, but still I should be sorry to be out of anything going on.

The flagship, Duke of Wellington, with the main fleet moved into the Baltic on 12th April, spending the next few weeks in Swedish waters just south of Stockholm. William in the Bulldog remained for the next two months operating in the Kattegat. He received orders from Sir Charles Napier that 'he was to cruise about and capture prizes'. He took two brigs in May.

HMS BULLDOG

May 8th

Steamed toward the Scaw, anchoring at 10 pm to wait for daylight, having a good read at the papers. I find my good friend Commodore Seymour is the first on the list - and I regret three things, first that the system of displaying anxiety and undue haste, and working for effect in prosecuting the War, daily increases in the Navy, both Black Sea and Baltic Fleet.

Secondly, that the Country are wakened up to a pitch of expectation of unprecedented successes, and thirdly they have been disappointed. They are disappointed and will be disappointed.

The Signal made at Kioge Bay 'Lads sharpen your cutlasses,' etc., and the reply, 'Willing and ready' - all trumpeted forth - and here 6 weeks have gone and nothing done after exciting the feelings of all England, who are more than half ignorant of when the ice breaks up or the strength of these fortified harbours.

In early May the French Fleet had entered the Kattegat and were met by William. Unlike the British Fleet very few of the French ships had steam propulsion and William discussed the possibility of towing some of them with the French admiral.

IN THE KATTEGAT

May 16th

At 1 pm discovered the French Fleet ahead, much to my delight, for I had been nearly persuaded to go the other way to Nyborg. Passed the reef and joined the Fleet at 3. 7 Sail of the Line, 4 Frigates, 3 steamers and the Alban, lying on a shoal. They are just 60 miles from where we left them a week since, during which time we have towed St.George 270 miles and taken in 240 tons of coal. The Line-of-battle ships excepting Trident sailing infamously, the Inflexible barely moving, though a nice breeze aft, with stunsails set. Paid the Admiral a visit. Took my Chart and shewed him where I proposed anchoring if he determined taking advantage of the fine night and fair wind. He said his ship's company were new. Frigates only a month in Commission, so he would wait for a fair wind. At 9 pm anchored having done 9 mile in 7 hours.

Wednesday, 17th May

The services being required with the Fleet, accompanied by Otter [Captain of the Alban].I called on the Admiral and stated if he did not purpose towing I should send her away - it struck me he was rather glad to get rid of her and do away with the possibility of towing through, and I was impressed that it would require some tact to prevent his deeming me very intrusive. He still said he would wait for a fair wind. They were enough to tow all thro' in trips - but I can see he is in no hurry. Called on Rear-Admiral Penaud - who appears impatient of delay, and anxious to go on, wisely remarking -The Bulldog might tow 2 , Darien - 2, Lucefir - 1, Alban - 1 - Soufflier 1, which would be the 7 Line-of-Battle Ships, and tow the Frigates afterwards.

By the end of May public opinion in Britain was becoming critical of the lack of action in the Baltic. With the arrival of the French squadron there was no further excuse for delay. Bulldog, having left Copenhagen on the 5th June, rejoined the main fleet at Barro Sound on the north shore of the entrance to the Gulf of Finland.

ENTRANCE TO GULF OF FINLAND

The strategic aims of the Baltic campaign, as far as they had been clearly defined, were to disrupt Russian trade, to contain the Russian fleet in the Baltic and to bring it to action if possible. It was also hoped to destroy the fortresses of Bomarsund, Sveaborg and Kronstadt.

By their presence in the Kattegat the allied fleets had largely achieved the first two aims. The Russian fleet was based at Sveaborg, near modern Helsinki and Kronstadt, 25 miles W of St Petersburg, where it was protected by the guns of the two fortresses. As the Russian fleet showed no signs of coming out and engaging the Anglo-French fleets it could only be attacked after the fortresses had been neutralised.

In June what might be called reconnaissance demonstrations were made off Sveaborg and Kronstadt and after much discussion it was decided that both forts were too strong to be attacked. Instead it was decided to bombard Fort Bomarsund, on the east side of the Aland Islands, situated in the entrance of the Gulf of Bothnia.

AT BARRO SOUND - 20 miles W of SVEABORG

June 10th

In the afternoon it cleared up, and the spires of Reval were elevated much above the horizon. Went on board Duke of Wellington and had a good look at them; as it is probable we were as clearly seen, I daresay it did not increase their appetites for enjoying a tea, or make their slumbers more sound. Had a conversation with Biddlecombe, Master of the Fleet, and was so much surprised at his statement, which is important in many ways, that I note it at once (Sunday 11.30 am). Having remarked that I hardly knew what we could do except blockade, he answered 'I know what we can do, and what you will do. Go to Sveaborg.' But I said, 'You can't get there.' 'Well,' he said, 'I have been there and I have been looking at it in all its bearings all day until I am sick of it, and if he only sticks to the plan reached upon, and doesn't get persuaded out of it, we shall soon go there, where we might or ought to have been 6 weeks ago - but first one and then another gets hold of him and then everything is capsized. I have left it all on paper for him. There is one thing, I never saw a Squadron so bad at manoeuvring since I have been at sea, and I expect he will ground his defence on that - that he is afraid to take them into narrow waters - here we are supposed to be in lines W.S.W. from Adml. I shall jot down on paper the positions they are in by and by.'

OFF SVEABORG (near HELSINKI)

June 12th

At 4 am weighed in company with Fleet and steamed towards Sveaborg. At 8 am the masts of the Russian fleet became visible from the deck. At 9 we were directed to take station ahead of the Admiral. At 10.30, 30 Ships anchored with stream anchors in 39 fms. and a signal made for me, the purport being to take Driver under my orders and take the Master of the Fleet in to sound. The Admiral was most impressive in his directions that I should not run any risk of getting ashore. We went into the Eastward of Stora Miolo, on which Island the Signal department reported 3 guns pointing right at us; on going to the masthead found they were if anything logs or trunks of trees. Got well in sight and saw the excitement they were thrown into - Signals flying and guns to enforce it, steamers getting up steam. There appeared to be 4 in harbour, 1 large, 1 small and 2 of our size. The rigging, tops and cross trees were crowded with observers as also the batteries. A large number of soldiers were moved over to an Island nearer and the Line-of-Battle ship, apparently from her size a 3 decker, which lies moored head and stern across the entrance sent down her topgallant and Royal Yards and struck Topgallant masts. The dome of the Church with its gilt cross and other gilt ornamental work glistening in the sun looked very pretty.

The position we were in was about 2½ or 3 miles from the Shipping and where no gun pointed, the battery nearest being clearly visible and shewing the direction of the guns - in fact we quite flanked them and there would be no difficulty in steamers pitching shell over the island into the fleet where they are now lying at a range of 1½ mile - and at present with safety to themselves, for they have no guns mounted which could touch them, but the fleet would of course shift berth farther up and be safe. Some damage might be done however to them. There were 2 small schooners put out of a creek immediately ahead of us who went along the land and I have no doubt these were sent as a stratagem to endeavour to get us to chase them into rocky ground with the hopes we might get on shore. I certainly expected they would have sent out steamers and gunboats to disconnect Biddlecombe's angles, but we remained until 9 pm quietly sounding round their bays, not 3½ mile from them, and 6 or 7 from our own Fleet.

The Ships, as could be seen, were well painted - masts well stayed - sails furled neatly - and fore and aft sails in covers with broad gaskets, and looked very well. We made out 8 Line-of-Battle Ships, 1 Frigate, 1 Corvette and 4 Steamers. 2 Rear-Admirals and I think a Vice. They are red division, and their Colours, unless blowing out, enabling the white Jack with Blue diagonal cross to be seen, resembling our own Red Ensign very much. The forts flew the Russian Jack, which is still more like our own at the distance.

Returned at 10 pm and reported on proceedings to the Adm., who was over his spirits and water. He said he was very nervous when we got inside the small Island and afraid we should get on shore and they would send out gunboats and steamers. No plan apparently decided upon, except that as the Signal had been made to wash clothes in the morning, it appeared probable we should not start until after breakfast. Glad to get on board by 11 - still good daylight.

Friday, 16th June

Captain Watson sent me at 10 am with a private note to the Admiral giving him the necessary information and thinking it would cause something to be done, namely directing him to push on and send a blockading force here.

The visits of ceremony between French and English having been finished to-day, it is supposed some plan of operation will be decided upon ere long. The sailing ships should blockade Sveaborg. The others should push on to Kronstadt and see if anything can be done on the shores on either side; if only to keep our men from being stagnant, and to create an occasional panic of the Russians, it would be desirable.

June 19th

Called on Rear-Adm. Penaud at 9 pm, he having paid me a visit whilst coaling. From there to Sir C. Napier to state that, having heard Cuckoo was at Copenhagen with my Prize crews whether I might wait until her arrival? Stated before him, that as Count Nesselrode had been pelted with mud as the author of the war, some days since, if the Ships' masts were seen from the streets of St. Petersburg the moral effect would be great and they might throw brickbats. Capt. Gordon (of the Duke of Wellington) and Adm. Seymour heard me. We ought to push on.

June 25th.

The combined fleet anchored near Kronstadt

July 1st

Rushed on board, having been engaged to dine at 5, and found they were just finishing their last course - a plate of cold mutton and cold potato was given me after waiting 3 or 4 minutes, which was bolted as also some cold rice pudding, and in about half an hour the party broke up and we retired to after cabin and stern walk. Adm. Chads and Capt. Pelham (of the Blenheim] were the only strangers. The conversation was all shop and Kronstadt.

I expressed my opinion about Fireships, bombs and also sinking our Line-of-Battle Ships and effectually shutting them in both at Kronstadt and Sveaborg. I was rather snubbed, so I told them very plainly if I am ever to have brains I must have them at 39 and having my opinion I expressed it. 'Yes,' said Charley, 'but it may not be right for all that.' I agreed with him but also said it was my opinion, and I urged the Fleet's anchoring above Kronstadt to the Northward, that all the people of St. Petersburg might see it. I also told him they might anchor in 6 fms. off Systerbach which was only 12 mile from St. Petersburg and would be the spot to land Troops if ever we desired it. This induced him to go in and examine it on the Chart, with Adm. Seymour; whilst we were doing this Adml. Chads came in, and said, 'I would not allow anything to go to Northward of Kronstadt, Admiral, on any consideration.' To which I remarked with great emphasis, 'Well, my opinion is that we should take advantage of our having possession of the Gulf; and next year we should have a set of Charts, actual surveys of every nook and corner, and not trust to Russian or Danish or anyone else.'

However, the discussions were carried on with good temper, and although I feared I may have been too energetic, Charley was very kind in parting.

The Fleets sail at 8 to-morrow for Seckar and Barro Sound.

July 2nd

Minié Rifles have, I think, completely changed the nature of war, for they kill at such a distance and with so true an aim that a Company of Riflemen well covered, at 400 yards, would clear all exposed on the deck of a ship.

In second half of July Bulldog returned to Copenhagen to coal ship.

REJOINS FLEET AT LEAD SOUND - ALAND ISLANDS

August 5th

Charley Napier savage because I could bring him no certain information of the French Liners expected with the Field Artillery. Had a sharp engagement for a few minutes, when I cut and went on board to read my wife's letters, which was much more pleasant than his bullying.

Sunday, 7th August

The French Liners Tilsit and St. Louis, having on board the material, having arrived yesterday, certain arrangements were made, and altered as fast.

Yesterday we were told to proceed to Royal William and take up on Monday 1,100 French troops. This day it was altered, and 400 men from Hannibal were directed to be shipped on board us. Eventually at 10 pm I was informed by Adml. Seymour it was probable the Admiral would hoist his Flag on board and we should take no one.

The French Line-of-Battle Ships which came out yesterday went up to Bomarsund, followed by the French Adm. in his Flagship L'Inflexible. So much for the public news of the Sunday. The French Admiral it appears has gone up without mentioning his intention to do so to our Admiral - no cordiality between them.

Monday, 8th August

Having been officially informed I was to hoist the Admiral's Flag [in the Bulldog], beat up all my friends for ale, and from Algiers and John Andrews, my one messmate, got a plentiful supply.

OFF FORT BOMARSUND, ALAND ISLANDS

The construction of Fort Bomarsund was started in 1832, but only four of the planned ten towers had been completed by 1854.

August 9th

The most unpleasant appearance was the Fort of Bomarsund with its double tier of guns staring us in the face, for we were right abreast of it, and owing probably to the clear state of the atmosphere which has the effect of making objects appear closer, we certainly looked as within range - and I expected every moment to find a shot dropped alongside us. Capt. Ramsay of the Hogue also came on board, and told me I was well within range. Hewlett also came on board and told me both Admirals, with the Captain of' Fleet, were behind the opposite side of Presto. It was a curious position to be placed in, the junior Captain having the Flag flying of the Commander-in-Chief who was himself away, and might have brought on a general action, for had they opened fire I should have been compelled to draw ships in to cover me.

HMS BULLDOG DURING BOMBARDMENT OF BOMARSUND

[WKH is left hand figure holding telescope]

In August, the fortress of Bomarsund, chief stronghold of the Aland Islands, was attacked, and its fall, after a bombardment lasting for three days, was the one decisive success of the Baltic expedition. William acted as flag-captain to Napier for the occasion, and he took a prominent part in the surrender. According to family tradition on August 16, he went on shore to answer the flag of truce which was hanging from the fort, and on his own responsibility and against the advice of the French officers, he then and there demanded the unconditional surrender of the fort. This was finally acceded to, and the Russian Commandant offered his sword to William, who however declined it, and took it to Admiral Napier. The Russian officers warned him that if he tried to run along the parapet to show the British flag to our fleet, he would be shot. He waved the flag from the parapet, and the fleet knew that Bomarsund had fallen.

He wrote elsewhere that he was 'preserved from an infuriated soldiery who were enraged and inflamed by drink at the surrender of the fort. I had to elbow my way thro' the Russian troops who with bayonets fixed and loaded rifles received us with scowling looks and ground their teeth at us.' The account of the correspondent of the Illustrated London News, Mr Dalby, goes some way to suporting this family version of events [PAGE3910].

SURRENDER OF FORT BOMARSUND

Although the fall of Fort Bomarsund was received with great enthusiasm in England, its capture had little effect on the course of the war. No units of the Russian fleet were based there and its position at the mouth of the Gulf of Bothnia made it irrelevant to any future operations that the allies might undertake.

After the war the fort was never restored. Its ruins are still there today and are an important tourist attraction of the Aland Islands.

August 22nd

We started having the Esmeralda in tow, and about half way down whilst going at full speed struck under her port bilge which gave her a considerable heel, shook the old Adml. in his chair, and made him rush on deck - and speak to me about going so fast. I explained that had we been going Slower we should have stuck fast, to which he answered, had it been a rock we should have knocked a hole in her bottom.

August 24th

I have no doubt the Senior Admiral and both Generals will have a sickness and wisely determine them to hasten home the troops before the bad weather comes on. During the afternoon two more Transports came in.

For the next two months Bulldog operated in the Baltic between Aland Islands and Danzig.

No further operations were undertaken and the Government became increasing dissatisfied with Sir Charles Napier's lack of initiative, particularly his refusal to attack Sveaborg. He retired to Kiel in October and returned to England in December. He was offered a G.C.B, which we would not take.

AT DANZIG (GDANSK)

September 1st

Met Mr. Reid, formerly a Lieut. in the St. Helena Regt., now one of the correspondents of the Herald; this paper is always most severe on Sir Charles Napier. I was much amused when mentioning to Reid they were rather too sharp on the old Admiral - when he said, 'Give my love to him and tell him I will give him pepper. Won't I give him pepper.' A few days since it mentioned the Captains of the Fleet were so discontented it was little short of mutiny and this was quite true. The old Admiral is not respected by any Captain - if they are to be believed, nor does either Chads or Plumridge rank high in public opinion afloat, and I am delighted to write that Adm. Seymour is universally esteemed by all classes.

Nugent states they were dissatisfied at the dispatches, and well they may be.

September 12th

Several promotions having come out, and Hobart not being included, I asked the Admiral as a favour to forward a letter respecting him to the Admiralty. He refused and we had a small discussion. I pointed out we were Flagship and that I wanted neither his patronage nor interest, but simply to forward my letter.

September 17th

It appears from what one can gather, the Govt. sent a messenger forward with orders for his instant transmission by the first Man of War or Line or Steamer. The dispatches I believe were to order or wish something more to be done, and it appears the Cabinet Council of all Flag Officers decided that nothing could be or was to be attempted.

Orders had been received from France for their Fleet to leave on the 1st September. Evidently our Admiralty and Govt. are yielding to the pressure from without, and in the winter doubtless much will take place to spoil old Charley and Chads' appetites.

October 2nd

Heard from my mother who is now at Jersey. She states that whilst at Boulogne my dear old father was in bed very ill, when a gentleman called in and said Bomarsund had surrendered to Captain Hall. He was out of bed the following day and has been improving ever since.

AT ANCHOR NARGEN ROADS

October 17th

Anchored Nargen Roads. The Admiral was evidently much displeased with the contents of the dispatches and I made my exit as speedily as possible, to enjoy the reading of dear Loui's letter.

The bad weather here and worry of mind has made the Chief most nervous.

One of his fears is that the Fleet will be frozen in - the other that they will be half starved, both most groundless. Dined on board the St. Jean d'Acre with my good old Skipper Captain the Hon. Harry Keppel, whose welcome is ever warm.

Saturday, 21st October

At 8 am Gorgon arrived and shortly after Duke anchored in the offing - went on board her, and found the Admiral very much altered for the worse excessively nervous and completely broken. He fancies the block ships may have been dismantled and compelled to winter in the Gulf and become hard up for provisions. I should not wonder at his going home from Kiel; received my orders and left him at 1 pm meeting Pelham and Boyd. After dinner was much interested by hearing extracts from his brother's letter, and one or two remarks were forcibly impressed on my mind.

He says, I wish I could see my way into Sevastopol and also out of it, for I fear when we get in the forts on the North side and their fleet will open fire on us. He thinks they could have gone in the first day they came before it, but since then the Russians have received reinforcements and also thrown up new batteries.

AT KIEL

November 11th

A long talk to Adm. Seymour, who I can see feels quite low, and I have no doubt regrets his good nature and desire to make all things smooth should have induced him to agree with the opinion of others, against his own judgement. The poor old Admiral one cannot help pitying and being sorry for; he will have lost all his fame and prestige, opinions will be freely expressed, and we shall see whether the excessively cautious advisers around him will have the justice and generosity to share his fall, and ease the attack made upon him. I allude to Chads, Gordon, Sulivan and Biddlecombe, who, in my opinion, have ever been ready to back up his discreteness. I daresay it will have a serious effect on him, and even in this does it not enable a man to trace the retributive justice of Providence? Once Sir Robert Stopford's closing service was unnecessarily dimmed by our Chief, who blew his own trumpet, and put aside his Admiral, became the newspaper hero of the day, got home, told his own story, and talked about his being Admiral and General, etc., etc.

Now, his closing service has brought him into contempt from his bragging signals - and daily he is making enemies and losing friends.

November

Dined with Captain Mundy of Nile , meeting Pelham and Boyd. After dinner was much interested by hearing extracts from his brother's letter, and one or two remarks where forcibly impressed on my mind.

He says, 'I wish I could see my way into Sevastopol and also out of it, for I fear when we get in the forts on the N side and their fleet will open fire on us.' He thinks they could have gone in the first day they came before it, but since then the Russians have received reinforcements and also thrown up new batteries.

Monday 20th November

The telegraphic news which arrives tends to keep the mind in a great state of anxiety with respect to our gallant fellows before Sevastopol each day and report confirms the heroic, and at the same time, forlorn charge of our Cavalry before the Allied Army.

After a brief visit to Copenhagen Bulldog finally sailed from Kiel for England on the 7th December. She arrived at Tynemouth on the 18th December where William left her to rejoin his family in Weymouth. Bulldog remained on the Tyne refitting her engines until February 13th, when she sailed for Plymouth.

changed October 31, 2008